Dan,
You're in a very fine position in regards to your system and I'm glad you recognize this. You have two amplifiers that you can enjoy at anytime and that's to be admired. Which ever presentation you're in the mood for it's right there. Many folks are striving to reach what you have achieved.
Charles,

charles1dad April 17, 2015 19:29

Hi Dan,
Congratulations on your successful amplifier building project. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Charles,

charles1dad March 18, 2015 22:07

Hi Dan,
Your room is neat and attrative, yes those Tannoys are gorgeous! Most important is the joy you consistently derive from the beautiful music you hear in this system. You've done an excellent job.
Charles,

charles1dad November 04, 2014 01:52

Dan,
Your Garrard looks gorgeous! You did an excellent job with that plinth. The best part is it must sound as beautiful as it looks. You should be proud.
Charles,

charles1dad August 19, 2014 01:52

Hi Dan,
I love it when I read that others are really enjoying music with their systems. You seem to be having a ball! No doubt the First Watt is an excellent amplifier. I do however understand your "realism"regarding your 300b SET amplifier.It's very hard to live without once exposed to it.
Charles,

charles1dad July 15, 2014 04:13

Dan,
SET amps and a good active line stage are a match for excellent sound.Your system has evolved into something special and has elevated your enjoyment/engagement substantially it seems.
Charles,

charles1dad May 18, 2014 20:31

Dan,
You seem to be having much fun with your system, keep it up!
Do you prefer the active or passive line stage with your SET amplifier?
Charles,

charles1dad May 11, 2014 13:35

Dan,
My line stage is a mixture of what you'll be comparing (sort of). It's an active unit (two 101D DHT tubes) but it has transformer volume control for sonic purity (according to the builder/designer). The overall concept is very simple- minimalist circuit like your Transcendent.
Charles,

charles1dad April 19, 2014 01:57

Dan,
I believe that the minimalist designed active Transcendent could be a very good fit with a good 300b SET such as yours . I look forward to reading your impression and comparison, should be fun and interesting.
Charles,

charles1dad April 18, 2014 23:58

Dan,
You're obviously doing quite well with your current 300b SET based on the attributes you describe and joy it provides for you. Although there are diminishing returns the SET performance goes with the output transformer quality for the most part ( and of course power supply). It's the naturalness/realism that seperates SET from the others in my own experience. I can't live without this characteristic now that I've become accustom to it.
Charles,

charles1dad April 08, 2014 00:51

First Watt and SET, simpler class A circuits with fewer parts wins again. Both of these will keep you happy for many years. Dan when you find an amplifier more natural sounding than a good SET let me know.
Charles,

charles1dad April 06, 2014 04:08

So it is between the VAC or the First Watt M2? Which of these two amps compel you to listen for longer periods of time with more emotional inolvement?

charles1dad April 05, 2014 22:14

Dan,
There are worse "pickles" to be stuck with, you have 3 amps that you really enjoy. How is instrument tone, naturalness and presence of the M2 compared to your SET? Have fun!
Charles,

charles1dad April 05, 2014 04:12

Dan,
The First Watt M2 and your 300b SET make for an intriguing contrast, both good but different.
Charles,

charles1dad April 01, 2014 23:29

Jet,
I'll agree to some inconsistency for Quinichette from one song to another. On certain cuts he sounds gorgeous. He's a very good musician but not as masterful as the others you've mentioned. Mann was excellent and Clifford simply one for the ages as was Sarah.
Charles,

charles1dad March 05, 2014 01:08

Brett,
You sacrifices for humanity are much appreciated, you are indeed noble.
Charles,

charles1dad March 04, 2014 19:09

Hi Jet,
I don't know if your vinyl LP and my CD vary much but Quinichette's tenor saxophone has fully developed tone, body and very resolved texture to my ears, just pure beauty. Same impression with Herbie Mann's flute as well.
Charles,

charles1dad March 04, 2014 04:31

I've had this CD for a long time and as my system has evolved this recording just continues to sound better as a reflection of the improvements. So I give much credit to the recording engineer who obviously had good ears and talent.
Charles,

