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December 2001
Chilling
at the Bee-Hive:
A Group Test
of
Nine Different
300B Valves
Life, the Universe...
and Everything
by Thorsten Loesch
Click
here to e-mail reviewer
Click
here for our shootout theme song.
From the days
when Enjoy the Music.comT was just Steve Rochlin's
personal Audiophile Website, he had a nice picture of an Imperial AT Walter
and the classic quotation from the Return of the Jedi Star Wars
Film, "Many Bothan spies died to bring you this information" on his Tweaks
or Free Stuff page(1). Well, let me tell you those Bothan
spies had a lark! I mean fighting Imperial storm troupers, bounty hunters
etc. doesn't remotely compare to what it took to get this report
to you. The original blind group listening test that provided much
of the info for this report was conducted on no lesser day then the 7th
of June - Election Day in the UK. Luckily enough tubes turned out and my
test was better than that at the Ballot boxes, I guess every country gets
the government they deserve.
This report should have been written a little after
that, but alas, many things intervened - not the least a love affair with
the throes of young and foolish love... the arguments, the breaking up,
listening only to bluest blues(2), Country & Western(3)
and Scandinavian(3) classical music for weeks, the making up,
making love and so on, You know how it is(5). Thus much time
that I should have spend listening and writing reviews was taken up by
other pursuits. Yet when she looks up at you with those eyes and says "But
darling, I though you'd be spending time with me". In situations
like this what's a man gonna do, but what a man's gotta do?
Having finally gotten though these distractions
(we are going real steady now) I changed my day job (I wish I could live
from being involved with Hi-Fi, but I can't) with the result that again
my time was seriously taken up with getting to know the ropes and everything,
many a late evening and the occasional weekend day was needed. Still, this
report was slowly taking shape. The next blow came in the form of a friend
who kindly donated a new Motherboard for my PC, while fitting it I managed
to loose the Hard Drive content and I found that my backups had excluded
my whole desktop, where I keep all current problems. Well, I started to
retype everything.
The final attempt of Live, the Universe and
Everything to stop this report from reaching you, it's intended readers
came in the form of a badly infected tooth a few days before the final
deadline for last month issue. I could not sleep at night and finally had
to visit my dentist who promptly decided root canal surgery was needed.
Ouch! Okay, all this is past but believe me, an audio reviewers life ain't
all fun and games...
To Be or Not
Be -
Those are
the 300 Questions Here
This report covers a pretty large range of 300B
output Valves(6). Only six years ago in 1995 this would have
been a pretty short report, including the Chinese Shuang made 300B's marketed
among other brands as "Golden Dragon", the American "Cetron" brand 300B
made by Richardson and the New Old Stock (NOS) Western Electrics 300B which
even then used to fetch ridiculous sums. Still, Jean Hiraga declared the
300B to be "the tube of the century" and in my view rightly so.
Since those days a true Aladdin's cave of 300B
valves have become available. Several vendors in China and Taiwan, two
in Russia and three in the Czechs and Slovak Republics make 300B's. Even
the legendary Western Electric 300B has been put back into production.
I'm not sure about the product status of the Cetron, but it certainly is
still being sold and readily available. From a situation where there was
basically no real choice we have come to one where the choice is huge and
perplexing. Hence this test, in order to relate how many of those different
valves perform and sound. Some valves here are old favorites, others have
found their way to us only very recently, yet they are all 300B's by name.
Looking in my Valve Cabinet upstairs and beholding
the incredible riches of seven different types of 300B valves (and in some
cases several pairs) compared to the state of affairs not so long ago makes
me realize how lucky we Ultra Fidelity enthusiasts really are. In
addition to the valves in my own possession and those submitted by manufacturers
and distributors I leaned heavily on friends and acquaintances to obtain
a loan of 300B valves they had at hand to make the test as comprehensive
as possible. Simply the logistics of this where quite difficult and I'm
very grateful to everybody who helped, provided valves and attended the
blind listening session. So a big thank you to Iwao, Jon, Richard, Ian,
Justin and Stuart from the London Live DIY Hi-Fi Circle and to Brian (DIY
Hi-Fi Supply) as well as to Jadson (Valve Art).
In the end I had nine different 300B's to test.
