IA 300B Push Pull Integrated v IA KT150 Single Ended Monoblocks.

[Ady]

A quick update, re the 845 monoblocks,

I couldn't find a way to reduce the hum issue. I believe they have hum buckers fitted internally but I'm not going there
They certainly have a prodigious amount of bass and power but I found that they lacked the clarity and detail that I get with my 300b plus I don't really need all that power. My speakers are very sensitive.
Therefore unfortunately they are on the way back to @Lurch
I still have the KT150 SE Monoblocks so more comparisons to be done.

Cheers Ady

 

[Ady]

Well, I've spent the last few days with the single ended monoblocks and then switched back to my 300b.
My conclusions are that there is not a great deal of difference between the two. The single ended have a slightly sweeter midrange but less bass weight. It would be a sideways move to have the monoblocks so I'm sticking with the 300b.
Today I have reintroduced my BK P12-300 sub but put it in a completely different position. It used to be slightly in front of and towards the middle of the speakers but it is now sitting next to where I sit when listening. I'm still dialling it in but so far it's better than before giving a slightly deeper soundstage.
I'm also going to get a matched quad of new Western Electric 300b reissues, should be interesting.
Cheers
Ady

 

[Psilonaught]

Quad of WE300B in an icon audio amp

Isn't it sensible to consider a better amp first? That's around £6k of tubes.

Just saying.

 

[Ady]

Quad of WE300B in an icon audio amp

Isn't it sensible to consider a better amp first? That's around £6k of tubes.

Just saying.

How very dare you! .............................. only joking.

Well, I'm not sure where you get your figures from but I can assure you that when I entered my pin in the machine this morning it was for an amount absolutely no where near what you suggest. Not even in the same ballpark.

Anyway, the dirty deed has been done and I've just spent the last two hours warming them up listening to the radio. All I will say at the moment is the sound is more refined.

Time now to listen to some vinyl music,

Cheers Ady

 

[Psilonaught]

How very dare you! .............................. only joking.

Well, I'm not sure where you get your figures from but I can assure you that when I entered my pin in the machine this morning it was for an amount absolutely no where near what you suggest. Not even in the same ballpark.

Anyway, the dirty deed has been done and I've just spent the last two hours warming them up listening to the radio. All I will say at the moment is the sound is more refined.

Time now to listen to some vinyl music,

Cheers Ady

I realise that's £1500 a pair not each!

So I assume you paid around £800 each?

I'm tempted to try a pair in my DAC Vs my emission labs 45 mesh globes.

Pls could you PM me where you bought them?

 

[Psilonaught]

Also I'll share my experience on the LinLai E-6SN7 Vs the Shungung CV181-Z as I see you use those too looking as the photos? I have those in my power amps, and I've got the Linlai tubes on order to try

 

[Ady]

Also I'll share my experience on the LinLai E-6SN7 Vs the Shungung CV181-Z as I see you use those too looking as the photos? I have those in my power amps, and I've got the Linlai tubes on order to try

Yes, hearing your thoughts on the Linlai would be interesting.
Thanks Ady