Which 300b amplifier: Nagra 300p, Luxman MQ-300, Wavac EC-300B, Air Tight ATM-300R, Shindo Cortese 300b

[DeadWax]

You might look into the Luxman MQ-88uC amplifier.

I recently picked up a MQ-88uC to add to the stable and just wanted to share that the pairing with my O/96's is pretty spectacular. A quicker, tighter sound with more finesse managing complicated passage, it doesn't give up much to my LM805ia in terms of weight, dynamics, air, soundstage, and texture. Definitely a different presentation but very complimentary. Really happy to be running both. This Luxman amp is making me rethink what KT88's can sound like. A triode implementation done extremely well.

 

[Dimfer]

awaiting delivery of custom built 300B. This can function as 300B, or EL34 (or KT88-170) or both (PSET).

matching pre is G6G DHT

 

[Addicted to hifi]

View attachment 81369
awaiting delivery of custom built 300B. This can function as 300B, or EL34 (or KT88-170) or both (PSET).
View attachment 81370
matching pre is G6G DHT

Very nice.

 

[Argonaut]

Nice old school build quality sporting high quality C Core OPT’s on the Luxman MQ-300

 

[essrand]

It's been a few years (how time flies), but I am back in the quest, and thought I would continue on this thread instead of starting a new one.

But first, an update:

I ended up with the Nagra 300p and after years of trying to make it work, gave up and move to an -- surprise, surprise -- Accuphase SS integrated; which really made this speakers sing.

Was thoroughly enjoying this combo until an offer came up that I couldn't refused and I welcomed a Shindo Vosne Romanee preamp into the audio stable which changed everything: it was the sound I had in my head all the while (blogged about this event here: https://audiofool.substack.com/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-the-shindo).

While the Shindo VR into the accuphase integrated pre-in produces a heavenly sound, best I have ever had in my room. I would love to get a dedicated tube stereo power amp. I have sold the Nagra 300p and the Accuphase E-650.

I decided on a Cortese F2a last month, it was due to be delivered last week but was dead on arrival. And there are no Shindo amps in 230V that I can find anywhere. So I am back on the quest for a new power amp.

The Luxman MQ-300 is no longer in production. So now my only contender in the ring is the Air Tight ATM-300R (I have ruled out Wavac, too expensive and impossible to find out if it works well with Devore O/96).

Was wondering if anyone has other suggestions for me to try out. I was thinking adding the Luxman MQ-88 and the Thoress F2A or 845 in the race. Also wondering, if anyone has tried a Shindo + Air Tight combo, I only one poster on this forum that has asked the same question, would love some more posts on this combo.

Cheers!

 

[DeadWax]

It's been a few years (how time flies), but I am back in the quest, and thought I would continue on this thread instead of starting a new one.

But first, an update:

I ended up with the Nagra 300p and after years of trying to make it work, gave up and move to an -- surprise, surprise -- Accuphase SS integrated; which really made this speakers sing.

Was thoroughly enjoying this combo until an offer came up that I couldn't refused and I welcomed a Shindo Vosne Romanee preamp into the audio stable which changed everything: it was the sound I had in my head all the while (blogged about this event here: https://audiofool.substack.com/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-the-shindo).

While the Shindo VR into the accuphase integrated pre-in produces a heavenly sound, best I have ever had in my room. I would love to get a dedicated tube stereo power amp. I have sold the Nagra 300p and the Accuphase E-650.

I decided on a Cortese F2a last month, it was due to be delivered last week but was dead on arrival. And there are no Shindo amps in 230V that I can find anywhere. So I am back on the quest for a new power amp.

The Luxman MQ-300 is no longer in production. So now my only contender in the ring is the Air Tight ATM-300R (I have ruled out Wavac, too expensive and impossible to find out if it works well with Devore O/96).

Was wondering if anyone has other suggestions for me to try out. I was thinking adding the Luxman MQ-88 and the Thoress F2A or 845 in the race. Also wondering, if anyone has tried a Shindo + Air Tight combo, I only one poster on this forum that has asked the same question, would love some more posts on this combo.

