THE GOURMET OPTION! Willsenton R300 Plus Amplifier Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Most S.E.T. amplifiers are expensive but not the Willsenton R300 Plus. Why are they so prized by some tube amplifier aficionados? I find out…
Link to sponsor's webpage:
stackaudio.co.uk/
Link to manufacturers webpage:
www.china-hifi-audio.com/will...
Link to my Patreon:
/ abritishaudiophile
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Time stamps
0:00 Intro
1:52 Design & features
3:21 Technical insights
6:00 Sound quality
9:58 Setup & partnering equipment
14:39 Conclusion
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You should check out the Skunkie Designs review. This amp was partly modified to the Skunkie Designs modifications of the original R300 but it still has a lot of problems. Excessive distortion that was not equal on each channel. The voltage supplied to the tubes is above the maximum voltage recommended for the tubes. She basically called it a waste of money.
You got to be possibly the best audio reviewer on RUclips I got the willsenton r8 with all the tubes mentioned plus some capacitor replacement very good tube amp for the money I also got the Yamaha as 1200 also very however I recently purchased the exposure 17 pre amp with mc phono stage and the 18 super power amp and this combo put both the willsenton r8 and the yamaha back into their boxes unbelievable for amps that old for a lot less thanks to you referring to your exposure amplifiers as references
Thank you for sharing your experiences Matthew 😊👍
You are such a gentleman even when replying to impolite criticisms.
Thank you. I try my best 😊👍
“Glowing glassware amplification “ well done old chap !
Thank you 😉👍
Great video, as always. Watching your channel from St. Louis MO USA. My "music room" also doubles as my home theater room as well so I liked you videos on speaker placement and music selections. Keep up the great videos, they are always informative and enjoyable.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Outstanding as always Tarun. I live in a condo so I listen at low to medium volume. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Not really if he researched the Amp: www.google.com/search?q=skunkie+r300+review&client=safari&sca_esv=be445f0cc062ab15&channel=ipad_bm&sxsrf=ADLYWIKQUkBuP9CNXkxQf0lsvd41Ef-Qtg%3A1715031275915&ei=60w5Zp6vN9bk5NoP9fOs-A8&oq=skunkie+r300&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIgxza3Vua2llIHIzMDAqAggAMggQIRigARjDBDIIECEYoAEYwwQyCBAhGKABGMMEMggQIRigARjDBEiTOVCiG1i5KnAAeACQAQCYAeIBoAHnBqoBBTAuNS4xuAEByAEA-AEBmAIFoAKXBsICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQWYAwCIBgGSBwUwLjQuMaAH1A4&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#vuanr=4
Excellent intro topic. This is exactly the reason why I value your channel so much
Thank you. That is much appreciated 😊👍
As always an excellent and insightful review sir. I own an R300 Plus and have modified it by replacing the caps with Mundorf MCap Supreme SilverGold Oil caps, a Hammond 194G power inductor (recommended by Skunkie), and Audio Note silver UX4 sockets for the 300B tubes. I also upgraded the pre tubes and rectifiers to Tung-Sol tubes and the Willsenton branded 300B tubes to PSVANE WE300B tubes. This amp sounds amazing for the money and has no problem delivering the goods with my NHT Absolute Towers rated at 87dB sensitivity … I never take the volume knob past 12 o’clock. But what I’m really looking forward to is the arrival of my new speakers from Japan … a pair of Hasehiro UMU-191M backloaded horn speakers (50w and 97dB sensitivity), designed and recommended for jazz music.
That is great. Thank you for sharing 😊👍
Brilliant review once again, Tarun , Thank you 🙏
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Well the first 30 or so seconds of this video were simply some of the best I’ve watched on your channel! Nearly fell off my chair laughing with the ‘mind blowing’ comment 😂 But in all seriousness, that’s why I’ll always come to look at one of your videos when I’m seriously interested in knowing an experienced, intelligent and honest opinion about a piece of audio gear. Well done - Loved it! 🙌
Thank you Stephen. Glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
My listening habits (SPL) are the same as yours. I would appreciate more content leaning in this direction. Thank you for your work!
Thank you 👍
Certainly on my bucket list, but a little out of my financial reach right now. Thank you as always for your perspectives and wonderful review of these amps. Much appreciated. Stay well, Sir.
don't bother simon - trust me, i know
The older I get the less volume is important to me and clarity/detail is something I find myself actively listening for. Tube amplifiers are definitely a different animal and something I'm trying get informed about before I make any decisions. I believe the journey of getting a tube amp and correct speakers will be a discovery of a entirely new sound. I appreciate your descriptive review, excellent as always. You would make a killing narrating novels my friend, you have the perfect articulation and use of words in describing things. It is such a rare talent anymore to hear someone master the use of words that they can paint a picture in the listener's mind with their choice of words and presentation of speech. Keep the great channel content going!
