[Skylab]

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

 

[Rdr. Seraphim]

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!  

 

[Afrikane]

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.

 

[Skylab]

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!

 

[Afrikane]

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

 

[achristilaw]

Quote:

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....

 

[Gu Sensei]

Yep, mine is like that too.
 
Quote:

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

 

[Gu Sensei]

Quote:

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

 
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.

 

[achristilaw]

 
Quote:

 
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!
 

 

[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  

 

[TigzStudio]

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

 

[achristilaw]

 
Quote:

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

. 

 

[arnesto]

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?
 

 

[MikeLa]

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.

 

[MikeLa]

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.