Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET
Hey guys. I just wanted to share my initial impressions regarding Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET I just plugged in. Posting here because of the numerous discussions regarding Aric’s equipment I read that convinced me to take a chance on a small company’s, handmade amp.
I’m coming from 25 years of solid state and very recently a Synthesis el34 50 watt push pull amp. The Synthesis sounds great and I didn’t buy the new amp because I was displeased in any way. I’d purchased it while waiting for some Decware gear, which after 7 months couldn’t do anymore. I wanted a handmade, point to point amp, so I researched around and came across Aric Audio here. Gave him a call, discussed what I was looking for and Aric gave his recommendations. I was a bit nervous when he suggested the 300b. I’d never heard them before and those tubes are pricey! Many good reviews later, I decided, F*ck it! I’m in. Placed the order and added some upgrades.
After 4 or 5 weeks, got the call and picked up the amp. It sat for a day and I plugged it in today. I stream through a Cambridge cxn v2 and Topping d90le dac. Speakers are Audio Note-e/lx, AN Lexus speaker wire, Black Dragon interconnect and xlr’s.
Listening was really surprising. I’m amazed how different the sound is from the Synthesis with el34’s. The sound is much more powerful. You feel it more. The vocals are a bit more forward. Staging is far better. Probably the weirdest is the blackness. Just so quite and yet I hear so much more. Texture to instruments, if that’s a proper way to explain it. I’m new to this world so proper words escape me. Fullness, sharp instrument strikes and naturalness come to mind. The clarity of the music is striking. I almost feel like I’m hearing things I shouldn’t in the music, like feet tapping and inhalations for example. Very cool. 😀
I look forward to hearing how the amp improves. I do hope the cymbals settle just a bit. They don’t glare and aren’t bright, just very clear and more prominent compared to previous amp/tubes. I’m sure my brain and ears need an adjustment period as well. Each equipment change I do freaks me out! I look forward to sharing developments and hope to hear your comments.
Very gratifying to read. You chose wisely and are reaping the benefits. Charles |
Thanks for posting your very early listening impressions of the Western Electric 300b. They are going to only improve from this initial stage. The Gold Lions are solid and credible tubes in their own right. I believe as playing time/usage extends, the distinctions between them become more notable. Anyway that’s been my consistent outcome with the upper tier 300b tubes. Admittedly I have specifically not heard these current production Western Electric tubes. Charles |
I believe that with the upper tier 300bs Elrog,EML,KR, Takatsuki.Western Electric, one could not go wrong. I left out the Higher level Chinese 300b because I am not sure that reliability has yet been established. Inevitably some top tier brands will match with certain amplifiers better than others. |
The only downside with commitment to the 300b is its cost when compared with most other power tube alternatives. You’ll definitely pay for the premium tier options. As far as I am concerned, they are worth it. As you have discovered, a high-quality 300b SET is just fantastic for music reproduction. I have consistently advised that if you have a very good quality SET amplifier, buy the best tubes you can afford. They are just worth it. You want to hear your amplifier perform at its best. The good thing is, the higher quality tubes tend to have long life spans. EML and vintage W. E. 300b are the poster child for this. Charles |
I haven’t heard a Decware amplifier but I do acknowledge that they have a very loyal group of customers. Rightly so I would imagine. I do agree with you that the Aric Audio amplifier is an excellent choice and for the reasons you stated. I’m glad that @earthbound is enjoying it. Charles |
Yes, the EML XLS is a splendid 300b option. I’ve had them in my mono block SET for about 7 or 8 years with very frequent usage. They have excellent sound quality and exceptional reliability. It’s a very robustly built workhorse type of 300b. I have owned the Takatsuki and it’s also excellent sounding. I did not experience quite the same reliability with them. However, Takatsuki graciously replaced the failed tube without issue.In my opinion, sonically you cannot choose wrong with either. The EML XLS is just a bigger/heavier/thicker glass/more solidly built tube having owned them both. I have no listening or ownership experience with the current production Western Electric 300b. It does offer a 5 year warranty same as EML. Charles
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Understood ! I am a huge Thelonious Monk fan. Which recording are you listening to? You mentioned drumming. Listen to Frankie Dunlop’s drumming on “Monks Dream” . He’s so in the groove with Monk and Charlie Rouse. Your 300b amplifier will really uncover these types of musical nuances and connect you. Charles |
I have owned my 300b SET mono blocks for over 13 years. I can say that with all sincerity I appreciate them more than ever. There are multitudes of good choices with regard to tube amplifiers. 300b is certainly one of the top options in my opinion. The only drawback with them is the premium tier choices are expensive. I believe it is impossible to declare one brand/model the best tube. There’s simply too many variables involved. Some are going to sound better in certain specific amplifiers for a host of different reasons. I’ve owned Elrog, Takatsuki and currently using EML XLS. I can without hesitation, recommend any of these three easily. I have used previous generation Western Electric but not the current production 300b . By all accounts it is superb. I have no reason at all to doubt that assessment. I strongly advocate the expenditure for the high quality/upper tier 300b tubes for those who have good quality amplifiers. This certainly includes you and your situation. Owning a PSET of course means you’ll need 2 pairs, for sure not cheap! Worth it? Yes. You will be rewarded with excellent sound quality/performance and extracting the best from your amplifier. Another positive factor is these high level tubes tend to have long life spans. If you ultimately decide to choose the Western Electric 300b terrific! I do not believe you will have any regrets in hindsight. Aric built you a wonderful custom PSET 300b amplifier. Enjoy it to the fullest extent. Charles |
Congratulations! Aric has built you a very fine 300b amplifier. It’s gratifying to read that you are so pleased with it. From your listening impressions I bet Aric chose some high quality parts, particularly output transformers. This level of an amplifier will keep you happy for many years. What 300b tubes are you using? |
