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Which one to choose between two 80K$ tube amps?

There are two interesting 80K$ tube amps on sale at Audiogon.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9jhj0-david-berning-co-211-845-otl-tube

The first one is David Berning OTL design with output of 60 Watts.

it looks beautiful. But I had never used OTL amp yet.

I am curious how it sounds with high efficiency speaker.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa27ii-jadis-ja800-flagship-tube-amplifier-six-chassis-best-ever-made-nos-new-old-stock-tube

The second one is Jadis JA800 with 6 pieces and 400watts.

I had used JA500  (only 4 pieces with 350 Watts) from 2000 to 2002 to drive B&W Notilus 801 with utmost authority and unbelievable slam.

It was kind of lifetime experience to own this beautiful and overbearing monster.

But I could not use it during summer time in modest size room.

Thus I let it go and got Silbatone 300B SET amp to drive efficient full range speaker.

350 Watt to 8 Watt

If you have money or hit the Jackpot, which one will you go for?




128x128shkong78
shkong78's avatar
shkong78 OP
1,485 posts
 
@fleschler 

$38K speakers, $15K amp, $15K pre-amp $7K phono/trans $15K analog, $5K DAC, $5K cabling, $5K tweaks

It sounds like a reasonable plan.

Thomas
mglik
911 posts
 
shkong,
I did not know about the Silbatone costing $100,000!Something I don’t understand is with an amp like that, how can you possible settle for a Line Magnetic? Only because it has more headroom? Don’t you gravely miss the glorious sound of the Silbatone? Believe the LM is 845 based. I am a die hard 300B guy and tried an 845 in a Viva Solista once and sold it right away. It seems an 845 may have more headroom but lacks the wonderful musicality of a great 300B amp. And, G-d forbid, a SS “sand amp”.
Actually, that is another Forum question!
You mentioned a WE speaker system. Seems the financial is not a significant issue, so hunt for one and go for it! And enjoy the Silbatone. Seems there is no other amp like it. I understand that the 300B is the only tube that was specifically developed for voice/music.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78 OP
1,485 posts
 
@ mglik


There are three factors to choose LM 508 over Silbatone which I keep it under storage.

My listening space has high vault and open to the second floor, thus 8 watts Silbatone has not enough headroom.

The second one is to save Nos WE 300b made in 40's which I already had run more than 10k hours.


The third factor is Line Magnetic 508 is quite good after tube rolling almost approaching 85% of Silbaton in transparency and details.


But i am looking for ways to get Silbtone used with more efficient speaker.


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

shkong,

That’s quite a compliment you bestowed on the Line Magnetic 508ia. It has a well executed circuit and using 300b to drive the 805 output is a smart choice.. I believe this is an underrated amplifier with excellent performance/cost value.

Charles


shkong78's avatar
shkong78 OP
1,485 posts
 
Charles

Line Magnetic 508 or 805 is quite good with more headroom than most SET.

It also has better control of bass than 100 Watts Rogue Cronus Magnum II fitted with KT120 tubes.

Since ii use, 805, 300b, 6sn7 and 6sl7, it is a dream machine for tube rolling.

If you have Line Magnetic dealer around you, you may ask for home audition of LM805.

Thomas
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