McChanson amps appreciation thread

[UntilThen]

Any other mods you thinking about ?

If you are going to get the KT170 amp, it's better with go with the Super Ultimate chassis. It's better made and more compact. Eric has confirmed that it will fit in it. The only time you would go with the bigger chassis is if you opt for Interstage transformers instead of caps. Eric can do IT too. He has done that for my previous 300b amp.

See the 2 chassis side by side - the size.

 

[svmusa]

Interstage transformers - curious on benefits vs caps...

What is the additional cost to expect? Thx

 

[UntilThen]

Interstage transformers - curious on benefits vs caps...

What is the additional cost to expect? Thx

$300 for IT. They are made in China and not the fancy and expensive Audio Note ones. You can choose a good branded ones but you will pay for it.
I had IT on my previous 300b McChanson amp but I couldn't tell if it's better than a 300b using good caps.

This was my Destiny 300b amp with IT and double choke. Amp is heavy with a lot of iron. The 2 irons between the drivers and 300b tubes are the interstage transformers.

 

[svmusa]

$300 for IT. They are made in China and not the fancy and expensive Audio Note ones. You can choose a good branded ones but you will pay for it.
I had IT on my previous 300b McChanson amp but I couldn't tell if it's better than a 300b using good caps.

This was my Destiny 300b amp with IT and double choke. Amp is heavy with a lot of iron. The 2 irons between the drivers and 300b tubes are the interstage transformers.

Thx, I am after warmer sounding profile (Elevated bass, a bit thicker mids and smoother highs) and debating if a cap is better than transformers?
Looks like good caps are spendy as well, but curious of your take...

 

[UntilThen]

Thx, I am after warmer sounding profile (Elevated bass, a bit thicker mids and smoother highs) and debating if a cap is better than transformers?
Looks like good caps are spendy as well, but curious of your take...

Sounds like the 300b amp is what you're after. McChanson's amps generally have a warmer sounding profile. The KT170 amp is more linear with better treble extension but still with very nice tone colour and body texture. Makes HD800 sound like it has more meat !

Elevated bass, a bit thicker mids and smoother highs is how I would describe Destiny 300b amp. Whether it's IT or good caps, the end result is similar to what you want. Another thing that can effect the sound profile more is the choice of 300b tubes. Genalex Gold Lion 300b tubes seen in the picture is a bit warmer than say a JJ Full Music 300b tubes.

Also the choice of rectifier. The GZ32 seen in the picture is warmer than a GZ34.

 

[svmusa]

I did try Elekit 300B, was not too my liking but good to hear the sound profile of McChanson's amps will be to my liking.

Leaning on the KT170, I have quite a few of the KT family tubes with 6CA7/6l6G already in my collection. The KT170 will serve me dual purpose for headphones and speakers alike.

 

[UntilThen]

On hindsight I shouldn't have sold off Destiny. I've compare Feliks Audio Envy and Destiny. Destiny sounded better and cheaper. No one would believe me though and I don't need to convince them.

 

[UntilThen]

I did try Elekit 300B, was not too my liking but good to hear the sound profile of McChanson's amps will be to my liking.

Leaning on the KT170, I have quite a few of the KT family tubes with 6CA7/6l6G already in my collection. The KT170 will serve me dual purpose for headphones and speakers alike.

I had a Elekit TU 8200R before but it sounded a bit flat compared to McChanson's amps.

If I didn't have Odyssey, I would be ordering the KT170 like right away. This is Odyssey and it will make you weep with joy.

 

[svmusa]

You are not alone; I have done similar mistakes in past to let go some gear to only realize how good they were.

I have had conversations with Eric in past on 2A3/300B amps and seems like he was able to get the noise to minimal with DHT tubes, I may pursue this later after I get the KT170 and sell my Quicksilver mono blocks.

 

[svmusa]

I had a Elekit TU 8200R before but it sounded a bit flat compared to McChanson's amps.

If I didn't have Odyssey, I would be ordering the KT170 like right away. This is Odyssey and it will make you weep with joy.

Elekit is good for many, but too close to solid-state sounding, I attribute that to solid state rectification and feedback design.

 

[UntilThen]

You are not alone; I have done similar mistakes in past to let go some gear to only realize how good they were.

I have had conversations with Eric in past on 2A3/300B amps and seems like he was able to get the noise to minimal with DHT tubes, I may pursue this later after I get the KT170 and sell my Quicksilver mono blocks.

I see... and you're not from Australia?

Eric produce a 300b/2a3/45 amp now call Supreme based on Ultimate's circuitry. This amp is very quiet even with sensitive Grados but...

Here's the big but... Supreme does not have the bass drop and force that I feel with Destiny or the KT170 Silk amp.

Just remember that the KT170 amp is very quiet with Sennheiser HD800 300 ohms. With no music playing, I can turn the volume knob all the way to max and I hear no noise.

 

[UntilThen]

I'm listening to the HD650. If you've never listen to HD650 powered by a KT170 amp, you should. It's the new TOTL headphone of 2024. It sounds like a different headphone. Amazing doesn't quite describe it.

 

[UntilThen]

The KT170 will serve me dual purpose for headphones and speakers alike.

Perfect for that. Today I will take the KT170 amp to the lounge to drive my Axis LS88 floorstanders. Destiny was able to drive that speaker so the KT170 amp should do even better.

 

[svmusa]

I see... and you're not from Australia?

Eric produce a 300b/2a3/45 amp now call Supreme based on Ultimate's circuitry. This amp is very quiet even with sensitive Grados but...

Here's the big but... Supreme does not have the bass drop and force that I feel with Destiny or the KT170 Silk amp.

Just remember that the KT170 amp is very quiet with Sennheiser HD800 300 ohms. With no music playing, I can turn the volume knob all the way to max and I hear no noise.

I am in USA/ Southern California, though wish was in Australia to hear these amps in person....

Currently I own dynamic headphones within range of 100 to 109 db/mw, high sensitivity and 60-to-150-ohm impedance - will this specs be of any cause of concern for noise on the KT170?

 

[UntilThen]

I am in USA/ Southern California, though wish was in Australia to hear these amps in person....

Currently I own dynamic headphones within range of 100 to 109 db/mw, high sensitivity and 60-to-150-ohm impedance - will this specs be of any cause of concern for noise on the KT170?

It would probably be a cause of concern with those high sensitivity headphones. I have no means of testing with Grado on the KT170 amp as my speaker tap cable terminates in 4 pin xlr but my Grado is 1/4" jack. I am quite sure that Grado will hum on the KT170 amp. This amp is not built for high sensitivity headphones.

Ultimate is built for high sensitivity headphones. Grados are super quiet with Ultimate. So you're in a dilemma now. I'm laying it all out for you so that you can make an informed choice.

For what it's worth, Ultimate sounds great with HD800 and Susvara. Really great as all the other Ultimate owners will attest. Until KT170 amp came along....

It's like you're driving a BMW and you're very happy with it until a Ferrari came along.