2. amps-preamps
  3. 1072703247

300B which way to go?

Hi,

I have never heard any amp with this tube before. But I have been doing plenty of reading on tubes. So I'm curious. Can anyone give me some pointers about 300B tube amps? How many watts do I need to run a pair of 89db speakers? I'm leaning heavily in the direction of Meadolark. I'll be running a Rouge 99, or a Cary SLP-88 pre to start, and upgrading when I get rich (**)

I see these amps for sale all the time at Audiogon, with the watts ranging from 8-40. I don't know much about single-end vs. push-pull. Also is " class A " push-pull a quality way to go with a 300B amp? I am also interested in a integrated 300B amp perhaps.

Can anyone give me some ideas? I was thinking of a starter amp, but I see people dumping these things for 30 cents on the dollar, so might as well jump right in! But it does cause me some concern about the performance.
theseeker

Showing 1 response by bemopti123

bemopti123
303 posts
 
I vouch for SET 300B amplifiers. Lower wattage, but the midrange is nothing but magic. How it has been well said, you need to have efficient speakers. I myself have an Assemblage 300B Platinum circa 2001 (a DYI division of Sonic Frontiers, before closing shop.) I use a pair of WE 300B matches tubes with a horn loaded Fostex speakers Sigma 208 drivers 8" with an efficiency of 96.5db. I have these speakers spiked up and for the great majority of recording, I was pleasantly satisfied, but because I have been used to bass, I added a powered subwoofer ( a very fast one with enough amp power) now, I enjoy SET midrange and highs with SS low end slam. Still not quite like a gigantic speaker set with a hugue Amp behind it, but the magic in all different types of music is simply wonderful.
Can easily fetch a decently parted 300B amp like mine for about $1200 without the Western Electric tubes, which will run you a good $500 per pair, used
PAUL
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