I can recommed you Japanese ELEKIT SET amp models and US Omega loudspeakers. High quality, good prices.
Thank you kindly my friend. I really appreciate your support 😊👍
@@milanstastny6799 Also Sunvalley for Point to Point Japan quality. The reviewers who had so called reviewed the R300B V1 and V2 do surface reviewing.
@@milanstastny6799 Where can I find those?
Years ago I played volume so high the windows would rattle. Now I'm well in my 60's and have the TS120se amp driving Harbeth Ps3esr speakers. I listen near field at between 70/75db a lot more relaxing now. Great review Tarun as always.
Thank you 😊
Well done here. Realistic expectations this looks like a good value. Started my journey into a class a tube amp. Really like it.
Thank you . I appreciate you sharing 😊
Informative review: thanks, Tarun. The R300 looks like an absolute bargain. This price level is very much entry level for SE triodes so its good to know they did so well.
I have been listening to zero feedback SET monoblocks for the last 25 years and whatever else I try, I always heave a sigh of relief and happiness when I return to them. In my system, 4 watts is more than enough to drive my 96+db horns. A small active sub cures their slight tendency to be bass-shy. Recently re-introduced at around 7 grand, these Lowther Acoustas really do it for some of us. When I first tried these amps I was using big 83db transmission lines which also sounded good (probably due to their benign impedance curve) if a lot quieter.
A long time ago, someone in the zero-feedback SET community came up with a formula for the sound of this type of amp. Its 50% the output transformers, 25% the power supply and 25% everything else, including the tubes. In my experience, this is pretty close. I don't personally like tube rectifiers, they sound too warm and fuzzy to me. Fast soft-recovery solid state rectifiers sound cleaner (and measure better). Shunt voltage regulation also sounds like a veil has been lifted from the sound to my ears. Not difficult to build to this spec but you are heading towards 5 figures if you want to buy something like this off the shelf.
The big plus point which got me started on SET triodes in the first instance is their circuit simplicity. I am no stranger to the soldering iron, multimeter and oscilloscope and these simple circuits suit me perfectly. Whatever my listening programme, it only takes minutes to forget the equipment and become immersed in the music - which for me is what its all about. 😀
Very interesting, great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
try the R300 Boyuurange- Killer for lot less
Tarun, excellent review. Sitting in the sweet spot is a must, since I am spoiled with an accurate "front center table at the jazz club" soundstage. Music: Acoustic jazz at moderate to live levels. Streaming internet station "Radio Swiss Jazz" is well curated, and has excellent fidelity. Pulling my bookshelf speakers (on stands) away from the wall 18 inches, and adding a Mytek Liberty DAC upgraded my cheap WIIM pro streamer to perfection.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Love tube amps. Just received a custom built 300b. Matching to speakers is the single most frustrating experience. Fortunately I have a pair of 98.6 sensitivity speakers but when looking to upgrade, there isn’t much out there. I’ll give the Dali’s a listen. Cheers
Thank you 😊
Spot on about Dali Menuet SEs pairing with SET amp. I recently bought Audio Note OTO SE and mated with Dalis and Rel T7i sub, while I research on a high sensitivity speakers to get. This setup however is so satisfying in a medium sized room for low/medium level listening that now I’m in no hurry to get high sensitivity speakers. Great review as always.
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
as always,GREAT REVIEW.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Great review 👍🏻
Thank you 👍
I am surprised anyone recommends Tekton after the way Eric Alexander threatened to sue Erin after his review.
I was merely listing Hugh sensitivity speakers that are available in the USA, not making personal recommendations 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I understand. Reviewers just need to be careful saying anything about Tekton because it isn't just the speakers that are highly sensitive.
Great review. Shout out for KR Audio from the Czech Republic who make outstanding 300b tubes. Not cheap but they have a very long life span and a great guarantee.
I use them in my Allnic amp. I think 300b SETs are fantastic, but for music with big dynamic swings which needs headroom I prefer solid state amps. Ideally, one of each in the listening room is the solution.
Thank you for the heads up about KR Audio. I agree with you about the benefits and drawbacks of SET amps 👍
Nice review Chap. Listening habit is mostly low to medium levels. Once in a blue moon I have a blast 85db +. Cheers.
Thanks Steve. You and me both 👍
Tarun thank you so much for the phenomenal review as always. Also thank you for testing the JBL4309 and the others models as well. I didn’t know you kept the JBL I’m really glad to see that. I think I’m going to purchase this unit and try it on my 4309s I’m still looking for the best match for them. I have the M5SI and it’s good but not getting the vocal presence and low listening performance I received with the M2SI. Was thinking about going with Muscial Fidelity M6PRE or even M8PRE/PRX combos but I want to check off a few more boxes before jumping up to that caliber and expense of equipment. If you have any suggestions of best equipment on the 4309 for avg 70-80db I’m all ears. I tried the Proac D2R with 10000 dollars worth of Moon audio equipment but from that demo I’ve decided to keep my 4309s and focus on eauipment matching. Tarun if you have a discord channel please announce.
