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

I did a Thelonius Monk Essentials from Apple Music and also Monk and Sonny Rollins. Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely check out Monks Dream. I love having access to just about everything through streaming. So much great music out there. 

@earthbound

Nice!

Monk’s recorded a lot with two drummers during the early 1960s. Frankie Dunlop and /or Ben Riley. Both are really fine with him. If really familiar with his music, you can appreciate the different drumming styles:approaches they present. Both are really in sync with his music.

Charles

Congratulations.

You're only here once,  and if one has the means, then it's deserved.

Enjoy it. No doubt you're hearing into those Jazz recordings the way they should be heard.

"Even cleaned up some rough Nina Simone recordings I have that were unlistenable at decent volume before."

No doubt vocals must sound great. Happy listening.

Congrats on amps. In researching 300B amps over the years, I consider Aric in top tier.

 

Yes, 300B amps properly executed are one of best for tonality, harmonic development, no rolled off highs, one note bass. I"m also fan of point to point wiring, both my 845 and 300B amps, linestage and phono pre all point to point. Minimal parts count and point to point construction provide for sound qualities I prefer over other designs. Allied to sympathetic loudspeakers, the level of transparency, resolution and immediacy can make it seem as if performers are in room,

 

I agree with above posts in recommending top tier 300B tubes, WE, Takatsuki, Elrod, EML, Psvane Acme, Linlai Elite will all extract max potential from 300B amps.

Thanks guys. I will pay attention to the drummers for sure. 
As far as vocals go, thanks for the reminder tablejockey. I remembered Johnny Hartman needed to be put on. Smooth as silk. Lol

Thanks for the tube options sns. Need to order some during the Thanksgiving break for sure. I’d kind of settled on the WE’s, but see there are quite a few nice options out there. The Gold Lions in there now are my only reference. They do sound great.