Some task! Notable by absence where both AVVT and KR, due to the fact that
I could not obtain samples from either the factory or distributors in/for
the UK(7), nor did I have access to any valves from these companies
in my circle of friends and acquaintances.
Finally a few words on the results and conditions
of the test. Music and sound is a very subjective thing. The sound of an
entire system comes into play, so there are often synergies and
other effects that make what works well in one system work less well in
another. As a result of considerations such as that I have tried very much
to bring out each valves individual sonic character relative to the others
in the test, in addition to assigning "absolute" scores based on relative
performance in my system.
My own scoring is based on the use of the valves
in a system(8) that essentially offers an in-room response
from near 20Hz to way beyond 20KHz thanks to the large, high sensitivity
loudspeakers, digital equalization and super tweeters I generally employ.
Further, with speaker sensitivities of 102db/2.83V/1m or 97db/2.83V/1m
my speakers offer very much above average sensitivity and are very revealing
of dynamics and detail. The use of digital room correction means that usual
bass bloat of the room is suppressed, thus the system is comparably close
to an open window with pretty low colorations.
Using more conventional systems will significantly
change results. For example a valve that will sound a little bass shy in
my system might actually tame the excessive bass resulting from room/speaker
interactions in your room. A valve that sounds rather bright and brash
in my system might help in a system that sounds somewhat dull in the high
frequency range. Also, if speakers with a rather limited frequency range
are employed the midrange quality alone may be deciding in subjectively
preferred valve.
Hence, just because a valve has received here a
score overall of 90 out of 100 it is not just the only one worth buying,
it may not necessarily match your taste and system as well as another
person's system and taste. Equally, just because a valve has received a
low score it should be excluded from consideration. On the contrary, the
sonic characteristics of this valve may very well suit your system very
well. So please read the whole text and try putting my comments on relative
sonics into the context of your taste and system.
Now, Let the
Games begin!
Cetron 300B
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The Cetron Brand 300B was/is made by Richardson
Electronics and is a true Veteran in this line-up. It has been around pretty
much since the late 80's when Western Electric stopped production and Richardson
decided to fill the gap. The examples tested where borrowed from a friend
and well burned in. The valves I had looked consistent, if quite cheaply
made with thin glass and flimsy looking internal structures. Internal structures
look common and without unusual features.
The sound was bright, brash and dry. The soundstage
delineation and depth was not ideal. On the positive side, despite a tendency
to brightness the midrange was clean and uncluttered with non of the edginess
and graininess of some other valves. Microphonics are about average, perhaps
a little better then average. It seems to be a highly reliable valve, which
might have attraction for some.
Overall a valve that might work well in a system
that is rather on the dull side and needs brightening up. If your system
is already on the bright side this may be too much. At current prices and
in the current market I feel this Valve is overpriced. All in all a Valve
that did not find much favor with either listening panel or myself.
Overall 55
Tonality 50
Bass 50
Midrange 60
High-frequencies 60
Resolution 55
Soundscape /Imaging 50
Fit and Finish 60
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Electro Harmonix
300B
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Electro Harmonix is a relatively new Brand for
Valves (it is well known for guitar effects) owned by New Sensor who also
own the Sovtek brand name. The valves are actually rebadged Reflector units,
made in the Saratov Factory in Russia. I briefly tested before "real" EHX
units, in this test I used the Reflector ceramic base 300B that is the
same Valve as re-labelled EHX. The test samples where purchased directly
from Russia. Manufacturing was reasonable and consistency good. Other than
the ceramic base there is no external clue to any differences to the Reflector/Sovtek
300B which seems identical but for the Plastic base. Internal structures
look common and but the filaments are supported on coiled springs different
from the Western Electric type valve.
This valve offered a very balanced sound, perhaps
slightly dark but with strong bass. The midrange had good detail and delineation
with a slightly subdued high frequency content. Compared to the plastic
base Reflector 300B the sound is slightly brightened up. In terms of three
dimensionality it did not match the best yet this Valve was quite likeable
and even-handed sounding giving much of the bloom and warmth of the 300B.
Not the last word in refinement or detail, but a good allrounder with better
than average resistance to microphonics too.
