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My speakers are Cain Abbys, at around 97dB efficient. I don't require much volume as my listening room is small, and my ears prefer moderate playback levels.I've previously owned several 300B integ's, but nothing in over 5 years. I'd appreciate assistance in locating something affordable...below $2k would be great.
Thanks to all in advance.
C1
Edits: 03/01/14 03/01/14Follow Ups:
I had Abby's for years and tried quite a few amps on them. I used them in a 17' x 22' living room with a sofa and several cushy chairs among the other usual furniture. They worked well with most amps, including a Yamamoto AS-08, Sun Audio 2A3 monos and a Cary 845 but my favorites were SEP based - a Korneff EL84 and Brenneman Audio Cavalier, both have a volume control. The Cavalier sounded best without a preamp while the Korneff needed a little more gain to shine and sounded exceptional with an Emotive Audio pre. I preferred the SEP's because they added a little more authority and punch on the bottom end. My brother-in-law ended up with the Abby's and after listening to several amps, chose the Korneff/EA pre combination though I think the Cavalier sounded the best (he wanted the versatility of a preamp).
I also have a pair of Abby's, and have used a number of 45 and 2a3 sets. I found the extra power of the 2a3 did not significantly affect the sound,except for volume, and the 45's superior over the entire range. I am currently using a Korneff 45, and it works wonderfully with the Abby's.
I have been looking for a used Cain Bailey sub for a while, and expect it would match the Abby's better the HSU I am currently using.
As I have owned the Audio Note OTO for 10 years - and every time I listen I am happy with what I hear I concur with the poster below.
But it's not a 300b and it's not a SET - it's a SEP. Still, it sounds beautiful and the OTO does have some sonic strengths and IMO mirrors I think what a good 300B is about. Further the EL84 is much cheaper to purchase so long term that counts. Basically, I would not get tied to the notion that it "has to be" a given tube type. I chose it over a Cary 300b back in the day. I still would.
But if it must be a 300b - there is the "staple" $2,100 Audio Note Kit 1 which will probably have better parts quality than retail amps for the same money
check out DENNIS HAD KT66 TUBE SINGLE ENDED AMPLIFIER on ebay. its the guy from cary. looks like a good deal.
no affiliation.
all the best in your endeavor
-andre d
Well guys, the Dennis Had 6V6 amp is truly something.Thanks for the assist guys...couldn't have done it without U!
Edits: 03/19/14 03/19/14 03/19/14 03/19/14 03/20/14 03/22/14
coltrane: glad it worked out so well! was the preamp also on ebay?
PS it looks like you posted photos, but they are not appearing in your post at this time.
all the best
-andre d
Sorry. The pics are posted in the Dennis Had gear post. Thanks again!
Thanks for the referral Andre.
I took the plunge and bought the Dennis Had 6V6 based amp with NOS tubes...should arrive in a few weeks.
Can't thank you all enough for your suggestions!
C1
excellent. please post your impressions after you listen to it.
regards -andre
-andre d
Yes, I discovered Dennis' amp last night. Judging by his feedback he's been creating and selling them on feebay for over a year. He even makes an 807 tube based amp.
I can't help but wonder how his KT66 SE would compare to a 300B amp? His ad says it's a Class A SET. I've never heard of a KT66, KT88, KT120 SET amp. Is this a unique design?
btw, the Abby's are better with the Bailey sub...it's not the sub for all uses, but does a nice job with the Abby's...this is my 3rd pair of them...I think I'll simply keep this pair as their sound fit this small room just fine....downsizing-retirement, and losing your once big room is a u know what.
I have two single ended pentode amps. Triode Corp. TKR3488 EL34 or KT88 tubes and a Decware Mini Torri 6V6 and a slew of other power tubes. Both are excellent. However the Mini is a unique design and has a pre-amp out.
It also has a treble cut circuit that remove digital grunge. Read about it on Decware's site.
I have had several 300B amps and like them...if the design is very good. If I get another DHT amp it will likely be a 2A3.
I have been looking at Dennis Had's amps on the auction site and they look quite good, especially the KT66/KT88. These tubes are wonderful in a single ended circuit and tube rolling does not break the bank.
Bottlehead Stereomour
If you aren't a kit builder, there is someone to build it for you...check their forum.
I love mine. Can go 2A3 or 45!
Ditto on the Bottlehead Stereomour 2A3. I use the Bottlehead Paramount 300B as well as the Audio Note Kit Legend SE Parallel 300B. Both are great, tweaked and well tubed. That little 2A3 is the one I keep coming back to. It would have no problems driving those speakers!
I heard the Abbys at a show with a 300B amp and a sub, and they were wonderful. If you like the 300B sound, I would suggest trying to stick with a 300B amp. There are lots of EL 34 based integrated, but they do not have that rich 300B sound. There are Chinese 300B integrated amps, but parts quality is mostly unknown. I just saw a Chinese amp with replaced output transformers that looks interesting. Here is the link:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649111798-musical_paradise_mp428v2_with_upgraded_jamestango_transformers_lots_of_tubes_reduced_to_sell/
No relationship with or knowledge of the seller.
I just saw this posted on AudiogoN. The OTO is a wonderful sounding amp; I owned one for a year or so and always regretted selling it.
I have absolutely no affiliation with the seller.
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