charles1dad March 03, 2014 21:11

Hey Dan,
Good to hear that! Enjoying your music is the sole reason for this fun hobby of ours.
Charles,

charles1dad March 03, 2014 20:04

Dan,
I only meant did you like Clifford Brown's playing as much as Sarah's singing. His trumpet sounds so good on this recording, nothing more. I share your thoughts regarding all genres of music should be handled well by a good system.
Charles,

charles1dad March 03, 2014 03:14

Hi Dan,
How does Clifford's trumpet come across with your system? I love the entire CD but his solo on the song "Jim" just connects with me no matter how often I've heard it, pure emotion in his horn. Paul Quinichette's tenor saxophone is beautifully played and captured, what a lovely full tone he had.
Charles,

charles1dad March 02, 2014 21:43

Dan,
Does your VAC set up with silver cable now equals the SET amplifier system?
Charles,

charles1dad January 12, 2014 22:11

Hi Dan,
Not surprised at your solid core silver cable-SET success, I find this combination an ideal match. Natural, beautiful and real.
Charles,

charles1dad January 11, 2014 20:59

Hi Dan,
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll follow up on some of these recordings.
Charles,

charles1dad December 31, 2013 01:08

Jetrexpro,
I know we've talked about these tubes and I'm glad you're willing to try them. Let us know what you think of them when you find the time. It's interesting as we're all using different amplifiers.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Charles,

charles1dad December 24, 2013 23:27

I love good quality solid core silver with my tubes and especially SET amplifier.Auditorium 23 has a stellar reputation so this would be an interesting comparison for certain.
Charles,

charles1dad December 22, 2013 23:27

Isochronism,
Your loaned pair of the Sophia Royal Princess(RP) sounded wonderful in my amplifier( significantly better than the very respectable Sophia princess mesh). It's so good to have true upper echelon 300b tubes available for our listening pleasure. RP, Takatsuki, EML, KR and also the AVVT (When you can find them) You can't go wrong with any of these and it will simply be individual preferences(I suspect it could vary with the given amplifier as well).
When Dan noted the realism of the cello's(Beethoven) sound I smiled and nodded my head, I knew what he was meant.
Charles,

charles1dad December 07, 2013 22:45

Hi Dan,
You should be very pleased with the purchase of your amplifier . It has the resolution and transparency to exploit the attributes of the premium level 300b tubes. Your found yourself a good amp.
Charles,

charles1dad December 06, 2013 03:24

Dan,
Well written and I understand you sincere joy with your SET based system. SET amplifiers are very simple circuits and if built and implemented well, the music signal will be pure and transparent. You have a good quality SET so I'd expect it to respond to the higher quality 300b tubes.

I believed that the EML XLS would yield a considerable upgrade in sound quality as you have confirmed. Dan the sound will continue to improve as the tubes acquire playing time. All you have to do is just sit back and enjoy your natural beautiful sound.
I'm glad you took the chance and tried these wonderful 300b tubes. We're both completely smitten by the holistic-organic music reproduction of SET systems.
Charles,

charles1dad December 05, 2013 23:05

Dan,
I'm interested to see what your impression of them are once you hear them. I think you made a wise choice, good SET amps deserve good tubes
Charles,

charles1dad November 26, 2013 00:01

Dan,
I have just spent the past several days listening to the Sophia Princess mesh 300b sent to me by an audiogon member. He wanted me to compare these to my Takatsuki and EML XLS. My impression is that the mesh is a good sounfing tube but the other two are superb and noticeably better across the board. More transparent, open, dynamic and more resolved and nuanced.
Charles,

charles1dad November 25, 2013 21:39

Hi Dan,
No attempt to dissuade you from purchasing the magnificent Takatsuki but the EML XLS is an excellent 300b to seriously consider if the Takatsuki is too costly. I own both and love them. These are premium level tubes and are much superior to the average 300b
Charles, .

