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300b INTEGRATED AMP Suggestions

This will be my first post here but I have enjoyed advice from this site for quite some time.  

After living for many years with the Rogue Cronus Magnum I am interested in downsizing a bit to a smaller, more finessed system built around a 300B integrated amp.  I am intrigued by what I have read about SET amps and given my small room and musical preferences I think this could be a fun switch.  I have been looking at the Cary CAD-300sei amp and am leaning that direction but wanted to put this out there to see what comes back before I jump.  (I like the reviews and the positivity around Line Magnetic as well, however I'd like to stay away from the 845 tubes for heat reasons)  My musical preference is generally around folk, singer/songwriter, jazz etc but not limited to.  My budget is around 5k new or used.

I know speakers are a huge part of this equation as well.  I currently have some KEF r5 speakers that I would likely be looking to replace with something from Zu's line depending on where I end up with an amp decision. 

I'd love to get any recommendations.
dholmes189

Showing 3 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Not a ONE.. 

After 116As in the 90s I gave up the ghost..

Great 300 valves are starting to have NUTSO prices.. WE at 500.00 a pair (90s) was thought to be NUTS. 1500 - 2000.00 for 80% original 300s.

NO, plain and simple NO... Way to many other valves that sound better at 1/10th the price. They were never meant for music, they were meant for voice transmission over long distances and extreme longevity..

If your really stuck on 300s look at Cary for the money.. They sound good at least.. Almost as good as modified WE 116a

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
If someone doesn’t like the 300b or believes that it is too expensive, okay that’s fine and understood. The OP expressed a specific interest in 300b SET amplifiers and I can completely understand this and yes encourage and support him. The premium tier 300bs are expensive and in my opinion worth it.

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Thanks DAD, I needed to be straighten out.. I love Rolls-Royce thinking.

I’m just TOO CHEAP, plain and simple, knowing I’ll get there just as fast in my old pick up truck. A 100.00 flat tire is fine. A 1000.00 flat tire is not..

6V6 - KT90s have and will always serve well.. After that it’s all splash and "look at me" I got, 120, 150, 2000s(LOL) oh and 300s. It only took me 12 years. Western Electric 166a.. I had the best... No doubt..

They were special though..

Someone else has the best NOW.. I’m just fine with that. :-)

Until you hear my Cary V12r, then it's not the best anymore.. HUGE :-) 6V6-KT90s works just perfect.

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
You're just fine and we all are recounting our unique and specific experiences.

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Western Electric 116a are special. Would I go back? Only if I could lift them. Over 100 lbs each, One of the few amps that really made Strathearn ribbons sound like nothing on earth. 

I sold the ribbons (financial issue at the time) and the 116a followed.
I had a son that spent 6 years on and off at Children's Hospital.. I almost sold the WIFE instead. LOL Felt like John Belushi in the Blues Brothers.. "How much for the girl'? How about you keep the boy and buy me lunch..

HE just got his second degree.. A lot smarter than his Dad that's for sure.. AND will never have to work like I did (my prayer were answered)

Sad, it would cost 50k  for ME to get that sound back, about 10k for the Strathearns, 35-40 k for the WEs. They were my Dads.  A present to himself after Korea. Military WE 116a.. I think he paid 600.00 at the "on base" surplus..

I sold them for over 15k and 4k for the Strathearns.. I paid  ALL the medical bills (1991) off.  The boy came home no worse for wear..

I dug out my Macs.. Never looked back..

Regards
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