2. amps-preamps
  3. 189089-180482

Leben CS300XS Tube Rolling

Of course there are older threads, here and elsewhere, that cover the subject. But I’m looking for fresh takes from new users (and given how quickly used units move, I’m guessing there are a few of us around) as well as feedback from seasoned experimenters (maybe even some dating back to those mind numbingly long threads of 10+ years ago).

Some say the Leben CS300XS is responsive to different tubes, both EL84 and 12ax7. Others say only the signal tubes noticeably impact the sound. Given that versions of the amp have been around for ~20 years, this seems like something that should be already settled, but here I am…

New production or NOS and no hard budget, I’m open to trying anything anyone else enjoyed. What am I trying to achieve? Occasionally, I hear some random graininess and/or hardness at higher volumes (could this be tube related? I don’t know). Beyond that, I’m really looking for anything that brings more of the Leben’s great qualities forward (like when I added A23 cables to the mix, *everything* improved).

Speakers are Klipsch Forte IV and sole source at the moment is a Chord Qutest DAC. Thanks in advance for any advice/help you care to share.

oceanandmountains
djspinner's avatar
djspinner
60 posts
 

I had previously heard some intermittent noise from the Gold Lioins - almost a grinding sound - coming out of just one channel.  I switched the tube positions and the sound switched channels.  So clearly had one bad tube.  When I changed them all out, that noise was gone. 

At normal listening volume - with the music paused - I currently hear no noise/hiss. If I cranked the volume knob up well past where I would ever do so with music coming through - I can hear some faint buzz.  That's fairly normal for tube gear though.  Brent Jesse has some good reading on the subject:

https://www.audiotubes.com/tubetap.htm

perkri
907 posts
 

Not too long ago, I bought some new EL84’s for my DIY SE amp. 
 

The previous tubes were not very good - JJ’s

 

The new tubes simply changed everything about the sonic presentation.

 

They were The Tube Stores house brand.

 

Not very expensive, and sound amazing

 

 

oceanandmountains OP
33 posts
 

@djspinner Yeah I seem to be on Brent's page (though I'd prefer @bjesien silence)...

Leben #2 performs identically to Leben #1 in this regard: ear at tweeter has low level noise once the operation light comes on and it remains the same no matter the volume. Two different units, two different sets of tubes, same speakers. Hardly a deal breaker (the noise is inaudible during playback or without music at listening position), but...hmmm. . 

On a positive note: I can strongly recommend Auditorium 23 cables between the Klipsch and Leben and sources. The impact has been so across the board awesome, they really seem essential for maximizing *this* system's synergy. And no, wouldn't have believed this was possible beforehand.

 

bjesien
1,308 posts
 

Ear at tweeter zero noise...however I'm 50 years old. 45 could have been another story!

 

oceanandmountains OP
33 posts
 

Lol. Because the music still sounds great, think I'll just take a wabi-sabi view on this one and direct my neuroses elsewhere (e.g., grills on or off? NOS or new? MM vs MC, etc).

More to discover