300b lovers


I have been an owner of Don Sachs gear since he began, and he modified all my HK Citation gear before he came out with his own creations.  I bought a Willsenton 300b integrated amp and was smitten with the sound of it, inexpensive as it is.  Don told me that he was designing a 300b amp with the legendary Lynn Olson and lo and behold, I got one of his early pair of pre-production mono-blocks recently, driving Spatial Audio M5 Triode Masters.  

Now with a week on the amp, I am eager to say that these 300b amps are simply sensational, creating a sound that brings the musicians right into my listening room with a palpable presence.  They create the most open vidid presentation to the music -- they are neither warm nor cool, just uncannily true to the source of the music.  They replace his excellent Kootai KT88 which I was dubious about being bettered by anything, but these amps are just outstanding.  Don is nearing production of a successor to his highly regard DS2 preamp, which also will have a  unique circuitry to mate with his 300b monos via XLR connections.  Don explained the sonic benefits of this design and it went over my head, but clearly these designs are well though out.. my ears confirm it. 

I have been an audiophile for nearly 50 years having had a boatload of electronics during that time, but I personally have never heard such a realistic presentation to my music as I am hearing with these 300b monos in my system.  300b tubes lend themselves to realistic music reproduction as my Willsenton 300b integrated amps informed me, but Don's 300b amps are in a entirely different realm.  Of course, 300b amps favor efficient speakers so carefully component matching is paramount.

Don is working out a business arrangement to have his electronics built by an American audio firm so they will soon be more widely available to the public.  Don will be attending the Seattle Audio Show in June in the Spatial Audio room where the speakers will be driven by his 300b monos and his preamp, with digital conversion with the outstanding Lampizator Pacific tube DAC.  I will be there to hear what I expect to be an outstanding sonic presentation.  

To allay any questions about the cost of Don's 300b mono, I do not have an answer. 

 

 

whitestix

Counting down the days on Don and Lynn 300b debut 😁

I currently do my listening after 8 PM for a few hours and typically my listening sessions never exceed 75 db and I don't feel like I'm missing anything; excellent imaging, sound staging, low level detail, clarity and tight tuneful bass based upon the type of music I typically listen to.

Wig😎

Don Sachs Kootenay KT88 Tube Amp

Radu Tarta 4P1L Transformer Coupled DHT Tube Pre-Amp

Merason Dac 1

ProJect  CD Box RS2 Transport

Liberty Audio X-VOX (PBN) Loudspeakers

Wig,

Dandy system you have, for sure.  You have nominal 4 ohm speakers and if the Kootenai drives them to your satisfaction, then the 300b Statement monos will drive them as well, with an astonishing clarity that will be simply stunning.  Cheers.  

@ whitesix

I know it would be for sure but it'll have to be a dream for now but one day...My Kootenay is maxed out and had hoped for some upgrades but not much to do other than another brand of boutique capacitors.

Wig👍

Understood.  The Kootenai is a fantastic amp, as I know having one.  Let your pocketbook be your guide, but to be honest, Don and Lynn's 300b monos are in a whole different realm of musical excellence.  Maybe you can come hear them at the Seattle Audio show?  

@wig 

I currently do my listening after 8 PM for a few hours and typically my listening sessions never exceed 75 db and I don't feel like I'm missing anything; excellent imaging, sound staging, low level detail, clarity and tight tuneful bass based upon the type of music I typically listen to

Yep! As we all can acknowledge this is purely an individual choice. My listening levels align with you, Don and Thom. @whitestix prefers a higher volume and I understand. Whatever results in more listening enjoyment, go for it.

Charles