This valve is more than a little at the high price
side and does not offer the same kind of balance and sound as some others
at similar prices. Sound is good all-round and the valve will give a good
account of itself in most systems, especially those that are perhaps a
little on the bright side tonally.
Overall 58
Tonality 60
Bass 65
Midrange 60
High-frequencies 60
Resolution 50
Soundscape /Imaging 55
Fit and Finish 55
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JJ Electronics
300B
|
Made in the Slovak Republic in the former Tesla
Valve factory this Valve has been around a while. The Valve has a substantial
ceramic base and in general appears well made. Internal structures are
a little different from normal. However, the connection between Glass Bulb
and base was worryingly loose and lacking in rigidity.
I felt distinctly unhappy handling these Valves.
While no valve with a separate base should be pulled out by its glass bulb
this lack of solidity is worrying and possibly has an influence on the
sound too. Both valves where identical so I do not think this was an isolated
fault. The valves where pretty new but run in for around 100 Hours.
Sonically this valve failed to convince, sounding
bright, harsh and edgy. Soundstaging was lacking too. One positive side,
the bass was quite strong and well defined but the overall tonal balance
was subjectively objectionable and faintly unpleasant. This valve may have
needed "burn in", However, my experience has so far been that few valves
change their sound dramatically after burn in. Moreover, the friend who
bought them still reports similar sonics many 100 hours later. Microphonics
are about average.
Given the cost ($200/pair or more) and sonic performance
this Valve disappoints. I would not recommend it unless the asking price
was very low.
Overall 50
Tonality 50
Bass 55
Midrange 50
High-frequencies 50
Resolution 50
Soundscape /Imaging 50
Fit and Finish 50
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Reflektor/Sovtek
300B
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This valve is the one that until recently was sold
under Sovtek label. It seems to have been taken out of the Sovtek catalogue
by New Sensor but remains readily available in Russia, from where these
most recent samples where imported at a cost of $30 each (via El-Tubes,
previous purchases where at similar prices via tubes.ru). This makes this
300B by far the cheapest currently offered. Manufacturing quality is good,
internal structures are usual but for the coil spring support for the filament
wires.
Sonically this valve sounded almost identical to
the ceramic base version now sold under Electro Harmonix label. Evenly
balanced tonally with strong bass this Valve makes easy listening. Compared
to the ceramic base version this Valve sounded more subdues in the treble
range, also having a slightly more constricted soundstage. Microphonics
of this valve appear lower than average.
This valve is great value for money and offers
evenly balanced sound slightly on the warm and dark side, thus suited best
to overly bright systems. Highly recommended if import directly from Russia
is possible or dealers offer similarly competitive pricing.
Overall 56
Tonality 60
Bass 65
Midrange 60
High-frequencies 55
Resolution 50
Soundscape /Imaging 50
Fit and Finish 55
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Svetlana 300B
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This valve was previously marketed by Svetlana
USA, who in recent times seems to have suffered finical difficulties. The
Svetlana factory in St. Petersburg still seems to make the valve though,
current stock is still in the dealer channels. I have been told new production
runs will be made, so I consider this Valve very much current.
In the past Svetlana 300B's have suffered from
quality control issues and had a tendency to develop grid/cathode shorts
when the cathode/filament supports deformed after running the Valve hot.
Internal structures match the WE style very closely, the glass is quite
thick and heavy. Still reliability is an issue with this valve.
Tonally the Svetlana 300B is evenly balanced with
a beautifully delineated midrange and gorgeous sound staging. It has been
a longstanding favorite of mine for it's sound which is classic 300B, close
in fact to the reissue WE 300B. While great in the midrange the bass and
Treble are only very good. The soundstage depth is very good. Microphonics
of the Svetlana valve are perhaps a little above average, but not much.
All in all this Valve stands a good deal above
much of the competition at the budget end and offers superb sound. The
history of poor reliability However, makes good backup from a reliable and
reputable dealer a must, so a recommendation with some question marks is
on order.
