"Amp sounds amazing"
Rebbi that says it all! Glad that Taking the step into SET worked out so successfully for you.
Charles, |
Rebbi,
I don't listen to large scale symphonic music very often, but when I do it's enjoyable and engaging in my system. I can relate to yours and Jet's comments. Before I got my SET amp one of the warnings was they can't unravel complex music. Implied is they're only good for low demanding simple music. That may be true for lesser SETs or if there's a poor speaker match.
The first time I played a classical orchestra CD(RCA Living Presence CSO late 1950s) I was nearly stunned by how good it was,layers od depth, fine separation,clarity. Nothing fell apart or collapsed. Now I wasn't listening at peaks of 110 db(I just don't listen at that loud level). The music was at a volume I found to be very satisfying and involving, that's good enough for me. I would likely require a more powerful amp if that type of listening was my primary fare(but it isn't). I truly enjoy all genres of music when the mood strikes. For the most part it's a large collection of jazz of various size groups. The point is you have an excellent amplifier that with appropriate speakers will allow you to enjoy whatever you like at a very high quality level of reproduction.
, |
Rebbi,
The AN Kit 1 300b Amplifier really seems like it's an exceptionally well built and very good sounding amplifier. You are getting excellent performance from this amplifier using the standard grade 300b tubes. Just think of the room for improvement with just simply moving to a higher grade of 300b tubes somewhere down the line, not to mention trying different power cords. As well as your amplifier currently sounds there's room for improvement with just those simple suggestions, you have a lot to look forward to even though you're at a high-level already. Your high-quality SET amplifier is just filled with lovely potential.
Charles |
Hello John,
I felt comfortable recommending the Black Treasure (BT) given my success with them a few years ago. For their current cost they are an exceptionally good value. I'm pleased to learn they're coming around for you(they'll continue to improve progressively). Each 300b tube has its own sound character as you're discovering. Your amp seems similar to mine in that the "modern" type 300b tubes sound better(IMO) than the "romantic" softer traditional type 300b. I find the modern 300b is more natural, linear and realistic without the romantic coloration effect.
The really good SET amplifiers don't need the gratuitous warmth/coloration because these amps innately provide a pure and natural sound to begin with. they will pass along the full true tone, timbres and harmonics without artificial assistance. Well anyway that's been my personal experience with my particular amplifier.
Charles, |
60 x 4 =240.00 USD, much less than the top tier 300b tubes. But as with the tubes you don't know which capacitor is better for you until you hear them. Jupiter copper foils are considered to be amongst the very top level capacitors per reviews and owner feedback. I put then in my Frankensteins(1 coupling cap per mono block) and they are a nice upgrade(not night and day however) from what was excellent sound with the stock solens caps. |
Tubegroover,
Thanks for your kind comment. I'd say you have summarized the successful route to SET amplifier use very well. It does require the proper speaker match and attention to system components(less critical usually). As you discovered, all music genres can be greatly enjoyed.
Charles, |
Rebbi,
the Black Treasure 300b tubes have an unusually long recommended break in of 300 hours. In my experience most 300bs are well broken-in by roughly 100 hours. Many sound very good straight out of the box and just improve from there.No rush for you as you're getting wonderful sound already. In your case upgrading to the AN copper foil capacitors is likely cheaper than a lot of 300b brands. You have several really fine options/paths available. |
Hi John,
Yes, I also believe the Jupiter copper foils are an excellent capacitor alternative to consider. Rebbi mentioned the AN caps as these are the ones offered as an AN Kit upgrade if he wants to stay within the AN family. No doubt the Jupiter copper foil coupling caps are less expensive than the premium level 300b tubes. The possibilities with an amplifier such as this is considerable. When you factor in the potential future upgrades(if ever deemed necessary)transformers,caps,tubes, power cords etc. This amp can yield true world class sound for very reasonable cost. With this amplifier Rebbi has established a very strong foundation to build upon. If he stays put he still has a terrific SET amplifier. I can relate to his listening notes and appreciate what he's hearing with this amp in his system.
Charles. |
Rebbi,
The Frankenstein has very good parts quality, no question. However sometimes strategic use of premium level parts can elevate an already excellent component. I put Duelund CAST caps in my DAC and speakers and they improved a component that had fine sound to begin with. Your amp deserves a high level power cord. If you find a used Coincident or Triode Wire cord I'd take that chance.
Charles, |
Rebbi,
I can feel your new found joy! The good news is it will be long lasting and actually increase over time. Keep listening and enjoying your music.
Charles, |
Roxy54 and Rebbi,
It is so pleasing to read how much joy you guys are getting from your 300b SETs. Pure natural musical delight!
Very simple circuit,fewer parts and good implementation= superb sound. I glad you all decided to venture down this path. Your respective amplifiers will keep you very happy for a long time, I'm speaking strictly from experience. Your appreciation for what you have will grow.
Charles, |
John, On a friendly open forum such as audiogon we attempt to help each other with recommendations based on our experience/outcomes. You never know if what worked for you will turn out the same for someone else. So when I read about your deeper insight and enjoyment of listening to music it actually makes me feel really good. Increasing the joy of listening to music is the whole point of seeking out good audio components.
Charles, |
Rebbi,
Your amplifier is worthy of much more than an old PC cord. Even though you are quite please with the sound quality you are currently receiving, this generic power cord is limiting your potential significantly. You'll be surprise what a higher-quality power cord can do for your amplifier.I would recommend that you consider purchasing a high-quality used power cord, for example Coincident, VH audio or Triode Wire etc. these are great value buys especially used. This level of quality power cords will noticeably increase the overall sound of your amplifier, they do make a difference.
Charles, |
Rebbi,
Pangea is a decent cord, I believe Silnote and the other examples I mention are in a higher quality tier. Get a upper level cord like these and enjoy their better performance for years. In other words, match the quality of your amplifier.
Charles, |
Rebbi,
I'll be the first to admit that in audio, higher cost doesn't always= better product/sound quality. In this specific instance spending a bit more for a very good cord is worth it. Your amplifier has the high resolution to exploit these better power cords. They will reveal more musical information/detail that your amplifier is capable of. Once you obtain a high quality cord you're done searching and can just enjoy what it brings to the table. As Snopro suggested, the pangea is a middle of the road type of power cord(not terrible at all). Your amplifier is true high end caliber in terms of performance.
Charles, |
