2. amps-preamps
  3. 173491-12620

First tubes in 30 years

I had tube preamps (CJ PV4, ARC SP6B, ARC SP9) in the 80's. They usually sounded great, but I had enough problems with them (tube failures, microphonics, background hiss) that eventually I switched to all solid state.  

Over the last couple years, I've really gotten into DIY and decided it would be fun to try a tube project. I've been intrigued by the idea of a 300B SET amp, so I built a set of monoblocks. I started with the basic design (and transformers) from the ANK 300B Parallel SET C-Core Monoblocks, and added a lot of upgrades. Check out my virtual system for details.

jaytor's virtual system page

I have to say, I'm really enjoying the sound. They are still in the early stages of breakin, with new WE 300Bs installed a week ago, but they are making a lot of music sound better than with any of my other amps (mostly Pass XA60.8s recently).

I'm planning to build a tube preamp as one of my next projects.

128x128jaytor
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 

Supercool ! Nice work. 

happy listening

Jim

mozartfan
2,143 posts
 

Incredible beautiful build, Now ck out my Dual DavidLouis Full Range to go with this amp,. SETs are best for jazz, blues, light chamber,, not for full sym orch

now DHT PP , yes full sym.  single triode not for orch. 

sns
3,262 posts
 

Cool, I also have custom build 300B monoblocks, dual diy project with guy with access to great enclosures and his hand wound transformers. Love the diy aspect of this hobby, I'll be starting diy music server in January. I can see your having fun!

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 

Very Cool👍

jaytor's avatar
jaytor OP
765 posts
 

Thanks folks. Yes, I'm really enjoying the DIY aspects of this hobby. It's very rewarding to build something yourself and have it make great music. 

These amps really seem to be delivering the goods. They are a good match for the kind of music I like to listen to - mostly jazz, folk, alternative, and electronica, but primarily with vocals. My servo open-baffle subs provide a great foundation, so I'm really only using these for around 70Hz and up and they do a fabulous job here. 

I've been thinking about building a DAC, but I'm not convinced I'd be able to match, let alone exceed, the sound quality from my Terminator Plus. So I think I will probably do a tube preamp first. 

@sns - good luck with your music server. 

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