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
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. 

knotscott
932 posts
 

Great project.  Welcome back to the music!

elliottbnewcombjr
5,471 posts
 

Beautiful and Impressive Work, well done.

jetter
3,033 posts
 

@jaytor As others have written, beautiful work.  But even further, and I may be in the minority regarding this, but I totally appreciate a system being in an attractive and inviting room like yours.

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

I second that one, what a nice room and set up.. I LIKE IT.. The amps look really really cool. Nice work.. I can hear Joe Cocker singing "You can leave your hat on"

Happy New Year..

 

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