Welborne Labs Star Chief 45


Hi :-)
Based on recommendations in another thread here (Amps for Avantgarde Duo), I have been looking around for smaller amps than my 845 monos.
And, I have had a pair of Welborne Labs StarChief 45 monoblocks in-hosuse for two weeks.
They hadn't been used for some months, so they did actually need a period of burn-in.
They have TJ Mesh Plate tubes (as standard).

The sound is very open and detailed, the upper frequencies are better than in any amp I have heard at home.
The mids are also very good, and the bass is very surprising!; faster and more detailed than in my 845's. Not quite the same weight though....
Until now I like them very much, they are very musical and involving. And more neutral than all other tube amps I have had in my system.

Anybody having any experience with these amps?
Anything "missing" which might become more evident after some time in use?

I will also have the opportunity to test out a WL preamp, the Ultapath BP. Anyone knowing this?
I have a BAT VK-51SE which plays very good with the monos, but the synergy effects between the 45's and the Ultrapath might surprise me.........

Best regards
olaps

Showing 3 responses by paulfolbrecht

Missing something? Nope. The 45 rules. You've described the 45 house sound pretty well.

After awhile, you'll find an 845 dark and (especially) thick in comparison.
Olaps,

Actually, I shouldn't have spoken quite so authoritatively as I have not heard the EML 45 mesh myself. I have, however, heard the solid (of course), the TJ, and a lot of NOS varieties.

My comment about the solid being tops was reflecting common opinion, though it seems to be a matter of taste.

6Moons did a nice comparison of these two tubes in the Yamamoto amp some time ago you should check out.