6C33-B vs everything else.

I actually have spent a bit of time listening to Meadowlark Kestrel HotRods being driven by a 300B Cary 300SEI integrated SET amp about 5 years ago. The sound was very warm, smooth, and engaging. A bit soft on the top and bottom ends, but I later realized that had more to do with the Cary than the HR's when I had a 300SEI at my house for a few weeks.

So, I don't doubt that you can get great performance from Meadowlarks and 300B's.

It's not clear whether you are hoping to find a 300B PP amp putting out 20-40 watts per channel or 20-40 watts total(10-20 per channel). 20-40wpc is nearly impossible with a standard 300B being kept within it's most linear range of operation. Most amp designers like to keep the 300B somewhere between 6-8wpc single-ended, 10 wpc is really pushing that tube to it's max cleanly. PP results are simply twice that amount. So, a really good PP amp that is staying in the sweet spot distortion-wise, will most likely yield 12-20 wpc at most. I know Cary and some other manufaturers like to claim 15-20 wpc single-ended, but that kind out output is highly suspect. It's possible, but you probably won't find them quoting distortion specs anywhere near their max.

Manley Laboratories makes the Neo-Classic SE/PP 300B amp that puts out 11wpp SET and 24 wpc PP. Their amps are extremely well made and sound fantastic. Not cheap, though.

The other options are amps running the monster 300B variants like KR Audio's 300BXLS tube. These puppys need a lot more current to run, but will legitimately put out 15-25 wpc SET. Although, if you simply drop these tubes into a standard 300B amp without current modification, you'll only get the normal 8 wpc.

Art Audio and KR Audio, itself, make 15-25 wpc SET's using the 300BXLS tube. They're awesome, but pretty expensive. I don't think I know of anyone making PP amps with them.

Don't write off 845 SET amps, they kick ass and I like them just as much as 300B's. You get 16-25 wpc of meaty, luscious, power with serious low frequency punch.

I think it will easier to find a great 845 SET than it will be to find a great 300B PP amp. Price-wise, neither will be cheap.

Hey Darkmoebius,

I'm reading your post and thinking hmmmmm.....

So you don't agree with the idea of a company such as Canary Audio designing a 300B amp such as the " CA-306 Stereo Power Amplifier " that claims to push out 24 watts per side with a total harmonic distortion of 0.5%?

And there are integrateds such as the CONSONANCE M100S-plus that claim to be producing 25 watts with less than 1% distortion. Granted this amp might not sound to best when it comes to 300B but I think it would give a person the general idea of what a 300B would sound like.

But if I'm not mistaken I believe Cary also produced a 300B stereo amplifier that boasted " 40 watts " per side! I had a chance to buy it on Agon for a song about 3 years ago and I'm still kicking myself for not doing it.

Or perhaps I simply misread your post.

And yes I was thinking of 2 channel PP output when I mentioned what I was looking for.

Just bouncing my ideas off of you as i have never listened to any 300B before. Unfortunately there are no dealers I am aware of that offer 300B, 845 offerings.

Hi KT-88,

I'm nowhere near an expert(or even novice) on power amp output, but 24 wpc 300B PP is really pushing the envelope for the standard type tubes. Although, great companies like Canary and Manly Labs(as I linked to) probably pull it off with flying colors. But, lesser or lower-end manufacturers claims in that range should be held suspect.

Go for one of those used Canarys, I bet they will kick ass with your Meadowlarks. But, don't leave the 845 too far off your radar, it's a monster.

Hey Darkmoebius

Thanks fo sharing your knowledge with me. But ah... don't be surprised if I change my mind completely and go with the 6C33-B amp I origianlly asked about. Or even if I go back to the Quicks again. I have am playing with the Quicksilver thought in my mind. I'm fickle that way. But then agian I could end up with 2 or 3 amps before it's over.

thanks agian!

Kt 88, I have an alternative suggestion for you to consider: Quicksilver Triode monoblock amps. These fine unadvertised hand made beauties utilize one pair of 6C33's in PP fashion generating a credible 50 watts. Mike Sanders designed and builds these to be his statement product, and succeeds quite nicely IMHO. Darkmoebius described the sonic character of this tube exactly, just like Goldilocks and the three bears, not to sweet, not too lean...just right! With base going down to near DC, and upper frequencies that extend to the clouds there is nothing I don't like about these tubes and these new amps. Consider this long-time EL34 enthusiast a convert to the 6C33!