The Leben CS300XS Thread - Page 7

My AC tends to run more like 125V.  So more reason to use the step-down.

The May Stereophile had some VERY nice things to say about the Leben CS600, the big brother of our Lebens :)

I've never had problems with AC in that range. On the other hand, I've heard the effects of too low a voltage making xformer's hum! It's not a happy hum either!  

I took delivery of mine on Friday and I am happy to report it looks much better in the "flesh" than it does in pics. But for one little niggle the build quality is exceptional; the niggle being a missing locking nut on the headphone jack. Listening time has been limited but thus far: I am surprised at the Sov EL84s, I did not expect them to sound this good. I have a K1000 on the taps and a HD800 in the jack, at the moment I am preferring the K1000 but this could just be re-awakened love. The HD800 sound exceptionally good out of my NOS B759/N709 tubed HD250 amp, the tonal balance is slightly different with CS300XS but it is too early to make pronouncements on this. On first impressions I think I am going to enjoy a long rewarding relationship with this amp.

Obligatory pic.

VERY nice!!!!  Russian EL-84's are not the worst thing in the world, I agree.  I'm less enthusiastic about Russian 12AX7 equivalents, so you might choose to roll those first.  But regardless, enjoy it - such a wonderful amp!

Mine came tubed with GE 5751s, not 12AX7s. I agree though, Sov 12ax7** leave a lot to be desired.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afrikane 

Mine came tubed with GE 5751s, not 12AX7s. I agree though, Sov 12ax7** leave a lot to be desired.

It's not missing a surface lock-nut...just a flush mount new design like mine....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gu Sensei 

 

My wallet dreads the day I wander into an audio store with one of these on display. I wonder what the differences are sonically with the CS300X.

Move over Megan Fox..'cause that is sexy!
 

Jeff Day, in his review of the Leben RS-30EQ Phono Preamplifier uses both of his Leben's, the CS300XS and CS600.  The owner of the shop where I purchased the CS300XS also has both units in his home.  So I guess when we all purchase our CS600's we will still want to keep the CS300's

Here is the link for his review in positive-feedback, he gives his impressions of the two units and the phono preamp 

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/leben.htm  

So has anyone ever found/heard a close equivalent to this amp (price not being a factor). ?  Just curious.  

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeLa 

Jeff Day, in his review of the Leben RS-30EQ Phono Preamplifier uses both of his Leben's, the CS300XS and CS600.  The owner of the shop where I purchased the CS300XS also has both units in his home.  So I guess when we all purchase our CS600's we will still want to keep the CS300's

 

Here is the link for his review in positive-feedback, he gives his impressions of the two units and the phono preamp 

 

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/leben.htm  

Ha-Ha! That's the good/bad news? I can live with that..they are as special as special get's! They are both a Leben of Love!

I already willed the Leben to myself for the after-life! It will be with me, Leben or dead. 

The price of the Leben CS300XS from the US importer is $3500.

I saw it on PriceJapan for $2400(being this version would need to use a convertor). Just wondering, if I bought it in Japan, how much would I pay for a new CS300XS.

What kind of mark up would I be paying to have it sent to me from Japan.

A question to MikeLA, which US store has these on display?

I went to a local dealer in Phoenix AZ, Arizona Hi-Fi (www.tubeaudio.com).  He had the CS600 out for audition.  I brought my headphones, sat down and listened, then signed the credit card slip for the CS300XS.

achristilaw,

When you are listening to your Leben which headphones are you mostly using? 

Since the Leben walked in, I've blown the dust off the HD650's.