Cheers!

I suspect a Shindo amp will provide the best pairing with the VR pre. As posted quite a while ago, I did have the MQ-88 in my system at one point and it worked quite well, but I sold it once I brought a Montille CV391 amp into the system, currently paired with a 2014-2015 version of the Partager preamp. I found the synergy with the Montille 391 to be substantially better and it certainly makes the O/96's sing.

I'm on a similar quest as you and currently am looking for a latest version Monbrison to pair with the Montille until possibly finding a Cortese F2A myself. I will be interested in other responses you get.

 

[essrand]

I suspect a Shindo amp will provide the best pairing with the VR pre. As posted quite a while ago, I did have the MQ-88 in my system at one point and it worked quite well, but I sold it once I brought a Montille CV391 amp into the system, currently paired with a 2014-2015 version of the Partager preamp. I found the synergy with the Montille 391 to be substantially better and it certainly makes the O/96's sing.

I'm on a similar quest as you and currently am looking for a latest version Monbrison to pair with the Montille until possibly finding a Cortese F2A myself. I will be interested in other responses you get.

Thanks for the update on the Luxman MQ-88, if the CV391 works better, no point going for the Luxman. I will cross that off the list.

And then there was one.....ATM-300R

 

[Tonari]

It's been a few years (how time flies), but I am back in the quest, and thought I would continue on this thread instead of starting a new one.

But first, an update:

I ended up with the Nagra 300p and after years of trying to make it work, gave up and move to an -- surprise, surprise -- Accuphase SS integrated; which really made this speakers sing.

Was thoroughly enjoying this combo until an offer came up that I couldn't refused and I welcomed a Shindo Vosne Romanee preamp into the audio stable which changed everything: it was the sound I had in my head all the while (blogged about this event here: https://audiofool.substack.com/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-the-shindo).

While the Shindo VR into the accuphase integrated pre-in produces a heavenly sound, best I have ever had in my room. I would love to get a dedicated tube stereo power amp. I have sold the Nagra 300p and the Accuphase E-650.

I decided on a Cortese F2a last month, it was due to be delivered last week but was dead on arrival. And there are no Shindo amps in 230V that I can find anywhere. So I am back on the quest for a new power amp.

The Luxman MQ-300 is no longer in production. So now my only contender in the ring is the Air Tight ATM-300R (I have ruled out Wavac, too expensive and impossible to find out if it works well with Devore O/96).

Was wondering if anyone has other suggestions for me to try out. I was thinking adding the Luxman MQ-88 and the Thoress F2A or 845 in the race. Also wondering, if anyone has tried a Shindo + Air Tight combo, I only one poster on this forum that has asked the same question, would love some more posts on this combo.

Cheers!

Interesting thread (for 300B fans ). Please allow me to give it a tiny bit more interests by mentioning the Audio Note UK 300B Tonmeister.
10 years ago, I had the Nagra 300i coupled with Living Voice IBX-RW speakers. Sounded just great, clean and the bass were very well controlled, but after a bit more experience with 300B amplification I would say today that he Nagra is not actually sounding like a "typical" (SET?) 300B amplification. This is to say that I am not surprised that you are exploring further like I did...
Also I have compared the Air-Tight ATM-300R and the AN UK 300B Tonmeister on Avantgarde Uno XD speakers. When looking at the Air Tight it is the one to own... but sounically, I preferred the latter (better bass control, clearer and airier mids, overall more musical).
I also listened to the 300B Tonmeister with the Devore O/96. Nothing to complain about when paired with the right source (say vinyl or AN UK/Lampizator kind of DACs).
The 300B Tonmeister exists in stereo bloc version (P3) but can't say anything on how it can fit wit the Shindo...

