Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

Auntjenof2,
Congratulations with this new custom amplifier. This is why no component(regardless of price or reputation) can be called the 'best'.Personally I`ve yet to hear an amplifier that I`d prefer over my Frankenstein(so far). The addition of the Takatsuki tubes just sealed the deal for me. But there are without question very talented amp builders out there(thank goodness) and there`ll always be great/better/different choices to be made. I wish you the very best.
Regards,

Sorry, one more comment. I was told the 300b version of the Electra Fidelity
amp will be at T.H.E. Show in Newport beach in the room with Fritz speakers,
Resolution audio Cantata, and Wywires. You can contact Anthony Chipelo
(Clio09 on Gon) of Electra Fidelity for more info. Or if you are near Vegas
and want to hear my el 34 version shoot me a message.

George

Just to clarify a few things regarding the Electra-Fidelity amp referenced by Auntjenof2. The amp is a proprietary (patent pending) Class A3 design by Jack Elliano of Electra-Print. In developing this Class A3 design we enlisted the assistance of Ralph Karsten in reviewing Jack's research, however, he was not involved in the circuit design process. Ralph was very supportive of Jack's effort and the result is that we now have two amplifiers in production that will operate in Class A3. The A3-500 is a 300B SET amp with a circuit designed by Jack Elliano that puts out roughly 10 watts. We are sending an amp to Ralph on loan for use in a new project he has started. The yet unnamed EL-34 amp puts out roughly 12 watts. The circuit for this amp dates back 20 years or so and was originally developed by Cy Brennamen with assistance from Jack Elliano and voiced by Bruce Edgar for use with his horn speakers. Jack recently updated the circuit for Class A3 operation and has achieved substantial improvement as a result.

The 300B version was at THE SHOW Las Vegas this past January shown with Fritz Speakers Carbon 7's. The amp easily drove the 87 dB speakers which astounded quite a few people since on paper this appeared to be a huge mismatch. We will show the 300b and EL-34 in Newport this June. Our room will feature Fritz Speakers, WyWires, and Resolution Audio products as well. If you are attending the show feel free to stop by for a listen.

The posts on Jack Elliano intrigued me enough to look at his website where I came across his thoughts on tube rolling (link below). Although it relates specifically to his amplifier, I think it underscores the advise given by Charles1dad and others - that it’s not enough to buy a great tube - the tube only achieves greatness when implemented synergistically.

http://www.electrafidelity.com/tube-rolling/

What`s class A3 and why is it unique/different from traditional class A?