Had my first hiccup tube amp experience this week. Had a bit of static with slight pops creep in during startup, which diminished but didn’t disappear during play. Changed 4 of 6;tubes during the week and no change. Replaced the last 2, Sylvania chrome tops, this morning and bingo, dead quiet again. So psyched. New to this so not used to sound change or problems with tubes. Now I know a sick tube symptom!
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.
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@earthbound Are those the 6V6GTs? Let me know and I'll get another pair en route to you, they should've lasted much longer than that. I usually see these tubes last at least a couple of years in this amp.
Best regards, Aric |
Thanks Aric and thanks for your patience with a newbie! I will give them a clean up like you suggested and try them again. If the static continues I’ll let you know and we can swap them out. I am going to purchase a few new pairs of various tubes as backups. I will reach out Monday and see what you think as far as what else to try. Enjoy Sunday and thanks so much for being so supportive. |
- 82 posts total