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Welborne Labs Star Chief 45

Hi :-)
Based on recommendations in another thread here (Amps for Avantgarde Duo), I have been looking around for smaller amps than my 845 monos.
And, I have had a pair of Welborne Labs StarChief 45 monoblocks in-hosuse for two weeks.
They hadn't been used for some months, so they did actually need a period of burn-in.
They have TJ Mesh Plate tubes (as standard).

The sound is very open and detailed, the upper frequencies are better than in any amp I have heard at home.
The mids are also very good, and the bass is very surprising!; faster and more detailed than in my 845's. Not quite the same weight though....
Until now I like them very much, they are very musical and involving. And more neutral than all other tube amps I have had in my system.

Anybody having any experience with these amps?
Anything "missing" which might become more evident after some time in use?

I will also have the opportunity to test out a WL preamp, the Ultapath BP. Anyone knowing this?
I have a BAT VK-51SE which plays very good with the monos, but the synergy effects between the 45's and the Ultrapath might surprise me.........

Best regards
olaps
olaps OP
17 posts
 
Hi again
I Have now played some days on the Star Chief with EML 45 Mesh Plates. I guess they have 30 - 40 hours now.
And they blow away the NOS I tried, and the TJ MEsh Plates.
The immediate observation is that they seems to be more powerful, but in short, I think they are the best tubes on all parameters.
Haven't heard the EML solid plates.........
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
The EML solids are the best of the whole bunch. :)
olaps OP
17 posts
 
Thanks :-)
I guess I'll have to buy them too :-)
Have you heard/used both the EML solid plates and the mesh plates?
If so, can you give a short description of your impression?
TIA
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
Olaps,

Actually, I shouldn't have spoken quite so authoritatively as I have not heard the EML 45 mesh myself. I have, however, heard the solid (of course), the TJ, and a lot of NOS varieties.

My comment about the solid being tops was reflecting common opinion, though it seems to be a matter of taste.

6Moons did a nice comparison of these two tubes in the Yamamoto amp some time ago you should check out.
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