Thank you great to learn about your experiences. I really like my 4309s, that have a different presentation to many of my other reference speakers, more lively but still not bright or fatiguing. Lots of amp will work and it all depends on what you are looking for. I have a very active What’s App group on my Patreon that might be worth checking out 👍
www.patreon.com/abritishaudiophile
Room is your average UK late 60's smallish front room in a semi-detached so you do consider the neighbours so we're more near field so the mid 80's spec'd Whafedale Diamonds work out well on the end of recapped and generally souped up Rotel RA820B. I have in the past run lower powered amps such as classic Leak Stereo 20's and the uber cute Rogers Cadet II with its ECL86 tubes which it managed well so long as you were not getting into "banging on wall" volumes.
You're spot on to talk about impedance curves, they certainly can make or break a combination when it comes to ability to "play along" but for the money the R300 Plus is a steal.
Thank you for sharing Christopher 😊
This is a visually beautiful amplifier! GREAT review.
Thank you 👍
But it pledged with design issues: www.google.com/search?q=skunkie+r300+review&client=safari&sca_esv=be445f0cc062ab15&channel=ipad_bm&sxsrf=ADLYWIKQUkBuP9CNXkxQf0lsvd41Ef-Qtg%3A1715031275915&ei=60w5Zp6vN9bk5NoP9fOs-A8&oq=skunkie+r300&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIgxza3Vua2llIHIzMDAqAggAMggQIRigARjDBDIIECEYoAEYwwQyCBAhGKABGMMEMggQIRigARjDBEiTOVCiG1i5KnAAeACQAQCYAeIBoAHnBqoBBTAuNS4xuAEByAEA-AEBmAIFoAKXBsICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIIEAAYogQYiQWYAwCIBgGSBwUwLjQuMaAH1A4&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp#vuanr=4
Great review Tarun. Especially interesting for me I’m waiting for my R8 to arrive any day. As for listening habits… pretty wide musical tastes so my current Quad amps are almost perfect for me. Powerful and very clean sonics make all music sound just as good as each other, but I’m hoping the new valve amp improves the sound stage 🎵👊🏻
Great 👍 Please let me know how you get on 😊
Most of listening now is in my office listening about 8 ft away with an Elekit 8850 and JBL Studio 580s. It would be fun to have you review the Elekits and see how they compare to the Willsenton amps. Maybe HiFi Collective can supply you with Elekit. Great review as always! Cheers!
Thank you Bryan. I’ll check it out 😊
Hi Tarun, great review, as always. These pesky valve amps are so seductive when it comes to looks and sound stage. Makes me want to try one out, particularly with those upgraded valves from the famous brands. I’m sure it would enrich my experience with half the music I play, which is simple jazz focused. Trouble is, the other half of the time I spend listening to records from my yoof, being mostly various types of rock from the eighties.
I’ve unintentionally been down the rabbit hole of tuning a system for one type of music in the past and it was also by accident that I found my way back out of it. I fear going the tube root would be a retrograde step. So, much as I’m sure the R300 plus upgrades would “blow my mind” 😅 on jazz, I reckon I’d lose my enthusiasm for my rock collection. It’s a thanks but no thanks from me.
Still loved the review though. Cheers, Mark.
Thanks Mark. Great summary of the benefits and pitfalls of this type of amplifier. It will take those simple jazz and acoustic music to heights that few other amplifiers can match. However, anything with quick transients attacks is going to have softened edges. That is with sub 90dB sensitivity speakers, I suspect the picture may change with speakers rated in the mid 90s 😊👍
An interesting review Tarun. Here in the States there is a dedicated group of SET aficionados and a cottage industry supplying them. As such, there are a small number of manufacturers of high-efficiency speakers. Not all costing $10,000 plus.
On to today's question. I live in a small apartment and peak volume typically is about 75 -80 dB. And always sitting in the 'sweet spot'. Peak volume is partly out of respect for my neighbors, but also this is about where the room starts to get over-driven.
Thank you. I guess because we typically have less space in Europe to accommodate high sensitivity speakers (they are generally quite large), SET amps don’t have the same following over the pond. This is a shame as they can sound glorious with moderate sensitivity speakers for people who only play at low to moderate volumes 😊
Thrilled to hear that the DALI Menuet SEs paired well with such a low-powered amplifier. Hopefully you will get to try them with the Luxman SQ-N150 10W tube amp.
That would be interesting Jeremy. Please let me know how you get on 👍
Thank you for the review.
