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Decware Sarah 300B Amp?

Fellow Audio Fanatics - 

 

For the record, I’m set with my current two systems. I’ve got one push-pull tube system in my living room and a class a solid state system in my office. They’ve taken a few years to build. Overall, I’m happy and plan to live with them for a long time… 

 

That said, a long time doesn’t mean “forever.”

 

Which brings me to the Decware Sarah 300B amp I’ve been reading about and listening to audio snippets on. As I’ve made my way through this audio journey, I’m sensing my end-state might be moving towards the direction of an amp like the Decware 300B. From what I gather, it seems to deliver a lush and immersive presentation that feels like it could easily replace my solid state system and give me more enjoyment as I paddle towards retirement. 
 

Has anyone heard this amp? Or provide a point of view on Decware amps in general? 
 

I’m thinking of putting myself on the list, forgetting about it for the three+ years it will take to get one, and purchasing it when it’s available in 2027 (I can’t believe we are so far into this century already). Of course I’d need to get a different pair of speakers, which isn’t that of big deal to me financially. I’d probably sell off my current office system and bring in the Decware 300B and perhaps some Zu speakers. 
 

I welcome your feedback and impressions on Decware! 
 

For reference, my systems are below: 

Main - in the living room 

  • Innuos Zenith 
  • Merason Dac1 
  • Linear Tube Audio Microzotl preamp 
  • Switch between Audio Hungary P200 tube amp with KT150 tubes 
  • And Conrad Johnson classic 120 with EL34 tubes 
  • Puritan 156 
  • Cables: mix of Cardas Clear, LessLoss, Kimber Kable Palladian PK10 / Speaker Cables - Cardas 
  • Speakers: QLN Prestige 3 / Dynaudio Heritage Specials

 

Office - smaller room 

  • Luxman 590axii 
  • Buchardt S400 mkii 
  • Goldnote Streamer 
  • Lessloss cables 

 

128x128bluethinker
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 

@tksteingraber Sure!

The Dynaco ST35 is a very nice circuit design. The amp at the link is new and a kit. But Dynaco made this amp decades ago and so vintage units can be found; if properly refurbished they'll give any SET a run for the money. Dynaco also made the SCA35 which used the same output transformers and similar power amp circuit as an integrated amp with MM phono section and tone controls. Again, properly refurbished they are extremely musical.

These amps are all class A; when you are comparing any SET to any PP amp, at the very least try to level the playing field a bit by making sure the PP amp is also class A (all SETs are class A).

There are a good number of amps using the EL84; The Modjesky RM10 is rumored to be back in production. Manley has been making EL84 amps for years if not decades.

I've not been able to find any amps using the 6AQ5, but if they are out there, in class A they will make about 10 Watts.

There's at least one newer entry that is at the right price point that uses EL95s (so is 5 Watts/channel).

danager's avatar
danager
954 posts
 

@tksteingraber 

 

 

Both amps get positive reviews and are comparably priced but have a different presentation.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
mganga
30 posts
 

I just cancelled my Sarah order after 1.5 years of waiting.  Kept an eye on the watchlist and the wait kept extending.  Latest estimate by calculation was 3.5 year total wait time.  Nuts.  My needs changed so I moved on. I was fortunate to have placed the order over the phone when they were still making verbal pledges to refund down payment, which they honored (minus a $35 fee for whatever).  I have owned three brand new Decware amps in the past - enjoyed all of them.  Time moves on; no more for me given the wait.  Too much other great gear out there that is readily available.  

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