Symphonic Line

[AudioLibertarian]

Thanks @AudioLibertarian for your suggestions ! Interesting. With Rolf and Heinz we already started to discussed about the MuMetal. Following your experience what does it bring to the sound? I may follow your recommendations and do it this winter (Heinz is ought to visit me in Paris).
Besides all the numerous qualities of the Kraft 300 I have noticed that the bass are slightly rounded - do you have the same feeling? Will it change over time? I have put the Kraft on a wellfloat board which has already slightly improved the performance level of the Power Amp.

I have the latest RG4 monos, and in my own systems the bass is not rounded to my ears, whether it will change overtime to a much greater degree I can not predict, as it depends on that particular unit and your system components. However no one I know, who owns the SL has ever complained about the bass. Its rather musically organic and properly integrated without being a standout in the sound. Having said that, we all hear differently, and have own sonic preferences, so as usual you are the one to decide your priorities.

 

[Stef]

I have the latest RG4 monos, and in my own systems the bass is not rounded to my ears, whether it will change overtime to a much greater degree I can not predict, as it depends on that particular unit and your system components. However no one I know, who owns the SL has ever complained about the bass. Its rather musically organic and properly integrated without being a standout in the sound. Having said we all hear differently, and have own sonic preferences, so as usual you are the one to decide your priorities.

Not really a complain just an observation after 24h. SL is indeed a really organic Amp which is my priority. What about the MuMetal? What does it bring according your experience? Thanks!

 

[AudioLibertarian]

Not really a complain just an observation after 24h. SL is indeed a really organic Amp which is my priority. What about the MuMetal? What does it bring according your experience? Thanks!

MuMetal will bring better protection from RF interference, electrical noise, all other electrical and vibration gremlins that exist in such an elaborate device, resulting in more air between instruments, better tonality, refinement. It won't bring night and day differences between an already excellent transformer enclosure SL amps have, but our hobby is a game of subtle, so everything counts in the final sound.

Also if your unit is brand new, you have a long way till it fully burns in.. As I have said at least 1500 hours for the initial stage. So don't judge after 24 hours

 

[Stef]

MuMetal will bring better protection from RF interference, electrical noise, all other electrical and vibration gremlins that exist in such an elaborate device, resulting in more air between instruments, better tonality, refinement. It won't bring night and day differences between an already excellent transformer enclosure SL amps have, but our hobby is a game of subtle, so everything counts in the final sound.

Also if your unit is brand new, you have a long way till it fully burns in.. As I have said at least 1500 hours for the initial stage. So don't judge after 24 hours

Thanks for your explanations. Very clear.
Sound transformation is already under process with up and down as usual in this case so I don't worry at all... SL team is also very nice and helpful with some esoteric twists too. Heinz spent 2 half days in Paris and we did several trials before settling the amp (cables / speakers positioning / ...). The music used was mainly 70's rock / blues / jazz / folk / ... I share some pictures of Heinz from SL on day 1 and 2 and the final installation.

 

[jonaiken]

Thanks @AudioLibertarian for your suggestions ! Interesting. With Rolf and Heinz we already started to discussed about the MuMetal. Following your experience what does it bring to the sound? I may follow your recommendations and do it this winter (Heinz is ought to visit me in Paris).
Besides all the numerous qualities of the Kraft 300 I have noticed that the bass are slightly rounded - do you have the same feeling? Will it change over time? I have put the Kraft on a wellfloat board which has already slightly improved the performance level of the Power Amp.

Stef: Enjoy the ride as the Kraft 300 breaks in - it is a long journey (definitely over 1500 hrs and closer to 3000 hrs) but you will be rewarded with phenomenal sound. The bass will definitely tighten up and the overall sound will be more expansive with greater transparency and palatable presence. I have owned four versions of the Kraft 300’s including 1. 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 Stereo Amplifier, 2. Standard Kraft 300 mono-blocks and Two versions of the 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 monoblocks with the second version updated with the MuMetal Transformers. The MuMetal transformer upgrade took the 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 mono-block’s to another level providing greater clarity, transparency, dimensionality, and inner detail with unbelievable live performance type dynamics and deep tight bass. I have my 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 mono-blocks on Symposium Acoustics Ultra Pro Ampstands with Stillpoint Ultra 6’s between the Kraft 300’s and Ampstands. The Ampstands and Ultra 6’s improved the overall clarity, image focus, and bass definition. I love my 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 mono-blocks. Enjoy your journey.

 

[Amir]

Thanks for your explanations. Very clear.
Sound transformation is already under process with up and down as usual in this case so I don't worry at all... SL team is also very nice and helpful with some esoteric twists too. Heinz spent 2 half days in Paris and we did several trials before settling the amp (cables / speakers positioning / ...). The music used was mainly 70's rock / blues / jazz / folk / ... I share some pictures of Heinz from SL on day 1 and 2 and the final installation.

Did you compare TAD M600/M700 vs Symphonic line kraft ?

 

[Stef]

Stef: Enjoy the ride as the Kraft 300 breaks in - it is a long journey (definitely over 1500 hrs and closer to 3000 hrs) but you will be rewarded with phenomenal sound. The bass will definitely tighten up and the overall sound will be more expansive with greater transparency and palatable presence. I have owned four versions of the Kraft 300’s including 1. 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 Stereo Amplifier, 2. Standard Kraft 300 mono-blocks and Two versions of the 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 monoblocks with the second version updated with the MuMetal Transformers. The MuMetal transformer upgrade took the 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 mono-block’s to another level providing greater clarity, transparency, dimensionality, and inner detail with unbelievable live performance type dynamics and deeper tight bass. I have my 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 mono-blocks on Symposium Acoustics Ultra Pro Ampstands with Stillpoint Ultra 6’s between the Kraft 300’s and Ampstands. The Ampstands and Ultra 6’s improved the overall clarity, image focus, and bass definition. I love my 40th Anniversary Kraft 300 mono-blocks. Enjoy your journey.

