DIY HiFi Forum

Welcome! Need support, you got it. Or share you ideas and experiences.

Return to DIY HiFi Forum

Border Patrol WE 300B vs Ladyday mk2 kit 3

90.200.143.86
Posted on September 11, 2009 at 16:08:36
chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com
Reviewer

Posts: 10208
Location: Lancashire.
Joined: January 21, 2001
 Well, not really a face off as such.

I've got the BP 300WE, am looking at options to upgrade in the near future and I've been directed to this site to look at the kits.

The options I have are to get the BP itself upgraded by Gary of BP, or replace the BP with something that is better, and it would have to be significantly/noticeably better when the BP is a very, very good amp in it's own right.

'Word' is that I could get an amp or some monoblocs made up by DIY audio which would fit the bill. My budget would be around £3,000 UK pounds including import duty/VAT which probably puts the Ladyday kit within my grasp, so I'm looking for opinions on the how this kit would compare to the Border Patrol, especially in regards to the bass which is probably the BP's main strength when compared to other SETs.

Thanks all in advance.

Today is a gift - that's why it's called the Present.

Best Regards,
Chris Redmond.
RE: Border Patrol WE 300B vs Ladyday mk2 kit 3, posted on September 20, 2009 at 10:13:54
rjd
Manufacturer

Posts: 308
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: June 16, 2002
 Hi Chris, I've been using early Billies with our large Cogent horn system for many years now, they still put a smile on my face. The only thing I've heard that's better are very esoteric amps built using some of the Eimac tubes.
Rich Drysdale

Cheers Rich - sounds like I'm on the right track. :0) [nt], posted on September 22, 2009 at 12:28:55
chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com
Reviewer

Posts: 10208
Location: Lancashire.
Joined: January 21, 2001
 nt
Today is a gift - that's why it's called the Present.

Best Regards,
Chris Redmond.
RE: Border Patrol WE 300B vs Ladyday mk2 kit 3, posted on September 12, 2009 at 18:25:02
bcherry
Manufacturer

Posts: 2216
Joined: March 11, 2001
Contributor
  Since: June 1, 2001
 Hi Chris
We can make something very good but the BP is also very good and I've not compared any of our LD amps to the BP side by side so couldn't begin to predict where the gains/tradeoffs will be.
It would take very good iron and PS to better the BP. We now have the FCUPS power supply which has taken the LD to another level most noticeable in the bass but mids and highs too as dynamics across the board benefited. The option to choose between virtual battery or virtual choke mode allows some tuning to suit the system.
But I can't honestly compare without having heard them side by side.

regards
Brian
DIY - Done Right!
RE: Border Patrol WE 300B vs Ladyday mk2 kit 3, posted on September 12, 2009 at 18:52:27
chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com
Reviewer

Posts: 10208
Location: Lancashire.
Joined: January 21, 2001
 Thanks for the quick and honest response.

Yes, it is impossible to make any accurate comparisons between amps without having them both available to "suck and see", although I have found a comparison that Thorsten made some eight years ago which involved the 'Billie' monoblocs you manufactered back then and the Border Patrol;


"If any sonic complaints remain it is perhaps an ever so slightly overly warm midrange. Saxophones sound just a tiny tic too creamy, vocals perhaps a little warmer than in reality. At any extend, here is an Amplifier that can, if fitted with suitably high quality valves offer way more than a glimpse of the true High End. Indeed, among the commercially available 300B SE Amplifiers I had the chance to hear, the "Billie", a.k.a. Consonance M500 Kit (and obviously also the Consonance M500 assembled unit) rates easily in the top 5. The Border Patrol Amplifier, relying here on my sonic memory betters it in pure bass impact and pace a little, the Art Audio Jota has more power, but both loose out in terms of transparency and palpability."


.

Forgetting about the Border Patrol then, how would you say your best SET amp compares to a 2001 pair of 'Billies'?

Again, just trying to get a rough idea in my head what level of performance to expect as I'd be selling the BP to part fund the purchase and import of your amp/monos so there'd be no turning back - the bridges would be burned. :0)

EDIT: I've just been directed to Clive Meakins' Enjoythemusic.com review of the Ladylands where he compares them with the Billies so job done. :0)
Today is a gift - that's why it's called the Present.

Best Regards,
Chris Redmond.
RE: Border Patrol WE 300B vs Ladyday mk2 kit 3, posted on September 13, 2009 at 16:10:43
bcherry
Manufacturer

Posts: 2216
Joined: March 11, 2001
Contributor
  Since: June 1, 2001
 >Forgetting about the Border Patrol then, how would you say your best SET >amp compares to a 2001 pair of 'Billies'?

Hi Chris
If you are not in a rush, we have something coming which may suit your objectives. If you could send me an email I can give you the details.
I'm just about to get on a plane bound for Canada so will be a couple days before I can respond.
regards
Brian
DIY - Done Right!
Cheers Brian - email sent. [nt], posted on September 13, 2009 at 23:50:29
chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com
Reviewer

Posts: 10208
Location: Lancashire.
Joined: January 21, 2001
 nt
Today is a gift - that's why it's called the Present.

Best Regards,
Chris Redmond.

Page processed in 0.048 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2009, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ] [ Go Green ] [ Take5 ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]