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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
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
@charles1dad   Out of curiosity, which 300b are you running these days?
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,833 posts
 
I've had a number of tube amps over the years and wanted a SET....  the 2a3 wasn't quite enough power for me ,  the 300b 's 8 watts should be plenty .   The parts spec on the ToolShed amp is high,  it will use Amorphous Core OPT  made from Hitachi FineMet ., 1% tolerance resistors,  silver foil coupling caps.    If its as good as other ToolShed owners have told me it will be , I'm not going to worry about what 300b replacements cost.    I have heard more than a few people say the new WE300b are worth every penny.   
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,833 posts
 
"If someone doesn’t like the 300b or believes that it is too expensive, okay that’s fine and understood. The OP expressed a specific interest in 300b SET amplifiers and I can completely understand this and yes encourage and support him. The premium tier 300bs are expensive and in my opinion worth it. You receive superb sound quality and impressive tube life longevity. An excellent tradeoff in my estimation."

My sentiment , exactly 
vinylvalet
898 posts
 
I enjoyed building the Elekit TU-8600S 300B Tube Amplifier Kit ($1995). As always, I added a number of my own refinements. The result was outstanding sound quality for the money compared my reference 300B monos.

The downside is only one input and no remote volume control.

https://tubedepot.com/products/elekit-tu-8600-300b-se-tube-amplifier-kit-limited-run

https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-27-elekit-tu-8600r-amplifier-kit
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
If someone doesn’t like the 300b or believes that it is too expensive, okay that’s fine and understood. The OP expressed a specific interest in 300b SET amplifiers and I can completely understand this and yes encourage and support him. The premium tier 300bs are expensive and in my opinion worth it.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thanks DAD, I needed to be straighten out.. I love Rolls-Royce thinking.

I’m just TOO CHEAP, plain and simple, knowing I’ll get there just as fast in my old pick up truck. A 100.00 flat tire is fine. A 1000.00 flat tire is not..

6V6 - KT90s have and will always serve well.. After that it’s all splash and "look at me" I got, 120, 150, 2000s(LOL) oh and 300s. It only took me 12 years. Western Electric 166a.. I had the best... No doubt..

They were special though..

Someone else has the best NOW.. I’m just fine with that. :-)

Until you hear my Cary V12r, then it's not the best anymore.. HUGE :-) 6V6-KT90s works just perfect.

Regards
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