The amp is an Audio Assemblage, that was offerred as a kit, and was designed and produced by Sonic Frontiers. This particular unit was described as a factory built, Signature model, with certain upgrades.

It was supposedly made for some audio "insider", for what that's worth, though the factory did confirm it had the Signature upgrades.

It has some pretty heavy iron on it. By the way, how hot do you think the power supply transformer should get? I put an oven thermometer on it last night, and it runs at 140 degrees, hot enough to burn if touched for more than a few seconds. This may be normal for this amp, but still, that's pretty hot.

I'll try to post pics a bit later.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 17, 2013 21:58

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

Thanks Charles, now I know it's working out ok, I think I'll sell my Plinius SA 100 MKIII, it won't see much use any more, and it's taking up valuable real estate. It did make a fine back-up amp though.

All tubes now. I would have never thought it possible, just a few years ago. I think only a few SS amps, that I couldn't afford anyway, would be able to do what these two amps do for me. Funny how things change.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 17, 2013 19:15

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

Hello Charles,

Well, good news on the SET 300B front. It arrived today, from the factory, with it's all new caps and resistors. I called to ask if they had tested the tubes that came with the amp, and the answer was yes, and they all tested good.

So, I hooked it up, turned it on, and right out of the box, it sounded beautiful. Also, it doesn't seem to be lacking in power to make the Tannoy HPD 315's perc right up.

I'm very pleased with how the amp sounds, in a few hundred hours, it should be pretty special, I think.

More thoughts after a few more hours on the amp.

islandmandan April 17, 2013 01:21

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

Hello Charles,

I couldn't afford the caviar-priced mesh plate tubes, so I bought a pair of JJ Electric, but I'm not at all sure I made the right choice, but at their price they seemed to have the most positve press, but that means very little.

The tubes that came with it are Electro Harmonics, but they didn't test very strong, they're at the end of their lives.

I'll post more as I experience life with the SET 300B.

Dan

islandmandan April 16, 2013 16:25

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

Thank you Charles. I enjoy reading your many posts as well, you have much knowledge to share.

The SET 300B arrives tomorrow. While it was at Parts Connexion, I had them replace/upgrade the caps/resistors. I didn't specify which parts to use, I just let them do their thing, so I have no idea what the results will be.

The power issue is up in the air, but know going in, I won't be able to listen as loud as usual, but in this case, with this amp, it will be tone and timbre that I will be looking for.

For highly dynamic music, my other two amps (VAC PA 35.35, Plinius SA 100 MKIII) offer up plenty of dynamic slam, when that becomes necessary.

I've heard, for many years, of the magic of the 300B tube, and that was a large part of the motivation to return to Tannoy. At one time, I used a Sophia Baby that I upgraded all the caps on, and at 10Wpc, it was pretty listenable, so I'm thinking the match-up will be at the least, enjoyble.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 15, 2013 18:56

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

Hello Isochronism,

I did wind up getting the amp, but unfortunately, it arrived DOA. It has been sent to Chris Johnson for repair, so I'll report on its efficacy after it returns.

Thanks, and regards,
Dan

islandmandan April 06, 2013 19:08

Hello Dan,
Did you end up getting the 300B amplifier?
If so, how is it working out with your Tannoys?

isochronism April 06, 2013 14:30

Saturday, friends from out of state, Michael, George, and Susan (Portland, Ore.). Also, Hermann from Camano Island, and Zsolt Mathe (of Z-Infinity Audio, Redmond, Wa.) were over for an extended listening session.

Zsolt Mathe brought his new tube preamp for us to enjoy, it turned out to be a great event, with like-minded friends, with lots of music, food, and fun.

Michael and George and I try to get together about once a year, but it had been two years since our last get-together, so there was much audio-related discussion going on.

So, it's on to Portland, with Hermann, and perhaps Zsolt, in tow, to return the favor. Soon, I think, lots of new gear to check out at Mike and Georges'!

Kudos to all, it couldn't have gone better, thanks!

Dan

islandmandan March 04, 2013 00:15

Marc, would you please contact me via a pm? I need to discuss something with you, if you would.

Dan

islandmandan January 18, 2013 20:00

Marc, I'll give my email to you, if you ever care to contact me directly.

