Ordered a Willsenton R300

@whitestix

It is possible that the preamplifier section of your Willsenton is passive rather than active. The 5U4G is the rectifier tube. The 6SN7 or the 6SL7 is the diver tube for the 300b power output tube.

If your amplifier has an active preamplifier stage then it’s likely to be the 6SN7 (A popular preamplifier choice).

Charles

I found this information. Input sensitivity is changed when used as a power amplifier compared to integrated amplifier usage. So quite possibly the preamplifier section is thus bypassed when used as power amp.

Input sensitivity: 210mv (when be an Integrated amp)
           620mV (when be a Power amplifier)

Charles
 

Howdy, all. I have been off the site for many years and am just returning. My 17-year-old CD player recently bit the dust which got me back into the search mode. I decided it was time to upgrade and downsize my gear. I came across reviews of the R300 and ordered one on December 13th from China HiFi Audio since Amazon was about 5-6 weeks out to ship one. The amp arrived in Denver on December 21st and I was able to bring it home yesterday after some local delays by the shipping company. It arrived in excellent condition. It is as described by other owners and reviewers in terms of apparent build quality and aesthetics. It is a lovely piece. I have only been running it for a few hours so a lot of break-in time ahead. I have owned tube amps (Jolida, AirTight, Conrad Johnson, KR Audio) but this is my first long-desired 300B. I cannot make a fair comparison to my old gear since I also recently changed out my speakers, cables, and IC's, but I can say I am very much enjoying what I am hearing, so far. I am planning on rolling in a pair of PSVANE T-Series CV181-TII's after the holidays.

Looking forward to more listening and reading posts from other R300 owners.

Cheers,

Rick

Thinking about this amp.  Is the decision of Amazon vs China Hifi just ease of return via Amazon?  Are there any other considerations?

the cheap part of me says to go with china hifi to save a couple hundred but im just not sure

My reason for buying this amp from Amazon was solely down to the ease of return.  For me that outweighed the higher cost.  I really wasn't certain if it would be a good fit with my speakers or if I'd like the 300B sound.