Thank you for watching 👍
I found a 1957 hardon kardon tube amp covered with 60 years of dust on a shelf in an old tv store. It barely worked but I cleaned it and watched some u tube videos and I got it had no noise when I was done , then painted the cover a metallic flake red and the tube lights reflections in the dark looked awesome. Unfortunately I ran into tough times and had to sell it. Idky im telling this i think it's because the only way I can afford a new tube amp is a Chinese one. But I been liking the muzisare. Right now I have a Dayton hybrid Tube amp it's a Chinese made inexpensive integrated amp but it sounds really good for the money. Thanks for the video i always enjoy your perspective.
What model is it?
Thank you my friend. I bet it looked great in that finish 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks, it did and also I got my first taste of the tube sound.
I was going to order the R8 next week, but now you have me vacillating. My Zu Audio DW6 speakers work excellently with my Cayin MT-12N EL84EH which is only 10 wpc, and this combo goes much louder than I need, or that my wife will allow, lol.
If 10WC is sufficient you be fine with what you have. Extra power may give better bass control though 😊
Great video
Thank you 👍
I use older speakers (ok vintage) maybe it was the large woofers and big mid/woofers . They just fit well with SE . Tarun im not going down this crazy track again, searched the world for them elusive tubes and paid to much money . Thankfully some of the newer offerings are holding up well .
Great review as always Sir .
Thank you 👍
Nice review! Have you ever heart of the brand Prima Luna? Great tube sound too!
Thank you. I am familiar with Prima Luna 😊
I have a SET of 2,3Watts driving my DIY full range 15' speakers. It is a delight. I can switch instantly to a Firstwatt F5 I made with a very similar listening pleasure but more power of course. I would probably never change that, I listen at low levels and do not need to increase the volume to hear more details. The improvement would be a better source but I don't blind myself, the key isn't in the system as far as it is already good, the recording plays the most part. I can have pleasure listening to some music I am not really attracted by if the recording is excellent, a point always underlooked.
The idea of a SET is also to have very few electronic componants to dissipate the signal, so a simple circuit. A single full range driver prolonged this idea and do not eat up a big portion of your music into a crossover.
Great points. Well said 👍
I use a set amp with handmade speakers very similar similar to spendor bc1 but a sealed box I do like loud music and have a very understanding neighbour who likes similar music but doesn't own a hifi so very lucky really he regularly visits and brings his own vinyl for long listening sessions
Thx for sharing 😊
Hiya Tarum ( I hope I spelt your name correctly)
I really enjoy your videos and your suggestion of trying out high efficiency loudspeakers is tantalising.
I am quite fascinated by Zu loudspeakers as a potential purchase when I plan to move house in the foreseeable future and am agonising over the DW6 with Supreme upgrade or the Unison Supreme 6 and Soul 6, my fingers are crossed hoping that perhaps that they might be on your shortlist.
Remaining hopeful,
Yours,
Hartley Pascoe
Hi Harley, I hope the move goes well. I have asked about Zu speakers but I don’t believe they are presently available in the U.K. 😊
Thank you for your reply so quickly.
I am aware that ZU are a Direct Sales Company but have seen them reviewed by other British Reviewers like Darko Audio and others. I am prepared to risk a Direct Sales purchase. It seems that in the USA Steve Gutenberg and Mr. Darko are liking their Zu"s as they are hanging on to them so in your instance until otherwise informed I will keep my fingers crossed.
I am interested in powering them with a NVA biggy power amp next to the speakers, perhaps a Galion SE valve amp or perhaps the Galion A 75 power amp once again next to the speakers. I have the appropriate XLR connecting cables as I am currently using a pair of AE 100 active speakers.
Well that's enough of me bothering you.
Yours,
Hartley Pascoe
Elegant review. Would you be so kind as to comment on the headphone section? Could one expect the same Class A 300b SET magic via the headphone connection or is this a different pathway? I think this could be a wonderful headphones amp, but I haven’t seen any data on that in the reviews I’ve read.
As usual, your reviews are top-notch and set the bar for others. They remind me of a quote I once heard about the music of the 1970s… " It was a time when the exceptional was the expected.”
Thank you. That is very much appreciated. I would expect a similar sound character through the headphone output if it is diverted from the speakers output. However, if there is a dedicated headphone amplifier then the sound could be quite different. It isn’t an aspect of the R300 Plus that I investigated 😊👍
Thanks for the video. I’m not a fan of tube amps due to the fact that the tubes burn out and need replacing and they run hot with limited power. As technology has evolved I’ve followed. I’ve said Goodbye to tubes, vinyl, 8 tracks and cassettes. To answer your question I like listening at high volume levels and always have. My Dad always told me it was too loud and now my kids tell me my music is too loud. What do parents and kids know. I love live music and it’s always loud unless you’re sitting in the cheap seats. Rock on.