charles1dad November 24, 2013 21:35

Dan,
It sure was a good decision to get that 300b amp.You really seem to be having a ball listening to your music.This doesn`t surprise me.
Charles,

charles1dad September 29, 2013 18:50

Dan,
It`s gratifying to read that someone is genuinely happy with their audio system and simply enjoys the music .Reading this and other forums you come to realize this isn`t the case for some. Tannoys seem to generate two camps, SET amps are terrific with them, or Tannoys need more power than a low powered SET provides. Maybe it depends on the specific Tannoy model.Bottom line, I`m glad it worked out so well for you using a lower power SET amplifier.You took the chance and the result speaks for itself.
Charles,

charles1dad September 03, 2013 12:01

Dan,
I'd agree a back up amplifier is a good idea. Istill have the PP amplifier I described and also an Audio Prism Debut PP El 34 amp (from way back, a really good 40 watt amp).They're both collecting dust.
Charles,

charles1dad May 05, 2013 19:03

Dan,
You`re welcome. I can easily relate to your situation .My prior amplifier was a "very good" 100 watt push pull class AB, 6550/KT 88 tubes ultra linear(60 watts in triode). I really enjoyed this amp, once I got the Frankenstein SET 300b There was an immediate sense of improved emotional connection to my music.The sense/presence of living flesh and blood musicians went to a higher level. The PP amp provides more bass impact and weight(narrower gap then you`d think however).Both go louder than I`d ever utilize.m In every other parameter you can name the 8 watt SET is just more involving,realistic and enjoyable.It has been nearly 4 years now and I feel more strongly convinced than ever before.I can`t go back.My system simply became more captivating and engaging with the introduction of the 300b amplifier.
Regards,

charles1dad May 05, 2013 02:50

Dan,
Some people will fixate on the stated power rating of an amplifier and conclude,not enough power. This certainly can be the case depending on what amp and which speaker. The 2nd issue is amplifiers rated at the same wattage output can be dramatically different in sound and drive ability(better transformers,power supply,parts etc.). Fortunately you got pass the mental barrier and trusted your ears (the best method of all).
Regards,

charles1dad May 05, 2013 00:06

Dan,
That's good news and I'm glad you took a chance on the 300b SET to drive your Tannoys. The better the 300b tube , the better the sound.
Regards,

charles1dad May 04, 2013 19:25

Dan,
It's hard to say how hot a transformer should be, it probably depends on the design parameters. The Coincident amplifier transformers get mildly warm and nothing beyond that. Dont know if this has any meaningful significance or not. Your amp's transformers look stout and you have upgraded parts.The bottom line is this, you're getting very good sound with them driving the Tannoys.
Regards,

charles1dad April 18, 2013 01:01

I understand Dan, tubes and solid state are just different , both have their supporters. For what matters to me the most, lower power tubes amplifiers and especially SET give me more of it.What 300b SET are you using?
Regards,

charles1dad April 17, 2013 19:55

Hi Dan,
That's very good news, you never what the outcome will be when inserting something new and unfamiliar in your system. The Tannoy is interesting , some say they are truly exceptional with SET amplifiers. Another faction insists you must have more power than a 300b SET provides. It appears you chose a good quality SET, congratulations.
Regards,

charles1dad April 17, 2013 04:03

Dan,
The JJ is a solid performing tube but there are better.Keep a look out for used EML, Psvane or the Shuguang Black Treasure as good upgrades but not uber priced.SET circuits are simple/transparent so you'll really hear the differences among the 300b tubes.
Regards,

charles1dad April 16, 2013 20:02

Dan thanks for your comments.If your SET has high quality transformers and a stiff power supply you'll be in good shape. Those two areas make or break a SET amplifier. Which 300b tube are you using? The better ones definitely make a considerable difference.
Regards,

charles1dad April 15, 2013 19:31

Dan,
I enjoy reading your posts on this site.
I`m interested in your impression of a 300b SET with your Tannoys. Opinions seem very split,either yes it`s a great match, or no,they need more power.The quality of the amp itself is also a variable,some SETs are just better than others.
Best of luck,

charles1dad April 14, 2013 21:10