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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
earthbound OP
139 posts
 

Awesome. Thanks Aric. 

aricaudio's avatar
aricaudio
277 posts
 

Not a problem! You'll have to let us know how they sound ;-)

 

earthbound OP
139 posts
 

They sound remarkably good. Here is my very pedestrian initial review of them. I only have Gold Lion 300b’s to compare to, so take this for what it is, a very inexperienced review. 
They vocals are remarkable. The Wood Brothers, Ways Not To Lose, is a great album to hear the vocal change. The GL’s are a bit grainier and the WE’s just really make his voice shine, very smooth. Also, the vocals are a bit more natural sounding with the WE’s. Overall the clarity is really stunning. The high end is crystal clear with no brightness. 
The bass is tighter with the WE’s. Here is where the Gold Lions may have an edge. I feel the GL’s have more bass. It a bit deeper and more pronounced. Could this be a result of the WE’s stronger, more forward mid range? Either way, perhaps the GL’s have a bit more balance that I like. Now does this mean I would choose the GL’s over the WE, no. The WE’s are so good at what they do. 
please take into to consideration, the GL’s have about 40 hours on them and the WE’s 10 hours. I’m sure things will change a bit. I was surprised how smooth the WE’s are right at start up. The GL’s definitely take a few minutes to reach their peak. 
I will definitely enjoy the GL’s on my rock and metal days and the WE’s for everything else. I really enjoy both tubes for different reasons. I will be ordering 2 more WE’s in the future though. 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@earthbound

Thanks for posting your very early listening impressions of the Western Electric 300b. They are going to only improve from this initial stage. The Gold Lions are solid and credible tubes in their own right. I believe as playing time/usage extends, the distinctions between them become more notable. Anyway that’s been my consistent outcome with the upper tier 300b tubes. Admittedly I have specifically not heard these current production Western Electric tubes.

Charles

earthbound OP
139 posts
 

I wish I could better describe the WE’s. They have the “it” factor. Their realism leaves me with a strange feeling. Almost awe in a way on well recorded material. On the Wood Brothers album, it seems as if you are in the recording room with them. All the drum stick taps, thumb plucks, inhalations, lip licking is there to hear. The Gold Lions sound like good music all around. There is certainly a level or 2 between them. Perhaps it’s the tone that really separates the WE’s. Not sure. Just love em!

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