2. amps-preamps
  3. 136636-90584

EL34 in triode vs 300B/845 SET

Hi All,

    I thank you ahead if some of you already helped out with my previously related post.  Quick story, I currently use a Dared VP-300B SET and just loving the sound but since I'm using B&W805 D3 I keep wondering if better higher current/watt amp would further impress me.  The best SET in the market seems to be 805B driven by 300B, very very expensive (thinking Line Magnetic 219ia).  I've been reading that EL34 due to it's design gets very close to 300B SET when wired in triode mode.  It seems far more economical to get the romantic lush sound and lots more power (relative to SET) with EL34B in triode then going 845/805 tubes (especially considering high heat).  Any anyone can share experience with above since there're lot of EL34 triode/UL amp out there these days?

    I'm also wondering since Dared VP-300B is a very entry level 300B SET, if upgrading to more expensive ones like Line Magnetic or AudioSpace or Cary...etc would make big difference with fuller body sound?  Or maybe SET is SET and won't get too huge leap of a difference.

Thanks.

hifineubee

Showing 2 responses by hfaddict

hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict
97 posts
 
@hifineubee Have you considered the Line Magnetic 508ia? 805 tubes driven off 300B’s. 48 watts/channel of SET goodness, cheaper and is preferred to the LM 219ia in some circles. (Greater dynamics, stronger bass)

But then again, probably not the most ideal pairing for your current speakers. 

I tried my 508 with my 88db Totem Element Embers and wasn't too impressed with the paring.  The bottom end was weak and they sucked a lot of power.   

But then again, I ran for quite awhile on some 88db Jamo towers with dual 6.5's woofers and was shocked every time at how great they sounded. 




hfaddict's avatar
hfaddict
97 posts
 
@hifineubee Beautiful amp. Best of luck!
More to discover