Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sophia Set Music Amp 300B MKII Amplifier (Tube) by jcmusic

Model:	300B MKII
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$4995.00
Description:	A dual mono power amp
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by jcmusic ( A ) on January 22, 2007 at 13:21:31
IP Address: 70.180.87.145

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for the 300B MKII

I have had this amp for about 8 months now, and it's time for a review. When I first got the amp it came with new production tubes, mostly cheap ones except the output tubes; those were 300B's from Sophia Electric the mesh ones. The amp is pretty impressive as far as looks go, an all Japanesse mirror finish stainless steel with 24kt. gold accents around the tubes. It is pretty straight forward on/off switch on the left side near the rear, IC connections right in the front. This helps out with keeping the wire limited to short runs, also adds to the appeal.

As for the sound, like I said when I got it with the cheap tubes in it; it sounded pretty good but a little thin and out of balance. After the install of some NOS tubes and some getting accustom to the new sound, things took a turn in a very positive direction. Now we had a really nice overall balance, a real smooth sounding full bodied sound. After some break in time the amp really opened up, now it is about as smooth as I have ever heard. There is a full sound to the bass, the mids are lush kinda thick sounding and the highs are crisp and real clean.

I had thoughts about moving on to another amp, but I think I will stay with this one until I hear another one that sounds better to me and I can afford it. Speakers used in this review were Klipsch Khorns with upgraded Xovers from ALK Engineering, Audioquest IC's, Speaker wires provided by Paul Speltz, Sources were FM Scott LT 110-B tuner, CDP Sony W500-C, Luxman vintage TT, with Anthem Pre 1 phono amp.

Product Weakness: To be honest I am not that good as to know what would be a weakness, I think someone would have to point it out for me first. I can not hear any.
Product Strengths: Well balanced sound, good tonal quality, very detailed, just an overall great sound.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Sophia Electic 300B MKII
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rogue Magnum99
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony CDP W500-C
Speakers:	Klipsch Khorns
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Copperheads
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classic Rock, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	8 Months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	My System

Product Weakness:	To be honest I am not that good as to know what would be a weakness, I think someone would have to point it out for me first. I can not hear any.
Product Strengths:	Well balanced sound, good tonal quality, very detailed, just an overall great sound.