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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
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

earthbound OP
139 posts
 

I hope so! I remember the same thing occurring when I got my first tube amp. I listen very critically at the start. It’s not even that it’s a criticism, it’s just very clear and noticeable high end. I think you’re right, the Synthesis was just lacking there and now I have it. This weekend it will be on all day so I should get a good bit of regular listening in. 👍

aricaudio's avatar
aricaudio
277 posts
 

@earthbound Posting from the white mountains before breakfast!  Hey, thanks for posting about the amp and I'm glad you're enjoying it! Regarding the highs, I would suggest giving the amp about 200 hours to fully flesh out as there will be significant breaking occuring during that time. I think you'll find it settles quite a bit during that time, and of course tube rolling will make a very substantial difference in the sonics! Thanks again for having me build you the amp! Cheers, Aric

earthbound OP
139 posts
 

Thanks for the reply Aric. I hope your enjoying the White Mountains. I’m sure it will. Like I said earlier, it’s only on some really drum bashing recordings. The amp sounds so good. It has taken my music appreciation to a level I never knew existed. I’m starting to understand the adjectives audiophiles have been referring to! Thanks for the excellent communication, patience and amp Aric. Greatly appreciated. 

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