Overall 70
Tonality 70
Bass 70
Midrange 75
High-frequencies 70
Resolution 65
Soundscape /Imaging 75
Fit and Finish 60
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TJ 300B Mesh
Anode Globe
|
This Valve is rather new, the units I tested where
some of the first series units. They are being made in China in the Tianjin
Province, the supplier (DIY HiFi Supply) being somewhat coy about more
details. The Factory specializes in early WE Replicas and has build up
quite a reputation in Japan. Their products are available from a number
of sources under the Full Music and All Music label.
The "TJ" label is the "house label" of Opera Audio
Hong Kong and DIY HiFi Supply. They claim for the TJ valves added selection
and burn in and curve (rather point) matching. DIY HiFi Supply will ship
the valves internationally and are pleasant to deal with but for one little
detail. Credit Cards are accepted only via the paypal service, other payment
methods include bank transfer. In both cases extra effort and expense is
needed, this may dissuade some people from ordering.
In terms of build quality these Valves are easily
the best in the whole group, with thick glass, substantial internal structures
and a superb consistency. These Valves have a number of features that set
them aside form the usual, not at least the perforated anode, globe glass
envelope and a very different structure for suspending the filaments. Also,
the filament wires extend past the Anode structure, a feature claimed by
another manufacturer that uses it to improve linearity. No specific claims
are being made for any of the features in the Valve and a question on performance
elicits a dry "WE Spec" reply.
Sonically this valve was a revelation. In one of
my amplifiers I can switch between many Valves including the 45. I always
have liked the 45, but it's limited power meant that often the 300B was
preferred, despite it's slightly thick, overly warm and slow sound. Well,
this valve "out 45's" the 45! It offers that clarity, directness and openness
I know from my 45's but adds power and even more resolution. I love it.
The tonal balance is very even-handed, the soundstage is ridiculously extended
and opened up. Detail, especially these little background things are exceptionally
well resolved. Okay, hand me the drool towel. The fact that the valve glows
very, very prettily in the dark is a distinct bonus (see "lit up" picture),
but it's the sound that counts.
While not cheap this Valve to my ears is the highest
300B game in town. I personally would, given the choice (and I have the
choice) use nothing less.
Overall 90
Tonality 90
Bass 85
Midrange 90
High-frequencies 90
Resolution 90
Soundscape /Imaging 90
Fit and Finish 95
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TJ 300B Solid
Anode Globe
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This was actually the first TJ valve I encountered.
It has the same shape and features and same providence as the "mesh anode"
version, but the Anode is a conventional solid metal type.
I fitted it into my amplifier and was struck how
much of the sound of a 45 it brought along. Compared to the "Mesh Anode"
this valve offers a little less detail and directness, but the TJ family
sound (also found in the Solid Anode Coke bottle valve that was withdrawn
from the review) is clearly there. Balanced, detailed, direct open and
beautiful. This Valve is certainly well worth considering, in fact if it
was not for the TJ Mesh Anode this would be my recommendation. One advantage
is that the solid anode version is a bit more rugged if run at very high
dissipation. So if your amplifier runs the output valve very hard this
may be a better bet for long term reliability. Otherwise go for the Mesh.
As it stands this Valve costs a little less than
the Mesh Anode TJ 300B and sounds a little less good. If the budget is
tight then make it stretch at least this far. If you can stretch it to
the cost of the Mesh Anode TJ make it stretch.
Overall 85
Tonality 80
Bass 85
Midrange 85
High-frequencies 85
Resolution 80
Soundscape /Imaging 85
Fit and Finish 95
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Valve Art 300B
|
Made in Hunan China this valve is by now a veteran.
My test pair was actually the (replacement) pair supplied for the Billie
Kit Amplifier where it comes as standard. The valves where well burned
in. Internal structures resemble the Sovtek valves, but the anodes are
a shiny black finish.
Sonically this valve very much resembles the Cetron,
with a bright tone, forward and overall a slightly tipped up balance is
combined with a good bass punch, but the sound is rather lean. The soundstaging
was quite open and resolved. Unlike the Cetron, the Valve Art could at
times sound a little grainy and edgy, but much less so than the JJ. The
tonality did smooth out a little with burn in but fundamentally remained.
Microphonics are about average, perhaps slightly better. If your system
is essentially neutral sounding or even a little bright this Valve's sound
may prove too bright and incisive, if you system sounds a bit a dull this
valve will brighten things up.