Thank you. Keep rocking 😎👍
I grew up with 300B SETs way too many years ago. I still love the sound of 300Bs. Although I have grew to love th Pass Labs INT-25 which was a little cooler running. .Western Elecrtric now makes a 300B amp. I have never had a chance to hear one or seen a review. I like to end an evening setting in the sweet spot, sipping my beverage of choice, and taking a vacation from day to day life at where ever the music takes.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hi, can you share a description about the Labs Int-25 type of sound, please?
@@zombielandiii2711It is a class A amp. Which is full and warm with the right speakers. It does not sounstage as large as a 300B SET. But it has a little better imaging. And that is being picky. It is an amp Ilike because it does every genre well. In its price range, there are some that do wgreat for one genre. It is not as forgivng of bad recording as a 300B amp is. I used it mainly with a Qutest DAC which matched well. It does not match well with some warmer speakers. All this is my expereince and my ears. Detailed but nto the lean tight details of some audioohile amps. I can listen for hours without fatigue which not all amps in its price range do.
@@zombielandiii2711 My reply got lost. It has that class A fullness, slightly warm. While detail;ed, it is not harsh and somewhat forgiving of bad recordings (with in limits). II find for my hearing and room it prais well with open sounding speakers as its warmth and speaker warmth can be too much of a good thinf. I used it with a Denafrips or Chord DAC and the INT-25 showed the flavor of each without adding adding much of its own color. It has a natural imaging as opposed to audiophile highly detailed analytical sound. It is a taste of tube sound but not the full tube sound.
@@DeMorcan Thanks , it seems it's more or less what I'm looking for.
My system has been set up with close to optimal speaker placement. It would be nice to be able pull the speakers maybe 6" further into the room.
My room is normally set up as a living room. When I'm going to listen to music I just move an armchair into the marked hot-seat location, close all the curtains and turn out the lights.
I'm vinyl only and definitely a hot-seat listener. I like to loose myself in the music with minimal distractions.
Thx for sharing 😊
Thanks Tarun, If that paint is the same deep blue metallic paint you also find on the Musishare X-7 it is indeed beautiful. Wouldn't mind having a car that color. the amp could be a good match with my very efficient ZU DWX.
Thanks Jim. If you get to try it out with DWX, please let me know how you get on 👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Not likely. I swore off power tubes. 😆
Thank you Tarun. Nicely balanced and insightful review as usual. I’m running an SET from Elekit currently and the 300 Plus is on my radar as a possible final destination as I love the SET sound! I have sensitive, easy to drive speakers and the value looks outstanding! Providing those reported instability issues with the earlier version are all sorted with the Plus version. Sounds like they have been. If not Elekit kit do a 300b amp… so I’ll wait a while and see. Thanks again though.
Thank you for sharing Marcus 😊
My listening day starts with a 15-minute Tai Chi session with four tunes playing - 2 from Cara Dillon and 1 each from Aled jones and Home Free. It's way off to the side and so I'm hardly in the sweet spot, but otherwise the sound is very clear and relaxing.
I then generally seat myself in the sweet spot with my laptop on a coffee table to the RHS and listen to current favourites -- e.g. a few tracks from Kraftwerk and Musica Nuda. Then I'll decide what to play next, often variable depending on mood at the time. If I decide to make a snack and/or cup of coffee, I often find myself jigging to the music whilst in the kitchen.
Not into tube amps, I'm afraid. So much hassle it seems to me, and if you manage to get a good one, then from day one you're on notice that sooner or later you'll have to change worn out tubes -- might cost an arm and a leg in what is already a quite expensive hobby.
Incidentally, I have the Dali Menuet SE's but I listen to them little these days as my open baffles sound so much better, really getting me involved in the music. I don't like to listen loud, especially late at night. No idea what the dB rating might be, but I doubt it's very high.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Great review! Now I have to ask about the amp combined with the Quad Revela1 speakers. Does the 300 provide adequate power with the Quads? We can always upgrade the tubes for better sound quality I’m sure. Your thoughts would be appreciated, thanks. I presently own the R8.
Thank you. “Adequate power” will be different for everyone. It is enough for for me, listening at around 75dB, with most genres of music 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I appreciate it. I listen to classical and jazz mostly and don’t have a huge space (15x19), for my listening area. I purchased the Revela 1 after your review and must say that pack a punch. Still breaking them in. For speaker and interconnects I’m using the Chord Epic xl speaker and epic interconnect cables. Again after one of your reviews on interconnects. Never heard of chord cables until you mentioned them. Of course i search out and read up on reviews before any purchase. Thanks again!!!
Great Review, what is the difference between the "PLUS" and the non plus models?
Thank you. There were quite a few modifications to the circuit and components 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you for replying I can’t find anything on internet about the difference’s
Love my Willsenton R8 paired with my Yamaha NS-1000M speakers and if I had the funds I would love to have Western Electric's new 300B tube amp ($16k USD) and a pair of Dynaudio Special 40's. I heard that combo at Stereo Unlimited in San Diego and was very impressed.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Great video! This amp has too many compromises, just buy a Galion TS120!
