I have both an R8 and now an R300 as well. Everything Huff said is right on the money. They each have a different presentation. I prefer the 300B sound but the R8 kicks serious enjoyment as well. Ordered from Amazon in case I needed to return it. It's not leaving this house.
It is the perfect match for my new Sonus faber Lumina II speakers. Hard to drive with 8 watts? Not in the least. The Luminas are 86db sensitivity and 4 ohms. The R300 does not break a sweat. I'm listening to Blues now at between 70 and 80 db SPL. Effortless grunt at 10 o'clock. Not a hint of clipping. Those transformers are priceless.