Given the current pricing and performance this
Valve comes recommended, with a caveat on the excessively bright tonal
balance that will exclude this Valve from many systems.
Overall 55
Tonality 55
Bass 60
Midrange 55
High-frequencies 50
Resolution 55
Soundscape /Imaging 55
Fit and Finish 60
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Valve Art 4300B
|
This Valve is also made by O&J Enterprises
in Hunan but brand-new. It introduces a new type anode made as a sandwich
of copper, nickel and iron. More power dissipation and better sound are
claimed. Internal structures and externals match the normal Valve Art 300B,
but the Anode is a flat grey as most other 300B's and the pins are gold
plated. To denote the premium grade status O&J has chosen to use the
STC UK 4300B designator for the valve, the original STC 4300B is considered
by many the best sounding 300B, quite a tall order to live up to.
Sonically this valve resembles the Cetron and normal
Valve Art but with the brightness and forwardness elevated to a new level.
The slight graininess and edginess of the standard Valve Art However, is
gone, yet the tonal balance is even more tipped up. On the positive side,
this valve seems more resolving and detailed than the standard type. It
will again work well in system that are on the dull side, in my system
it clearly exceeded my tolerance levels for brightness. It was however
much at home driving the Beauhorn B2
loudspeakers I reviewed a while back, where it managed to compensate
for their lack of treble extension. As with the Cetron and standard Valve
Art this Valve is unlikely to work well in evenly balanced or slightly
bright systems.
Given the pricing and in the right system this
valve can be recommended, just be careful it matches your system.
Overall 59
Tonality 58
Bass 55
Midrange 60
High-frequencies 60
Resolution 60
Soundscape /Imaging 60
Fit and Finish 60
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Western Electric
300B
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Reaching the end of this particular marathon we
have the Western Electric 300B. Reissued a few years ago this has long
been the 300B against which every other has been measured. In some inconclusive
tests I felt that the original pre 1988 WE sounded better and others have
made similar comments, but I can't be sure.
Internally, well it's a WE 300B. So that is what
it looks like. Compared to some others build quality is consistent but
not very solid, the glass is a bit on the thin side and the Valve feels
lightweight, still, you get five years warranty and reliability seems to
be great.
Sonically this valve clearly shows what made the
reputation of the 300B - warm, expansive and open it offers great tonality
- good Soundstaging, warmth, all those classic qualities. At that it is
However, classic 300B sound, eluding the final levels of directness and
detail that I had always thought the domain of a 45 or 10/VT-25. Given
the excellent balance, tone and soundscaping this valve would have been
the king of this hill had it not been for the TJ Valves. Whatever the WE
300B does wrong, it errors are those of omission, not of commission. It
does not offer those last, final levels of detail, space, airiness etc,
but it offers solid, balanced and excellent performance.
The price of the valve is on the high side, make
that very high side. For the price of a matched pair you can easily
buy three matched pairs of the TJ Mesh Anode Globes. To make up for that
you get a five years warranty, that is a lot of peace of mind. Me? I'd
go for the sound, who knows if I or if Western Electric are around five
years from now..
Overall 74
Tonality 75
Bass 75
Midrange 80
High-frequencies 75
Resolution 75
Soundscape /Imaging 80
Fit and Finish 60
|
After detailing each valves background and sound
time for a closing few lines. As I mentioned, all valves have their own
characteristic sound and tonality. As such some will work better in some
systems than in others. As it is generally not possible to borrow Valves
for a few days and listen, you will have to go by comments of such as reviewers
and people commenting in the Usenet and on Discussion Boards.
If you do look up their advice or consider mine
make sure you know the System and musical taste of those commenting. While
in general my comments have been born out in my circle of friends (many
of whom also have Sovtek, Svetlana and TJ valves at hand) you may find
that in your system things pan out a little different. The whole topic
is complex. Ideally look for comments from people that own the same Amp
and ideally the same speakers as you do. Otherwise make sure speakers have
comparable efficiencies and tonality. As mentioned on some speakers which
where arguably somewhat deficient in HF extension the Valve Art 4300B offered
excellent sound because it compensated this. In my own system which is
by far more evenly balanced and offer a very extended frequency response
the same Valve turned very bright, almost unbearably so. While I can recommend
most Valves within this line-up (with the exception of the JJ and because
of pricing the Cetron and EHX) they come in general all with the "make
sure they match your system" health warning.
