[normie610]

Good eye! Pretty good complement, right.

Yep it’s good. But now I prefer NOS Mullard CV1377

 

[paradoxper]

Yep it’s good. But now I prefer NOS Mullard CV1377

I had initial plans to pursue the 274B, however rectifiers are nominal in change and I can't honestly be bothered to tube roll.

I'm too satisfied to try.

 

[normie610]

I had initial plans to pursue the 274B, however rectifiers are nominal in change and I can't honestly be bothered to tube roll.

I'm too satisfied to try.

Yeah if you’re satisfied then don’t bother. The rectifier on the Neo usually affect the bottom end so it’s a good way of fine tuning that area of sound.

 

[paradoxper]

Yeah if you’re satisfied then don’t bother. The rectifier on the Neo usually affect the bottom end so it’s a good way of fine tuning that area of sound.

Talk to me when I roll out of boredom (not going to actually happen).

 

[normie610]

Talk to me when I roll out of boredom (not going to actually happen).

Hahahaha just enjoy your boredom

 

[paradoxper]

Hahahaha just enjoy your boredom

yes yes master.

 

[tumpux]

In my experience most of 300B fans will one day graduate to 2A3.
One day..

 

[paradoxper]

In my experience most of 300B fans will one day graduate to 2A3.
One day..

Bah. Luckily my pre is switchable to 2A3 and 45. But no, 300B is unmatched.

 

[sahmen]

300B is a type of tube. It has this absolutely wonderful sound characteristics. 300Bs are typically used in amps, only a handful of preamp use 300B as the output tube.

The Manley 300b pre amp I have seen does look imposingly impressive, but it is more expensive than either of my two current primary amps (Niimbus US4 and Pathos InPol Ear), not to mention more than twice the price of a fully equipped version of the CFA3. Are there any less expensive ways for adding the 300B tube itself to a chain, by which I mean, less expensive pre amps that are compatible with the 300b?

PS : I just did a quick search and saw a few DiY models of 300b preamps that are not as expensive (e.g. a bottlehead Crack version), but still I'm unable to assess independently how good these alternatives are... Oh well... I am not sweating too much on this 300b tube issue though, so it is all good.

 

[normie610]

The Manley 300b pre amp I have seen does look imposingly impressive, but it is more expensive than either of my two current primary amps (Niimbus US4 and Pathos InPol Ear), not to mention more than twice the price of a fully equipped version of the CFA3. Are there any less expensive ways for adding the 300B tube itself to a chain, by which I mean, less expensive pre amps that are compatible with the 300b?

PS : I just did a quick search and saw a few DiY models of 300b preamps that are not as expensive (e.g. a bottlehead Crack version), but still I'm unable to assess independently how good these alternatives are... Oh well... I am not sweating too much on this 300b tube issue though, so it is all good.

@paradoxper is using Supratek Cabernet DHT, which is reasonably priced compared to the Manley.

 

[paradoxper]

The Manley 300b pre amp I have seen does look imposingly impressive, but it is more expensive than either of my two current primary amps (Niimbus US4 and Pathos InPol Ear), not to mention more than twice the price of a fully equipped version of the CFA3. Are there any less expensive ways for adding the 300B tube itself to a chain, by which I mean, less expensive pre amps that are compatible with the 300b?

PS : I just did a quick search and saw a few DiY models of 300b preamps that are not as expensive (e.g. a bottlehead Crack version), but still I'm unable to assess independently how good these alternatives are... Oh well... I am not sweating too much on this 300b tube issue though, so it is all good.

I wouldn't cut corners. I am using a Cabernet DHT, however, this was built with sole use for headphone application.

Your best bet is to play the used market, virtually any prospected gear falls in the $3-5k range. If you go custom, cut the options down to reduce pricing.

I'm of the opinion 300B amps will always run soft in bass response and soft in treble extension, it's just their nature. Cheating with a highly resolving brute such as CFA3 almost has zero concession. The omission is the bass bloom is still resonant although far, far less and in an appreciably enjoyable presentation.

 

[jjshin23]

Running CFA3 with DNA Stratus with 300B tubes and sounding very good. Softens the sound without drop in detail. Soundstages seems to have gotten wider as well.

 

[genefruit]

Running CFA3 with DNA Stratus with 300B tubes and sounding very good. Softens the sound without drop in detail. Soundstages seems to have gotten wider as well.

interesting - DNA are 2A3 based amps. Or are you calling 300B 2.5V tubes 300B?

 

[jjshin23]

yes it is the 2.5v 300B from Sophia Elec. with the Mullard GZ37

 

[paradoxper]

Running CFA3 with DNA Stratus with 300B tubes and sounding very good. Softens the sound without drop in detail. Soundstages seems to have gotten wider as well.

You may be better off with the 45 especially Globe. A more pronounced stage and space than true 300B and a little more resolution sweeping with more sweetness.
I can imagine the 2.5v are a step in the right direction.