 

[essrand]

Interesting thread (for 300B fans ). Please allow me to give it a tiny bit more interests by mentioning the Audio Note UK 300B Tonmeister.
10 years ago, I had the Nagra 300i coupled with Living Voice IBX-RW speakers. Sounded just great, clean and the bass were very well controlled, but after a bit more experience with 300B amplification I would say today that he Nagra is not actually sounding like a "typical" (SET?) 300B amplification. This is to say that I am not surprised that you are exploring further like I did...
Also I have compared the Air-Tight ATM-300R and the AN UK 300B Tonmeister on Avantgarde Uno XD speakers. When looking at the Air Tight it is the one to own... but sounically, I preferred the latter (better bass control, clearer and airier mids, overall more musical).
I also listened to the 300B Tonmeister with the Devore O/96. Nothing to complain about when paired with the right source (say vinyl or AN UK/Lampizator kind of DACs).
The 300B Tonmeister exists in stereo bloc version (P3) but can't say anything on how it can fit wit the Shindo...

Nice! Thanks for sharing your experience with the 300B Tonemeister P3. Currently unable to find pricing or reviews on the power amplifier version, though plenty exist for the integrated version.

 

[Tonari]

For sure it is not easy to put a hand on AN UK price list. Plus you have the normal version, then the Silver and then the Silver Signature!! The P3 is probably 2-3K less than the integrated version which is indeed more popular. The P3 silver version will still be cheaper than the ATM-300R. If you get the chance to audition it that would be great, if not I have little doubt that the the AirTight wouldn't be great with the O/96

 

[gerihifi]

I agree, Audio Note Meishu 300B Tonmeister Silver Signature (used triode CV4068 instead ecc82) is one of the best 300B I ever owned. Of course highly depends on your 300B tube favorites!

I use primarily ELROG 300B-Mo and the original AN custom-made PSVANE 4300, because I prefer Molybdän-Anodes. Do have a larger collection here, including WE300b, Takatsuki, E.A.T, CryoTone, PSVANE, Sophie, KR Audio.

 

[kamen56]

Look at Aric Audio SETs and PSETs as well.
They are very good sounding and reliable.
Aric gives examplary customer service too.

 

[Argonaut]

I decided on a Cortese F2a last month, it was due to be delivered last week but was dead on arrival. And there are no Shindo amps in 230V that I can find anywhere. So I am back on the quest for a new power amp.

That is Sad , are repairs not an option ? For my part I acquired and ran a Cortese F2a for a while , altho not paired with a Shindo pre amplifier during that time. Superb quality componants in the build , which must have equated to Ken having a well stocked parts shelf when he built that one , Shindo guys will know what I mean.

See this post for a little background :

SET amp owners thread

An interesting paper on the topic of this debate: https://next-tube.com/articles/Cheever/cheever.pdf I think this is a rather important paper in the discussion...been referencing it for years :)

www.whatsbestforum.com

The Cortese displayed that architypal Shindo Sound Signature and was a delight with most genre.

In the end tho , I let the Cortese go to an acquantance who owned a Giscours and after a Mexican stand off ( He wouldn’t sell me the Pre and I wouldn’t sell him the Cortese ) When paired together the combination made beautifully beguiling music in a system running a pair of Tannoy Autograph /Silver’s that he also acquired from me , and I left wondering why the hell had I let them go

Anyway, my point being I would recommend having the DOA Cortese repaired ( If feasible) If not continue striving to find another.

 

[escultor]

Hi, I enjoy a Shindo WE 300b monoblocks, my favorite 300b for shure
run it with Shindo WE ra1474 also my favorite pre
The old Shindo gear is audio jewelry
I friend of my run a Engstrom Arne that impress me to, its a push pull
I don't like PP but these one sounded great

 

[essrand]

That is Sad , are repairs not an option ? For my part I acquired and ran a Cortese F2a for a while , altho not paired with a Shindo pre amplifier during that time. Superb quality componants in the build , which must have equated to Ken having a well stocked parts shelf when he built that one , Shindo guys will know what I mean.

