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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
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
“ J.S Bach on his deathbed said: Don’t cry for me as I’m going to where music come’s from"

Closely followed by :
’ where’s my bloody vesper martini and a line you lazy b*****d “
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@dholmes189, 
There is a talented American builder Aric Audio who could build you a terrific 300b SET integrated amplifier.   You have the flexibility to choose and upgrade output transformers and other specific parts.
Charles 
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,949 posts
 
I'm having a ToolShed 300b built now....
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Not a ONE.. 

After 116As in the 90s I gave up the ghost..

Great 300 valves are starting to have NUTSO prices.. WE at 500.00 a pair (90s) was thought to be NUTS. 1500 - 2000.00 for 80% original 300s.

NO, plain and simple NO... Way to many other valves that sound better at 1/10th the price. They were never meant for music, they were meant for voice transmission over long distances and extreme longevity..

If your really stuck on 300s look at Cary for the money.. They sound good at least.. Almost as good as modified WE 116a

Regards
rwanda
67 posts
 
I agree...300b have gone thru the roof in price and quality. There are other tubes out there that are also great and sound amazing.
I was on the 300b merry go round for over a decade....then I switched to an integrated 2a3...never looked back.
Also the Almarro 318b is a great set with a bit more oomph!
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