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Sophia Electric 91-01 and 91-5 300B

Hi,
I have been using a Tannoy Turnberry SE speakers for the last 1 year, I was driving it with Naim amplification and was happy with it. However I would like to add a good tube amp to drive the Tannoys. I have been listening to various amps. It is quite evident that SET based on directly heated triodes have a special magic about their presentation. However most DHT SETs are low powered, within 10 watts. Recently I read some very good things about Sophia Electric 300B amps, especially driving Tannoys. Jeff Day has given glowing review to it even replacing is reliable Leben 660P. But before I pull the trigger I am looking for some first hand comments from the community here which is expectedly more devoid of the reviewer's bias. Has anyone heard it ?

Moreover I am also looking for some views on the various models that Sophia offers, 91-01, 91-05 etc. Is it really worth going for their more expensive models like the 91-05 when the 91-01 already seems to be doing so well ? Has anyone heard the higher models ?
pani
pani OP
1,219 posts
 
Isochronism, thats me on AA :-)

Martingren, thanks for that input. Could you please suggest a few 300B amps that you like ?
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Pani,
I am using a pair of Wavelength Cardinal Signature XS. 10 watts each
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Charles, my experience with matching speakers/amps is actually quite limited, I tend to keep equipment for long periods of time, so not much turnover in amps.

I just read responses to Pani's thread on the same subject on Steve Hoffmann's forum, and I gather my HPD drivers are quite a different animal than the Turnberry.

I would tend to consider the information given there as much more credible than my mine, due to the differences in the nature of the drivers in question.

With the responses given here, and elsewhere, it seems a good choice can be made in an adequate SET.

Regards,
Dan
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
Yeah, thanks Martingren. Always happy to hear from folks with an axe to grind without providing any useful info. I just moved from the Sophia Baby (upgraded caps) to the Sophia EL-34. They're anything but thin. If you look in many amps, you'll wonder what's connected to what. Find a negative review of Sophia amps, or tubes for that matter. I have C&C Abbys and a NSM sub connected in parallel through speaker taps. I wish had the income to move up the Sophia line. I'd do it in an instant.
dilly
113 posts
 
Hello Pani, just ordered & received my 91-01. I still have only around 50 hrs on them & can't comment much on the final expected sound. I use them with Canterbury's which are 96db. No issues with the volume at all & they sound quite adequate. Pls. note I don't listen very loud mostly around 80 - 90 db in 30 x 16 ft room. So far in comparison to other 300B amps I have heard the Sophia' s sound quite dynamic with authoritative bass control. I am really hoping they will be magical as Jeff Day has commented; I can let you know in a few weeks time when they are fully run in. So far they sound very positive & heading in the direction I am hoping.

About the build quality - they feel extremely well put together. I peeked under the hood very neat & solid looking as most other high end equipment I have owned. Give Richard or Sue a call & I am sure they will be able to discuss the quality of the parts used.

I also own a Mcintosh MC275 which I have tried on the Canterburys. While it sounds great (amazing amp!) it's SET 300B for me all the way! I think Tannoys have great synergy with 300B. I am sure Jeff would not stake his reputation on this relatively cheap amps compared to the Shindos, Lebens & other many many amps he has reviewed :-) Best of luck in your search.
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