Happy to read you Jonaiken. Impressive SL gears ownership experience! I'm also convinced that I will be rewarded with phenomenal sound. SL brings liquidity to the sound on the top of transparence & speed that I used to have with my TAD power amps.

 

[Stef]

Did you compare TAD M600/M700 vs Symphonic line kraft ?

Hello Amir. I'm very familiar with the M600/700(s) so I know very well what I lose and gain. I was previously also considering the M700s (no space for mono at my home) but the price being the double of the Kraft 300 MK3 Edition (at least in Europe) it was a no go for me... SL also brings excellent clarity / dynamics with a fantastic tonality mainly through timbers and texture. Current being very high I feel that my TAD CR1tx are well controlled overall.

 

[Amir]

Hello Amir. I'm very familiar with the M600/700(s) so I know very well what I lose and gain. I was previously also considering the M700s (no space for mono at my home) but the price being the double of the Kraft 300 MK3 Edition (at least in Europe) it was a no go for me... SL also brings excellent clarity / dynamics with a fantastic tonality mainly through timbers and texture. Courant being very high I feel that my TAD CR1tx are well controlled overall.

Thank you for sharing your idea

 

[Stef]

Does anybody know the Gain of the Kraft amps? Very few specs information from SL

 

[rrobz]

Just chiming in on this thread as I recently acquired the latest Kraft 300 40th Anniversary monos with the Mu Metal XFMRS, after having had the prior Kraft 300 monos for over 10 years. I will post my impressions once they break in a bit. Out of the box, I can't say I "love" them, but nothing particularly jumps out as a clear weakness. They are clearly superior the CJ Art monos I had been using as a temporary measure while Rolf was waiting for the XFMRs while building my units in terms of transparency / low level resolution. It also has a noticeably lower noise floor than the prior Kraft 300 monos.

 

[AudioLibertarian]

Just chiming in on this thread as I recently acquired the latest Kraft 300 40th Anniversary monos with the Mu Metal XFMRS, after having had the prior Kraft 300 monos for over 10 years. I will post my impressions once they break in a bit. Out of the box, I can't say I "love" them, but nothing particularly jumps out as a clear weakness. They are clearly superior the CJ Art monos I had been using as a temporary measure while Rolf was waiting for the XFMRs while building my units in terms of transparency / low level resolution. It also has a noticeably lower noise floor than the prior Kraft 300 monos.

Congrats! Please keep us updated when you are able. As you know the SL amps take forever to fully break-in... In case of the Kraft Anniv. I would think at LEAST 2000 - 3000 hours of being on 24/7, and on .... What are the preamp & speakers & cables?

 

[jonaiken]

Just chiming in on this thread as I recently acquired the latest Kraft 300 40th Anniversary monos with the Mu Metal XFMRS, after having had the prior Kraft 300 monos for over 10 years. I will post my impressions once they break in a bit. Out of the box, I can't say I "love" them, but nothing particularly jumps out as a clear weakness. They are clearly superior the CJ Art monos I had been using as a temporary measure while Rolf was waiting for the XFMRs while building my units in terms of transparency / low level resolution. It also has a noticeably lower noise floor than the prior Kraft 300 monos.

Congratulations on your acquisition of the Kraft 300 40th Anniversary Monos with the MuMetal XFMRs. As a current owner of same model you will reap the benefits of one of the most dynamic, transparent, natural and detailed sounding amps on the market. The journey will be long (1.5k - 3K hours) to hear them at their best so be patient and enjoy the ride. My guest listeners are always blown away with the naturalness and the life-like dynamics of my system. I had two other versions of Kraft 300’s, which were very good, but my current model with the MuMental Transformers are game changers. Enjoy

 

[rrobz]

Congrats! Please keep us updated when you are able. As you know the SL amps take forever to fully break-in... In case of the Kraft Anniv. I would think at LEAST 2000 - 3000 hours of being on 24/7, and on .... What are the preamp & speakers & cables?

Thanks for the message! Will definitely post further impressions. I am currently using Ypsilon PST 100 MK 2 (with the silver wiring) for preamp, Stealth Sakra from preamp to amp, Crystal Cable Dreamline speaker cables, and Tara Cobalt PCs.

 

[rrobz]

T

Congratulations on your acquisition of the Kraft 300 40th Anniversary Monos with the MuMetal XFMRs. As a current owner of same model you will reap the benefits of one of the most dynamic, transparent, natural and detailed sounding amps on the market. The journey will be long (1.5k - 3K hours) to hear them at their best so be patient and enjoy the ride. My guest listeners are always blown away with the naturalness and the life-like dynamics of my system. I had two other versions of Kraft 300’s, which were very good, but my current model with the MuMental Transformers are game changers. Enjoy

Thanks for the message - and yes, unfortunately, I am also familiar with breaking in SL amps. I like you am also using Tidal speakers (although only the Contriva Diacera SEs for me - a little hesitant about getting any speakers that weight more than I do, but if I do, it will be the Agorias or Sunrays).