2. amps-preamps
  3. 180932-178422

Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET

Hey guys. I just wanted to share my initial impressions regarding Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET I just plugged in. Posting here because of the numerous discussions regarding Aric’s equipment I read that convinced me to take a chance on a small company’s, handmade amp. 
I’m coming from 25 years of solid state and very recently a Synthesis el34 50 watt push pull amp. The Synthesis sounds great and I didn’t buy the new amp because I was displeased in any way. I’d purchased it while waiting for some Decware gear, which after 7 months couldn’t do anymore. I wanted a handmade, point to point amp, so I researched around and came across Aric Audio here. Gave him a call, discussed what I was looking for and Aric gave his recommendations. I was a bit nervous when he suggested the 300b. I’d never heard them before and those tubes are pricey! Many good reviews later, I decided, F*ck it! I’m in. Placed the order and added some upgrades. 
After 4 or 5 weeks, got the call and picked up the amp. It sat for a day and I plugged it in today. I stream through a Cambridge cxn v2 and Topping d90le dac. Speakers are Audio Note-e/lx, AN Lexus speaker wire, Black Dragon interconnect and xlr’s. 
Listening was really surprising. I’m amazed how different the sound is from the Synthesis with el34’s. The sound is much more powerful. You feel it more. The vocals are a bit more forward. Staging is far better. Probably the weirdest is the blackness. Just so quite and yet I hear so much more. Texture to instruments, if that’s a proper way to explain it. I’m new to this world so proper words escape me. Fullness, sharp instrument strikes and naturalness come to mind. The clarity of the music is striking. I almost feel like I’m hearing things I shouldn’t in the music, like feet tapping and inhalations for example. Very cool. 😀

I look forward to hearing how the amp improves. I do hope the cymbals settle just a bit. They don’t glare and aren’t bright, just very clear and more prominent compared to previous amp/tubes. I’m sure my brain and ears need an adjustment period as well. Each equipment change I do freaks me out! I look forward to sharing developments and hope to hear your comments. 

earthbound
earthbound OP
133 posts
 

Thank you. I definitely want another set of tubes. It would be interesting to hear the sound change but also comforting having a back up set in case of failure. Don’t want to be without music for too long! Reading about the WE’s and Sophia Electrics now. 

pinwa
287 posts
 

Congrats on your amp.  I have an Aric Audio Super 300B SET which has been a revelation.  It has been a little easier to do some tube rolling since there are only two 300B tubes.  In increasing order of preference are JJ 300Bs tied with TJ Full Music Mesh, EML XLS, Kron Balloon, and in first place the WE 300Bs.  The tubes make a big difference that you can clearly hear with the Aric.  There is no brightness that I hear in the amp although the tubes all handle highs and lows slightly differently.  My tastes emphasize dynamics, bass, soundstage, and a dense rich tonality.

antigrunge2
1,418 posts
 

I suggest you add EAT (bold, very fleshed out) and Takatsuki (refined, deep soundstage) to your list. You‘ll probably find the Sophias not at the same level as the above.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@earthbound

I have owned my 300b SET mono blocks for over 13 years. I can say that with all sincerity I appreciate them more than ever. There are multitudes of good choices with regard to tube amplifiers. 300b is certainly one of the top options in my opinion. The only drawback with them is the premium tier choices are expensive.

I believe it is impossible to declare one brand/model the best tube. There’s simply too many variables involved. Some are going to sound better in certain specific amplifiers for a host of different reasons. I’ve owned Elrog, Takatsuki and currently using EML XLS. I can without hesitation, recommend any of these three easily.

I have used previous generation Western Electric but not the current production 300b . By all accounts it is superb. I have no reason at all to doubt that assessment. I strongly advocate the expenditure for the high quality/upper tier 300b tubes for those who have good quality amplifiers. This certainly includes you and your situation.

Owning a PSET of course means  you’ll need 2 pairs, for sure not cheap! Worth it? Yes. You will be rewarded with excellent sound quality/performance and extracting the best from your amplifier. Another positive factor is these high level tubes tend to have long life spans. If you ultimately decide to choose the Western Electric 300b terrific! I do not believe you will have any regrets in hindsight.

Aric built you a wonderful custom PSET 300b amplifier. Enjoy it to the fullest extent.

Charles

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Your review of Aric sounds a lot like how I describe my Decware.   You lasted 7 months longer than I would have on the waitlist.  I'm not good at waiting.  Bought mine on the secondary market.  I'd love to hear your amp.  

Great review. Very glad you are enjoying it so much.

I'd say likely the highs with this amp are accurate and perhaps  your old amp was lacking and your ears/brain will quickly get used to it.

Jerry

More to discover