Ordered a Willsenton R300

@whitestix 

Congratulations!!!

You have been introduced to the unique and beautiful natural sound of the iconic 300b tube as well as SET simple and pure sounding circuits.The more efficient the speakers, the better the results.

Charles

Thanks for the encouragement, Charles.  One potential limitation is the modest output of the amp.  I can almost turn it WFO with my Gallo Stradas which are 87 db sensititive and I could possibly bear it a bit louder (briefly), but still pretty much wide open, the speakers do not distort.  My Spatial M4 Triode Masters will be an easier load to drive.  One other thing.  The amp runs really hot so one needs plenty of space around the amp to allow it to dissipate the heat. 

Yes, the Spatial audio speakers should be a better match and exploit what your Willsenton R300 is capable of providing sonically.

Charles

Gents,

I have had the amp running for most of a week, now powering my Spatial M4 Triode Masters.  I had a musician pal come by last weekend to listen to some music. He knows my system very well and noticed the difference right away with the new amp controlled by my Sachs preamp.   The music seems so alive and realistic that I listen for hours, just palpably real.  Driving the Spatials as loud as I could tolerate, there was nary a hint of distortion or breakup.  If the amp doesn't capture the top of the top end, it is not a bother as my ears don't hear much above 9 kHZ.  The mid-range is just sublime, warm and seductive.  Reliability aside for the moment, I will go out on a limb and say that this amp is very near the top of my list of reasonably-priced audio gear that delivers on its promises (at the top of the list is my Oppo 103D).  This amp needs the proper speakers to perform its best... as Charles said above, "The more efficient the speakers, the better the results."  As with the 6SN7's, there is real magic in 300b tubes.   Heck, there is magic in all tubes!  If the Class D designers can reproduce this sort of sound, then they are really on to something.  My VTV Audio amp with the Purifi module, while very good, sounds nothing like this Willsenton amp.  

The music seems so alive and realistic that I listen for hours, just palpably real.

This comment particularly stands out because this was my immediate reaction to placing a 300b SET into my system the very first time. The sound quality and presentation was more tactile, authentic and certainly more engaement emotionally.

This was over 13 years ago and it has remained this way. So, I can completely relate to your newfound joy with the Willsenton R300.It will be difficult for you to bring listening sessions to an end. You just want to listen, and then listen more. I’m happy for your discovery.

Charles