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300b INTEGRATED AMP Suggestions

This will be my first post here but I have enjoyed advice from this site for quite some time.  

After living for many years with the Rogue Cronus Magnum I am interested in downsizing a bit to a smaller, more finessed system built around a 300B integrated amp.  I am intrigued by what I have read about SET amps and given my small room and musical preferences I think this could be a fun switch.  I have been looking at the Cary CAD-300sei amp and am leaning that direction but wanted to put this out there to see what comes back before I jump.  (I like the reviews and the positivity around Line Magnetic as well, however I'd like to stay away from the 845 tubes for heat reasons)  My musical preference is generally around folk, singer/songwriter, jazz etc but not limited to.  My budget is around 5k new or used.

I know speakers are a huge part of this equation as well.  I currently have some KEF r5 speakers that I would likely be looking to replace with something from Zu's line depending on where I end up with an amp decision. 

I'd love to get any recommendations.
dholmes189
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
"I will never stray from SET"
So well put @isochronism. That’s exactly where I find myself after 12 beautiful years of owning my 300b SET. @jond I bet that combo you heard was "really excellent ".

Given the direction @dholmes189 is headed he has the opportunity to assemble a truly superb sounding audio system. As long as he resists the (potential) temptation to sacrifice true quality to save a few dollars 😊.
Charles
facten
2,878 posts
 
https://www.monoandstereo.com/2016/11/line-magnetic-audio-210ia-integrated.html

LM’s doesn’t show the above integrated amp in their present lineup though, see below.  Google does show it available ebay and aliexpress, don't know if they are grey market or not

https://www.line-magnetic.eu/en/products-line-magnetic-en/integrated-tube-amplifier-line-magnetic-en
jond's avatar
jond
5,807 posts
 
@isochronism I like how you think about audio let's never ever talk politics again. ;) @charles1dad It was really magical at Deja Vu Audio a new speaker they had just finished a full range 12" Fostex driver mated to a vintage horn tweeter. It made Somethin' Else sound like something else! I came home played that album and almost cried with dismay, there's just something about SET's and horns!
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
J.S Bach on his deathbed said: Don't cry for me as I'm going to where music  come's from" My opinion is SET get's you close without dying. 😊👍 jond, I do appreciate. We are here in this life to learn, unless we give consideration to both opposites, that will not occur.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Made "Something else sound like something else" good form jond! 👍
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