Toolshed Amps 300b Stereo Amp

I don't mean to be pissing on your sense of Nirvana, but reality is that there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to 300B amp circuit design and darned little new under the sun with implementation. I doubt that Matt and Ben have the means to wind their own trannies. All other parts have to be purchased from known suppliers too. The beautiful casework may lend great pride in ownership (though it is not to my taste-too Brooklyn Bohemian vibe for me) but it can not make the amp sound better. Yes, a well-designed 300B SET directly heated triode amp will have the attributes you describe and I applaud you for choosing them-I would too. But again, when I see a new amp from a small company with lots of shiny chrome and by virtue of small company/capitalization size no innovation (not that any is really available) I have to say, "OK, glad you like it". I am no hypocrite-I bought an Ampsandsound Nautilus a year ago that is not dissimilar though not 300B based. But I bought it with eyes wide open that the circuit design was ancient. The guy behind the amp, Justin Webber, makes no bones about it. It (the Nautilus) is all about being so basic and so well built that it will last for generations. 

Perhaps it’s me, I never got the impression that @oddiofyl wss suggesting that his new SET amplifier was a new innovative take on anything. Rather a very well built and implemented 300b SET. I’d venture that no “new “ take or approach is even necessary.
 

These ultra simple but time proven circuits are fantastic to listen to. Maybe it’s my inference, but I thought that is all he was implying and sharing. One hell of a good sounding amplifier. Horses for courses I imagine.

Charles

Charles, I do use the EquiTech for most components but I actually plugged the amp straight into the wall

The Zesto gain is 12dB, it seems perfect with this amp.   George at Zesto recommends setting the internal gain to 3 if the volume control is too sensitive 

With my other amps it was but I held off on changing it until I got the 300b the 12 dB gain is perfect 

The 300b's input sensitivity is higher so now the volume isn't as sensitive and it has a broad range of control.   It's actually perfect now.   My DAC puts out a fixed 2.5 volts ,  so at some point I  may try connecting it directly to Source 2 and use the gain as volume.  Something tells me I'll prefer the preamp in place but I want to try it.   

Fsonic,  this amp is loaded with premium parts. THAT'S why it sounds so good.  I was in the biz for a while and I know how mfg cut corners spec' ing cheap caps and resistors til they whittle down the build of materials . Not the case with a Toolshed Amp.  Inside you will find Dale Vishay, Mundorf, Clarity Cap , Jupiter Cap, Khozmo....  among others.   No corners cut here.   

My DAC puts out a fixed 2.5 volts ,  so at some point I  may try connecting it directly to Source 2 and use the gain as volume.  Something tells me I'll prefer the preamp in place but I want to try it.   
 

Yep, I’d also compare the DAC direct versus active preamplifier. I’m inclined to believe that the Zesto will be hard to beat.😊 You’ve put together a quite lovely audio system.

Charles

Thanks Charles !    Due to Covid , two years of doing nothing allowed me buy a few nice toys.  Also ,  I'm very fortunate that my company pays for my car, insurance, gas , repairs , and phone.   It allows me to have a little play money.....