It was exhausting but fun to appreciate all the
different 300B Valves in various Amplifiers and contexts and I hope that
this little article will help you a little to make your choices easier.
However, it should by no means be taken as the gospel. Just because I did
not like the particular Valve you paid your hard-earned cash for and that
you like does not mean that you made a wrong a choice. In the right system
I could enjoy my music with pretty much any of these Valves and that's
what it is all about.
Until next time...
System used
for formal audition:
Source: Adagio non-oversampling DAC prototype with
TDA1541 driven by a modified Pioneer DV-505 DVD Player
Preamplifier: Toccata - modified from an Arthur
Loesch design
Power Amplifier: Opera Audio Consonance M500 Kit
with Ken Rad VT-229 and Mullard GZ-34
Loudspeakers: Magnificat - DIY based around antique
Goodmans Full-Range Drivers, around 104db/W/m, 25Hz - 20kHz in room, additional
Visaton T-25 subwoofer
Room correction - Behringer Ultracurve 8024 Digital
equalizer.
Music used included Eiji Oue conducting the Minnesota
Orchestra playing Mussorgskys Pictures at an Exhibition on reference
recordings, some further reference recordings CD's (these where brought
by a friend) including Nicholas McGegan/Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Vivaldi for diverse instruments as well as Moloko The Time Is
Now for a modern "pop" tune. Valves where tested blind and given five
minutes warm-up before playing the same musical sequence.
My own informal audition stretched over many month
and included the following:
Analog Sources:
Oracle Delphi Turntable and Acoustic Solid "Solid
One" turntable with a number of Arms and Cartridges including Origin modified
RB-250 & Goldring Elite, SME 3009 & Denon DL-103, Rega RB-300 &
Goldring Elite/Denon DL-103, Ortofon RS-212 special with SPU-GTE Pickup
Digital Sources:
Adagio Non oversampling DAC, Philips LHH-1000
DAC (aka Marantz DA-12) and Pioneer DV-505 DVD Player plus Teac P-500 Transport
Pre-amplifiers:
Toccata (modified Arthur Loesch Pre), Shindo Claret
(DIY Copy), Consonance Reference 1.2
Power Amplifiers:
Opera Audio Consonance M500, Legacy (modified
from the le Maison de l'Audiophile Legacy design, a modernized WECO 91
with adjustable HT, Heaters and cathode resistors for the output Valve
allowing many types (including 2A3, 300B, 45 & 10) to be used
Loudspeakers:
Tannoy Monitor Red 15" in Corner York Cabinets,
Magnificat (DIY based around Goodmans Axiom 80 and Axiom 201 fullrange
Drivers), Beauhorn B2
Some of the valves where evaluated further in a
friends system. This consists of DIY hybrid electrostatic speakers and
two different push-pull amplifiers (one fully differential "Direct Reactance
Drive" 300B only Amplifier with 6S45PE Driver Valves, the other with a
6SN7 interstage transformer coupled design that can be converted between
2A3 and 300B) on the ESL Panels. Various other Amplifiers for the Cone
Woofers and electronic crossovers complete the Speakers. The source in
this system is he Adagio DAC driven by a Acoustic Precision Eikos CDP and
a Euridice transformer coupled pre-amplifier.
-
Steve Dude, whatever happened to that
page?
-
John Lee Hooker, Gary Moore
-
Loretta Lynn, Patsie Klein, Tammy Wynette
-
Sibelius, Grieg, Rautavaara
-
If you don't know or can't remember,
what are you doing reading this? Go out and fall in love!
-
I guess the only true 300B is the pre-1988
Western Electric 300B, all the newer versions are probably best described
as 300B compatible, as they differ in materials, structures etc.
-
Trust me, I tried to get Valves, especially
the AVVT C37 Mesh Anode types, but even a personal endorsement by Dieter
Ennemoser ("Mr C37") did not succeed in getting me samples, I was told
I could buy a pair at distributors cost and declined.
-
A complete description of the equipment
used, some of the music used and other technicalities are near the bottom
of this report
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