[email protected]

islandmandan January 17, 2013 21:19

Hi Marc,

I just heard from them today, and they didn't mention shipping details. Just said, "We look forward to hearing from you in May". I'll mail them again, see if they need anything more.

I'm confidant the cartridge will be everything you've said it will be. The way it's been sounding lately has me excited about how it sounds now, with the Dynavector 501, so Im sure it should be much better with the improvements.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan January 17, 2013 21:17

Dan, ESCCo have contacted me to ask for your email, they need to discuss shipping practicalities with you. [email protected]
Remaining gobsmacked by the mods. I'm REALLY fussy when it comes to carts, and this really is the keeper. Great since it'll free up cash for phono stage upgrade instead of that elusive final cart search.
Also they can retip a virtually unlimited number of times, so c.$100 a year outlay long term is so much more palatable than paying 15-20x that price on p/ex of my Orpheus in similar circumstances in the past.

spiritofmusic January 17, 2013 10:27

Hey Dan, join the queue! I'm down for May too.
My only reservations with the mod, a slight softness, possibly a by product of the increased lushness in the sound, is working it's way out after a weeks' listening.
The sound is much more incisive, but maintaining all the pre existing tonality, and importantly not veering into the slight stridency I had on a fair number of discs in my collection.
Please note I run a very neutral revealing direct rim drive tt/air bearing linear tracking arm which with the wrong cart could easily demonstrate harshness (my experience with Lyra Skala/Helikon).

spiritofmusic January 17, 2013 01:18

Hello Marc,

I just heard from them via email, and I emailed them back, telling them to set me up. Won't be until May.

I also asked if they need the cartridge the whole time, or can I send it in time for the appointed date, that way I'll have the use of it until it has to go.

After the last few stunning listening sessions I've had lately with the Zu 103R, I can't imagine how it will sound after the modification. Should be very special, indeed.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan January 15, 2013 20:06

Dan, in case you don't have the phone for ESCCo, it is (+0044)(0)1372276604/fax (+0044)(0)1372276147. Email should be fine, this is how I made my order.

spiritofmusic January 15, 2013 09:21

Hi Dan, I've gone and done it. 5 days after receiving my upgraded Zu 103 from ESCCo, ie 5 days of falling in love all over again with analogue, I've just emailed them to reserve the same work to be done on my spare Zu 103. Sorry if that delays getting your cart done, but I'm sure you won't hold it against me! Seriously, this is a major vote of confidence in their work by me. They really can't be faulted.
I totally understand why 'Clam would prefer his new Lyra Helikon over his Uwe 103, that's what makes this hobby so involving and frustrating (often in equal measure), but IMHO the ESCCo Zu 103 on the end of my rig really outperforms what was a few years ago considered to be SOTA in MCs, the Transfiguration Orpheus. In my system, direct comparison demonstrated a clear pair of heels by the Zu over the Orpheus and I now have no interest in listening to it.
Not sure how my Al bodied Zu 103 compares to 'Clam's wooden bodied Uwe 103 to make a comparison when it comes to ESCCo modding.

spiritofmusic January 15, 2013 01:02

Hi Marc,

I emailed ESCO yesterday, but no reply yet. From what I've read, they seem to prefer the telephone rather than email, so I've got to get coordinated onto their time zone, and call at the right time. Eight hours difference from me, I gather.

As you say, this is a no-brainer, which I intend to pursue. Thanks for the heads-up!

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan January 14, 2013 22:24

Hi Dan, I hope you get to hear the ESCCo modded Zu 103. For the money it's a no brainer. No component is perfect, but this gets close to an ideal balance of virtues, esp. in a package so competitively priced. It's seen off my 4x pricier Transfiguration Orpheus.

spiritofmusic January 14, 2013 14:32

Wow, I would love to hear this system.

scott_weinberg January 14, 2013 03:10

Yesterday, I decided it was time to re-visit set-up on the three cartridges currently in rotation. I checked overhang and alignment using my MintLP, then checked azimuth with the Fosgometer. The Dynavector XX2MKII was spot on, as was the Zu Denon 103R.

The last cartridge checked was the Acutex M320 LPM III STR, which I found azimuth was way off. I had to use a small, brass shim under one side of the cartridge. Azimuth was then much closer, and it then sounded much, much, better.
Great little cartridge.

Regards to all,
Dan

islandmandan December 20, 2012 18:43