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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
 
@oldhevmec, 
You're just fine and we all are recounting our unique and specific experiences and perspective. I understand where you are coming from.  I've had numerous types of tube amplifiers that I owned or had extensive exposure to.  For me the 300b SET experience has been the most emotionally and musically fulfilling that's all.
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
"I am excited to join the club"

@dholmes189 welcome aboard and very happy to have you😊.
You are approaching this the right way. Take  your time, investigate and gain knowledge. Your budget will get you an exceptionally good sounding 300b SET.
Charles
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You're just fine and we all are recounting our unique and specific experiences.

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

Western Electric 116a are special. Would I go back? Only if I could lift them. Over 100 lbs each, One of the few amps that really made Strathearn ribbons sound like nothing on earth. 

I sold the ribbons (financial issue at the time) and the 116a followed.
I had a son that spent 6 years on and off at Children's Hospital.. I almost sold the WIFE instead. LOL Felt like John Belushi in the Blues Brothers.. "How much for the girl'? How about you keep the boy and buy me lunch..

HE just got his second degree.. A lot smarter than his Dad that's for sure.. AND will never have to work like I did (my prayer were answered)

Sad, it would cost 50k  for ME to get that sound back, about 10k for the Strathearns, 35-40 k for the WEs. They were my Dads.  A present to himself after Korea. Military WE 116a.. I think he paid 600.00 at the "on base" surplus..

I sold them for over 15k and 4k for the Strathearns.. I paid  ALL the medical bills (1991) off.  The boy came home no worse for wear..

I dug out my Macs.. Never looked back..

Regards
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@oldhvymec ,
Thanks for sharing that story. You have every reason to be as proud of your son as you are. Major medical situations regrettably  don't always end well. 
Charles 

jond's avatar
jond
5,869 posts
 
@oldhvymec I am glad to hear your son got over his medical troubles and is excelling! And trust me I know what you mean about that WE gear the prices are just staggering!


@oddiofyl I was looking around the Toolshed website recently that’s excellent gear I would love a full report when that amp arrives and of course pics on your system page.


@dholmes189 as my friend Charles said you are doing the right thing, researching, gathering suggestions and you are going to find the right 300B amp I am sure. Remember to enjoy the hunt as well as your amp when you finally decide!


And for all you SET guys I should say right now I’m listening to Claude Hopkins "Lowdown" on a 2a3 amp, but a pushpull 2a3 amp. It sounds fantastic and there are many ways to skin a cat in audio. If you need more power parallel SETs and well designed pushpull amps can also sound great.
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