I understand that it is not for everyone 😊
At three times the price, the Galion should be better quality, but also, at that price difference it’s not really a reasonable alternative, Nevermind not even a 300B amplifier.
Just been looking at those Stack Audio feet which have a couple of glowing reviews, would be interested in what you think.
Thanks for your continued efforts, much appreciated.
Thank you. They made a noticeable difference in cleaning up the sound in my system. That is why I am happy to use them and have them as a sponsor 👍
I like low-volume, long-session listening, with quite a bit of wandering around off-axis. Source material is almost exclusively hotel bar jazz -- people like Cyrus Chestnut and Tommy Flanagan and Oscar Peterson and Beegie Adair. I've got a relatively small room (about 3m across the front, 6m deep, poured concrete with full-length curtains hung front and back), and when I am sitting in the listening position, it's very close to the speakers. So all of this should make me a good candidate for electronics whose performance is less about agility and bass grip, and more about the liquidity of full immersion in the sound. (The one offering that I was surprised didn't get a mention here as a comp is the NVA stack, which as I recall was received with very similar description and acclaim on this channel.)
But there's a problem: I am not now, nor have I ever been, someone who takes any pleasure whatsoever in gear-chasing. I never wanted to be a guy who has owned twenty different sets of speakers in his life, nor almost as many different pairings with electronics. And I don't *listen* like an audiophile, either: I want my music to sound involving, of course, but not so involving that I'm actively thinking about it while it's playing. And this seems like a huge component of the decision-making processes in this hobby, and one which almost never gets discussed. With versatility being another, of course: I need a rig that will also play an occasional movie, at occasionally bigger serving-sizes, if I don't want to have to buy a second system.
This is why, over my time as an ABA fanboy, and especially over the past 18 months or so, my shopping emphasis has skewed ever more noticeably toward options that mitigate the risk of unpleasant surprises vis-a-vis versatility, reliability, companionability, and matching. And I know I'm a bit of a broken record at this point ( ? pun intended ? ) but for me that seems to be a good middle-of-the-range integrated by Naim (I'm thinking the XS3, or contemporary equivalent when the time comes), with the SMSL AO300 holding down the fort quite commendably until the bigger purchase can be justified. This thinking also seems to recommend a speaker whose competence doesn't lend itself to use-case-specific superlatives about things like bass grip, liquidity of midrange, imaging, dynamics, etc. (For me that begins to look like it could be the Audio Physic Classic 3. Either that or the KEF R3 Meta.)
Would a rig consisting of the Naim XS3 and the AP Classic 3's compete with a SET amp driving 94dB speakers? For the latter's hyper-specific use-case, no. Of course not. But that use-case is narrow enough, it seems to me, to invite premature swap-shopping anyway, which is after all the merry-go-round from which we are all trying to dismount with every purchase we make.
It troubles me a little that more time and energy isn't spent on this discussing this consideration: If one spends $XX,XXX on a system that will do one specific thing EXCEEDINGLY well, that person's odds of early swap-shopping are actually heightened in the process, because the system's need to do other things well, too, will draw a sharper than normal contrast. To me, versatility and companionability are much higher priorities than I almost ever hear mentioned in reviews.
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your perspective 😊
15:36 I am a low level listener. Mainly because I am forced to by my favourite (in sound quality) but unhappy (in efficiency) combination of a upgraded Wilsenton R8-like tube amplifier and Magnepan 1.5 speakers.
I am in love with both components, so I will go on with low leven listening.
Thank you for sharing Ed 😊
Thanks again Tarun do you think this would be worth trying with Harbeth P3s listening near field in a small office? They do need a bit of volume to fully open up but they are only slightly less sensitive than the menuet?
It may struggle with Harbeth’s but the only way to find out is by trying 😊
I plan to pair these up with some high sensitivity speakers over 100DB horns for mids and treble. I listen to orchestras that are full sounding. Bass is important to me but not as much as mids and treble. I am debating to either buy this amp or build one myself. It's a tough choice. I have heard great reviews from this amp though.
Great 👍 please let me know how you get on 😊
Hi Tarun, I do my critical listening at around 80db.
Thank you 👍
Hmmmmm…. the Billie Heaven 11 vs this with a good DAC (Denafrips Pontus)? Love your reviews 🙏🏼
Thank you 😊
Never the less some other not so positive coments I strongly belive that you gave us your honest oppinion...founded on wast knoledge and experiance.
Regards.
Thank you 😊
That a nice looking amplifier. I’m hoping you can review the new Arcam A25 radiator series. Retails for $1400 class G and compare it
Thank you 😊
I bet it sounds great 300B tubes class
It has a distinct sound that many will enjoy 😊
Some conjecture regarding this single ended tube amplifier. Willsenton does listen to its consumers in reviews and correspondence.
They are willing to improve a product.
I enjoyed this presentation. 8 watts….
