New Coincident Frankenstein 300B Stereo Version

@brownsfan @charles1dad

And everyone else. Thanks for taking the time to respond and offer your valuable thoughts.

I was worried about 92.5db/8ohm efficiency of the SVIIIs. I do listen around 70-80 db volume levels but once in a while like to crank her up!

I am very much intrigued about the Franks, specially the stereo version.

If Israel would have allowed me to try it out, maybe I would be bought it (he lives in the same city as me). But looks like that is not possible according to him.

I am intrigued but do not want to buy the amp without hearing as if it doesn’t work out, ill be stuck with it.

It’s really a shame, if there was a chance to audition or try it out in my system I would have bought it.

Thanks again everyone for sharing your thoughts.

To think of it this way, if I do change my speakers in the future, the Pass XA30.8 can still drive any reasonable efficient speakers. The Franks won’t.

To think of it this way, if I do change my speakers in the future, the Pass XA30.8 can still drive any reasonable efficient speakers. The Franks won’t.

True. The Pass XA 30.8 clearly has more universal application with a larger pool of speakers. To bad Israel can not arrange an in home audition for you given that you are local to him (And own his speakers).

I understand not wanting to buy an amplifier that may not suit your needs. Alas, the way it goes sometimes. The Frankenstein is truly one of the  most open, transparent and pure sounding amplifiers I've ever heard and I've heard many.

Charles

@sim_audio_nerd I think you are wise in exercising caution here.  I've been a customer of Coincident for over a decade now, and still own two pair of Coincident Speakers, the CSL, and the Frankenstein Monoblocks.   Obviously, I have a deep appreciation for Israel Blume's design and execution talents.  I would also offer an opinion that his stuff is quite reasonably priced.  You get a lot for your money.

I think the value proposition probably necessitates some constraints on business practices.  I think it is fair to say that he is a superb designer and a hard nosed business man.   It's kind of a here it is, take it or leave it approach.  Top tier customer service has a cost that someone must pay.

The stereo Frankenstein looks like another superb value, and I suspect it will sell like hotcakes at that price.   The reality is that there are going to be some serious compromises associated with this single chassis design.  In the past, Israel has explained how important, and how difficult in execution, use of the 6EM7 driver is.  Going to the 6SL7 is not just a simple tube switch.   My guess is that the performance of this stereo version will be closer to his 300B Dynamo than it is to his Frankenstein monos. Just a guess.

Also relevant here is that in times past, Israel himself conceded that a 300B amp may not be the best choice for the Super Victory, depending upon the things we have already discussed--music, room, listening levels, etc.   On the other hand, he has done shows where he has used the Franks to drive the SVIIs, so it's not like one can't make this work.  It is just not optimal, and I suspect the stereo version will be another step down from "not optimal."

You don't say in your original post what your current system lacks that you would seek to improve.  The obvious inference is introducing some SET magic.  I think we all get that, and it is important to note that my  system is working so well for me because I am using an SET preamp.  You might give some thoughts around that option if you are locked in on using the SVIIIs and if you can live with the limited functionality of the CSL.   Just my opinion, but I think the 101D based CSL  is Israel Blume's finest piece when used with the superb Psvane WE replica 101D tubes.

I have some other thoughts that are tangential to this post.  If you want to discuss further, PM me. 

@brownsfan 

Just my opinion, but I think the 101D based CSL  is Israel Blume's finest piece when used with the superb Psvane WE replica 101D tubes.

Has been my assessment for a long time. Simply a stunningly good Line stage and no concerns with regard to power output needs as arises with the superb sibling Frankenstein SET.

Bill, excellent comments in total.  I hope that @sim_audio_nerd reaches out to you.

Charles

@charles1dad Thanks for your kind words, my friend.  The CSL can be a superb foundation for anyone not needing a full function preamp.  Stunningly good is the right descriptor.  I'm still toying with getting the latest update.