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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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
One of my best buddies has a Toolshed running Cornwalls in his fishing rod building A frame workshop.

He loves it. I have heard it while i watched him wrap an 11’ salmon rod - liquid, engaging with nary a sin…maybe a slight lack of drive vs. a Mac240…. but nothing keeping a smile off our faces…As others have wisely said - there are many ways to get musical bliss. Not everyone appreciates an 11’ rod, or a 300 b amp and therefore choose a different line in life..

Enjoy the journey and the music.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,836 posts
 
Thats good to hear,  I can't wait !!!    My amp is now in queue to be built, should have it by the end of the year.   Should sound great driving my Forte
hoosierinohio
162 posts
 
I believe that I am familiar with the sound you are searching for.  Once you hear a great SET amp, everything else kind of becomes, ehh..  That said, have you thought about Decware?  I have their integrated and what it does is take a EL-34, a pentode tube, and runs it as a triode.  A great EL-34 is much more affordable than a great 300b.  I have found the sound very similar to what you are looking for and you can roll tubes on the Decware.  I would also be sure that you keep your old system or gift it to someone close, so you can hear again.  Your brain is wired to that reference point and you will from time to time crave it, kind of like White Castle hamburgers. 
pauly
1,012 posts
 
Take your time and look around. If you want a 300B SET, don’t compromise. There is no amplification device that equals a SET amplifier. 300B tubes are expensive but they are very long lasting and sound great. 

I’m unfamiliar with the Zu line of speakers. Depending on how efficient they are, you could also consider 2A3 or even 45 SET. Long story short, you have many options. SET aren’t as numerous though and there are few on the used market at any particular time. Be patient and keep your eye on all the online markets.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,836 posts
 
I originally thought two Decware Zen mono.  Thought about Whammerdyne 2a3 amps , but I didn’t think 2 watts would be enough for a 99dB sens speaker.  
My last few amps were 40  watts and could drive several 88-89 dB sens speaker to fairly loud levels so 8 watts should be plenty 
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