High sensitivity speakers built well. Magic in a room that is smaller.
Thank you for sharing 😊
I bet it would make a excellent bedroom\2nd system amp!! Not enough grunt for a main system but probably plenty for a smaller room.
I agree, Chris 😊
This would be incorrect. I use mine almost daily in a big room with only 87dB NHT Absolute Towers and it will do whatever you ask, including permanently damage your hearing.
@@cshawnb Interesting!!
have you considered reviewing the german company SPL? im interested in their Performer800 amp .
thanks
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Thanks for your review. I have the R8 but I’m leaning towards 300B tubes. I think some time ago you reviewed the R800, which also runs on 300Bs. How would you stack it against this one (except for the price)?
It has been some time since I reviewed the Willsenton R800i. It uses 300B on the driving stage and either 805s or 845s on the output stage. It shares a similar character to the R300 Plus from what I recall. The power difference is the main difference 😊
Thanks!
Avoid this amp as it has a number of design flaws based on SkunkieDesigns tear down of the R300B V1. She has done a number of videos on the R300B V1.
@@joenovak6393If you designate Skunkie Design's review subject the V1 then why do you fail to recognise this is the Plus version which most likely addresses exactly the shortcomings that had been pointed out in that review?
Nice review, there have been problems with this amp as other commentators noted. Please consider a review of Fezz Audio from Poland, great products not from China. I have a Felixs Audio Ariso 300B amp also from Poland that is superb running Wharfedale Allysian 4 speakers, this combination is fantastic, I would bet the 3's would also be good.
Thx for the suggestion. This is the new “Plus” version and not the same as the one reviewed by many others 😊
I have always wondered if that’s a Seasick Steve picture 🙂
It is 😊
I'll usually listen in the mid seventies, that will go up to around 86 depending in dynamics (if my phone is accurate). I wonder if a combination of Tube preamp and class D power amp would not be the ideal combination. Because good class d is transparant so it will reproduce the tube sound accurately and with power. Not talking about the small tpa3255 but Hypex and Purifi.
You should check out my review of the Heaven 11 Billie amp that uses a tube preamp with class d amp stages 😊
ruclips.net/video/GLix5NZsBoc/видео.html
@@abritishaudiophile7314 oh yeah that one looks very good.
Speakers from Tannoy or Fyne audio UK based typically have high sensitivity and would be possible choice.
I haven’t checked for a while but I believe only the really big ones exceed 90dB at 2.83v/m rating 😊
I have the R300 and I have Tannoy Cheviots. Only a small number of songs sound good. Spurs, vocal centric music.
Hi Tarun, how do you compare this amp with Billie amp which has a five year warranty. Which one you are going to put your money on?
They are two completely different types of amps with very different presentations 😊
Perhaps one day you can review a Line Magnetic equivalent amplifier.
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
I am off topic but: Could you create at show and tell about PHASE? I am a longtime audio enthusiast. Lately I keep hearing people talk about phase. I have always understood that it simply meant keeping the red and black speaker wires attached to their corresponding red and black connectors.
Can you provide more detail if it is relevant?
Thank you.
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Nice. Exactly. It is not about SPL but impedance behaviour that some speakers will not work with Class A. The Coda 5.5 is one of the most powerful Class A poweramp so the least sensitive to behaviour of the speakers. The Atoll is not very Class A so not comparable and more artificial so in that class maybe better take a look into the Unison Primo. The A1 is Class A but not an SE Class A amp. The new Arcam A series are up to first 15 Watt Class A and Vincent also up to about first 9 Watt. And then there is the Aegir. The SE Class A Sugden and Lux 550 are much more expensive. These are the few choices for preferable amps.
Thx for sharing 😊
I have the Wilsenton 300b amp. Can you please explain the difference between this amp and the newer Plus version? Or at least point me to a place to find the differences and how mine might be modified to correct the difference? Thank you so much. Great review! I run mine with Klipsch Heresy IV’s and a Rel T9x sub. Love it!
I also rolled the tubes to the best PSVane R300 tubes. Big difference!
There have been a number of changes to internal parts. I haven’t been given specific details as yet 😊
I have the R300 one too. I bought it after the many glowing reviews on RUclips. Sounds good on certain songs, but there is a lot of distortion and I am regretting my purchase.
@@Simplyveej Have you done any tube rolling. The PSVane tubes made a tremendous difference for me, as did adding the sub
@@TJRainbowWarrior I did. There was an improvement. But the same negatives.
I own both the Willsenton R8 and R300. Unfortunately I had issues with both, such as excessive noise, cooked resistors and multiple tube red plating… because bought from China Hifi it’s hard, nearly impossible to get service. Note: there are several versions of the R300 on the market (e.g. some has a delay board installed to solve the power supply issues. And no that didn’t solve the problem)
Shame to hear about your difficulties. My experience with the R8 has been different. It has run without any problems. Time will tell how the R300 Plus will perform 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314yes, some has issues others not. So beside the design faults it looks like they also have bad quality control.
