Any expereince with Coincident Frankenstein II Amp

Yes Charles1dad, I have the Shuguang black bottle treasure series tubes. I think "startling" best describes the overall sound. Sometimes a voice or instrument will come in that sounds so life-like that I am literally startled. I am definitely noticing improvements as the amps and speakers break in. As I said the only thing I think I need is more gain - which will come when I add the linestage (they're currently out of stock, not surprisingly!) Although they sound far better than the Manleys did, they have less gain. I assume they're designed to mate with a higher gain linestage like Coincident's own. It's funny, I get the impression that amongst the many impressive Coincident products it seems to be the linestage which has garnered the most praise - and that's the last one I'm adding to my system!

Hfisher3380,
I think the Statement Linestage gets a bit more praise due to it being such an universal component(can place in any system). The Franks are of course limited by speaker matching, thus not as flexible/universal.
All the atributes you`ve noted so far will be noticably improved with the addition of the Statement Linestage.

Kevinmcd,
I have the Frank's and Wavelength Triton nce ( new century edition ).I'm using Total Victory IV Loudspeakers.
Both amps are very good,For the selling price of the Frank's there is nothing that I have listened to that can better it.If youhave around 5K for an amp the Frank is a no brainer !
Now the Wavelength, my Tritons are 15-16 watts compared to the 8 watts of the Frank's.My opinion and take it for what it's worth is the Triton's have the advantage, sound stage is wider and little deeper. There is more air between the notes and the window is a little clearer.It could be due the extra power of the Triton's but I find myself listening to the Triton's more.Both amps are very good and the Wavelenght's are more expensive.I don't know how Gordon does it but when you put WE 300b's in the amps it's the best amp I have listened to.
I have Treasure Black Glass for the Frank's but I prefer KR300b xls "S" shaped tubes. Frequency extremes are better bass is tighter and the sound stage is closer with out being harsh.
Everyone hears different and this is only my experience and your mileage may vary.Both amps are top notch and will please anyone with the right loudspeakers.

Regards,
Abill

Hi,
Abill, you are experiencing ultra 300b heaven LOL.
Personal taste will always rule(but you have it covered it seems). What`s the difference between the new Triton Century and the Cardinal 300b series?
Is your Triton the Signature version?

The tube comparison is interesting as some who have used both tubes prefer the Treasure 300b and others like the older KR XLS and the VAIC tubes(hard to find these days).
Israel said the Treasure and KR were equals in sound but the later/current KR tubes were unreliable. You must have the better older batch model.
The Western Electric 300b seems to be circuit/amplifier depedent as opinions are so mixed.
Beat Regards,

I have Wavelength Cardinal Signature XS's. (Wavelength 45's silver, also). I have never had an opportunity to hear "Franks" yet, nor any other 300B amp (or 45) before my purchases of them. Franks, Cardinal, Triton are all good choices, given appropriate speaker matings. Such difficult choices in life... :)