My understanding (I have no firsthand experience with Audion) is that they have a flatter frequency response than a lot of 300B amps and in general sound a bit more analytic rather than lush. This is from a customer who had a pair of their mono-blocks paired with Avantgardes.
He had used several different 300Bs including the TJ Fullmusic, Emission Labs and PSVane/Acme. He said the PSVanes were by far the best as they were the least analytic sounding. I think he said he had the WEs from them and they take a solid 150 hours to break in. I believe he was using Amperex Bugle Boys with the PSVanes.
Ultimately, even with the Acme’s he was unable to achieve the sound profile he wanted and switched to an Art Audio PX-25 as this was warmer and lusher than the Audion. The PX-25 is normally less lush than a 300B giving you some perspective on how analytic the Audions can be. Not saying at all that you should switch amps, just relaying the experience my customer had.
One other note. The Chord 2Qute can’t be helping. Chord definitely has a colder, more analytic sound profile. If you swapped in a warmer DAC, that could help. Maybe a Lampizator or Border Patrol?
Full Disclosure - I sell Emission Labs and KR Tubes. Can’t recommend them for you. Find the right PS Vanes as that will get you closer to the sound you are looking for. I also sell Chord and a very familiar with their sound.