That sucks. Yeah the delay board was a quick fix on the R300 model. The Plus model resolved the problem.
Did you try your ProAc 1Sc's with this R300?
I did, it struggled to drive them 😊
If they were easier to get in the UK I would try it for sure. Its just the warranty and the possibility of having to send it off for any repair that put me off.
That is understandable and the trade off for the low price 😊
Sigh. Why am I here again? I already bought multiple amps because of this guy.
Sorry about that 😊
Why are well made audio products "built like tanks"? What happened to the good old brick sh*thouse? 😀 Anyway, nice review as always. MIND BLOWN!
Thank you 😊
MY Minava 300b amp cost 600GBP and with my large Tannoys . the bass is very good... The amp has no issues... And I prefer the Chinese 6SN7s that r laffed at
Thank you for sharing Matthew 😊
Taryn ,did I miss what is the difference between the regular and plus model 300
The Plus model has replaced the older R300 and had some internal modifications and upgraded parts 😊
Time to review Canadas very own Reference 3A Dulcet…..!
Which Willsenton amp would you recommend between the R8(KT88) or R300 for Klipsch Cornwall iv speakers?
Depends on the sound characteristics you are looking for 😊
R8, definitely
"This video is sponsored by a useful, inexpensive product."
You've lost your marbles.
I think the Sebalius speaker would be a good match.
Worth trying out 😊
Magic.
Thank you 😊
Skunkie Designs Electronics
Willsenton R300 Plus Review: More Junk Bling
ruclips.net/video/fwvGd3fGAmw/видео.html
How do you compare this with Boyyurange 300B A50, MKIII ?
It is similar in sound but the Willsenton R300 Plus seems to have a bit more power 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you.
Love and respect from India.
i have a desktop setup where the maxi go to is 75db. LAI Hcw got two headphones seyups
Thx for sharing 😊
I wouldn’t be trying this with the speakers you had available, some full range ARTs, Tannoys or similar would be far more instructive from my point of view - any plans?
None at the moment. I can only try with speakers I have 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Oh yes I get that. But if you want to review low powered SET amps and give them the best chance to show what they can do, a full range speaker of high sensitivity with benign impedance that is designed for use with SETs would do a much better job. It would be interesting to see by how much. I enjoy the channel very much, well done on that. Some speakers like that would also help with evaluations of other Class A or even non Class A amps of lower power. I have some speakers that were designed for SETs and they also sound great with Sugden, or other lower powered amps such as Lavardin for example. Spending gazillions on power for the sake of getting a speaker to work properly is so over-rated. :)
@@abritishaudiophile7314 A shame because none of those speakers are designed with SET amps in mind.
headphone socket any good?
Yes
My listening habits are best epitomised by Joe Pass' more contemplative (slow, quiet) pieces.
So perhaps the R300 Plus will work. Or just about any single-ended tube amp, really.
Worth a try 😉
Did you tried it with Proacs
I did, they like more power 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 As a R8 and Proac response 1.5 owner, I always wondered if R300 could drive them. Thanks for clarifying that :)
friend, tell me a dap that is suitable for watching movies, so that the effect is like Dolby Atmos, at least similar, perhaps there is such a filter, as I understand it, you need a very strong three-dimensional effect?
Tarun, I think you missed the multiple and severe design flaws on the Willsenton products that Skunkie caught. I’d be very very careful before recommending them.
This is not the same model but the “Plus” version. According to the supplier, there are significant internal modifications 😊
I wondered why there were no giants.
Now we know 🤣
If someone has devised a new audio system, who would be the best person/company to contact?
I don’t understand the question… 🤔
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Quie simple, I have devised a new system that I am looking to get manufactured/marketed, but I don't know who to contact to help me build it. I need engineers, etc.
Moderate to loud as far as SPL goes. 8 watts, is not enough for me when I'm up for a jam.
Understood 😊
Try an Audio Music amp or preamp.
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
AM hi end are at the higher end of what you usually review. Almost certainly they will beat your Exposure amps. A largely ignored Chinese brand, which I believe offers possibly the best hi end bargains around. Truly end game components. Lack of marketing and brand promotion has left them in the shadows. Willow tree audio used to have them at Cranage but not this year. Hope to see you soon at Cranage perhaps.
8 watts a channel is not a lot so speaker choice is limited, also, on demanding music such as Mahler's 8th symphony with huge dynamic swings, there will simply not be enough power. I suppose you will be ok with simp,e acoustic music but you are limited. My advice would be to choose an amplifier with more power which will almost certainly mean a/b. 🙂
Understood, this amp won’t be for everyone. Speaker choice is critical. It can sound glorious with many types of music but the rockers and symphony listeners should probably look elsewhere 😊