See this post for a little background :

SET amp owners thread

An interesting paper on the topic of this debate: https://next-tube.com/articles/Cheever/cheever.pdf I think this is a rather important paper in the discussion...been referencing it for years :)

www.whatsbestforum.com

The Cortese displayed that architypal Shindo Sound Signature and was a delight with most genre.

In the end tho , I let the Cortese go to an acquantance who owned a Giscours and after a Mexican stand off ( He wouldn’t sell me the Pre and I wouldn’t sell him the Cortese ) When paired together the combination made beautifully beguiling music in a system running a pair of Tannoy Autograph /Silver’s that he also acquired from me , and I left wondering why the hell had I let them go

Anyway, my point being I would recommend having the DOA Cortese repaired ( If feasible) If not continue striving to find another.

Wow! I have a similar story.

Long story, but I was duped. Short version: The dealer said the Cortese came to our shores DOA, but sold it at a higher price to some other guy (this is a long story of its own).

Somehow this new guy found me on FB and we are now in a Mexican Standoff. And he has now agreed to sell this amp that was destined for me, back to me.

I am angry enough that just out of spite, I might not buy this Cortese. But logically it makes no sense. Lets see. The story continues.

The saga is going on so long with so many twists and turns that I decided to write a long blog about it: https://audiofool.substack.com/p/how-not-to-buy-an-amplifier

I might publish the "long" version of the Cortese betrayal story, at some point, once things cool down.

 

[essrand]

Hi, I enjoy a Shindo WE 300b monoblocks, my favorite 300b for shure
run it with Shindo WE ra1474 also my favorite pre
The old Shindo gear is audio jewelry
I friend of my run a Engstrom Arne that impress me to, its a push pull
I don't like PP but these one sounded great

I love the Engstrom Arne too. Was offered a home demo last week, I am too far down the Shindo alley right now to consider it. Cheers!

 

[audiopro92]

The Western Electric 91E is an absolutely sensational performer. I auditioned it with custom speakers, the headphone out with some of my best reference headphones, and 2 source components. I won't go in to too much detail, but I will say it's offering up near-reference sound quality without being too harsh on bad recordings. You just want to sit back and listen for hours. In my honest opinion, it is one of the finest tube amplifiers ever made.

I went a bit back and forth with their CEO, Charles Whitener over email before an after the audition, and we had a brilliant exchange of knowledge. I hope my comment helps a little.

- Dillon

 

[essrand]

I did finally end up with a Shindo Cortese 300b with WE tubes (new issue). Awaiting it's arrival (December 2024, sigh!)

 

[cratin]

If you can get a hold of earlier Shindo 300B with original WE trans / parts... That's the way to go. If not, then It all come down to your tastes.. as NAGRA, Air Tight...WAVAC sound quite differently....

 

[TKK]

I’ve been searching for the right 300B amp since 2019... In the meantime, I built a 300B from the Audio Note Kit (Mentor) and, after numerous modifications, have been quite happy with it. I’ve been following this thread and tried some very popular (big name) 300B amps mentioned in this thread. While some were better than my DIY amp, none gave me that ‘I have to own this’ feeling. Most of the differences were subtle rather than a real "wow" moment.

I stuck with the ANK 300B for years until I heard the two-box 300B amp from Treehaus Audiolab earlier this year. After my first visit to their showroom in CT, I pulled the trigger and bought it, along with their speakers (which will replace my Cube Audio Nenuphar). This amp was just different. It uses a DHT 801A/VT25 to drive the 300B, with Nano Finemet transformers for the interstage, output, and even the chokes. It also has a massive GOSS power transformer, and each DHT tube has its own dedicated filament power supply including a power trans! On top of everything I already love about 300B amps, this one sounds incredibly open and full. This amp completes my 'all DHT system,' as my DAC, preamp, and amp all use DHTs in every stage. Now, I’m just waiting for the new speakers to arrive.

Rather than writing a detailed review, I just wanted to share the product I finally purchased and loved. If anyone around CT is interested in an high-end 300B amp, give Treehaus Audiolab a try...