Hi I'm an old dude an consider myself an recovered audiophile who 20 years ago had the privilege to design and build a 300b with an audio genius with a cost no limit budget. And after a year of trial and error came up with an end game product. So in the end we were trying tube rolling and on my amp the differences were quite small...untill I tried TJ Fullmusic balloon tubes as you mentioned. Then I sent them out to get cryogenic treatment here in Canada. What were the results? When Dan asked me how the new tubes sounded.... I replied "tubes... what tubes? They were invisible ! It seemed like all I heard was the preamp tubes only magnified and I was so impressed I thought of going into business promoting those cyro tubes so I also used TJ input tubes and to me it brought audio nirvana. Now I know everyone has different tastes but if I ever build another amp I'd still opt for TJ cryogenic tubes... just saying 😊😊😊😊 PS,. I used the term "recovered audiophile". Because now my real joy is in introducing newbys to the wonderful world of an "ancient" craftsmanship of the glory of Tubes
For me the review content is timely and addresses questions I have. I am ready for a change and have contemplated Decware for the amp replacement. After your Sarah review I decided yes I want one. Friday I sent an email to Decware asking will I miss not having a remote? You answered this. Next question should I just get the Western Electric 300Bs? I am thinking yes. Thanks for your well articulated review. It sold me on the Sarah!
Just saw this pop up. Great presentation! After building tube amps for many years and conducting numerous A/B sonic tests, I've found that while different tubes do make a difference, coupling capacitors also significantly influence the sound just as much. I've experimented with various exotic capacitors, but I always revert back to high-end interstage transformers for coupling. I'm not sure what Decware uses for coupling.
Thanks again for the info. My problem is I'm on that list and it's a bit over 2 years. When my turn comes, I will order along with those VC tubes just for fun. In this video, you didn't mention about the regulator tube rollings. I had a good result with my current amp--Willsenton R800i rolled with Sophia electric 274B MK2 blue glass. Who cares if it's in the signal path or not.
Thx for the great video. What volume level do you set the Sarah at when using a preamp? Do you find that that you get more of the 300B tube magic if you set the Sarah to maximum volume?
Love your reviews! Once again detail (sorry!): no, the three voltage regulator tubes do not need to match! The outside two for the 6N6P driver tubes need to match or else one is going to get channel imbalance, but the third in the middle is the voltage regulator for the preamp tube in the front (see also manual, second to last page or so). Besides, rolling the rectifier tube makes no less of a difference sonically than any of the other tubes, so indeed, the permutations are seemingly endless.
"Super quiet background"? Perhaps your intention here is for this statement to be taken in a relative sense. And that is fair enough. However, the more critical thinking amongst us might go on to struggle with the obvious yet dangerously regressive thought: relative to what? This risks demoting your statement to that of unhelpful hyperbole and obfuscation. If amplifier noise so exercises you [as it should us all] to the point where you feel it an important feature worth touting, then in the same relative terms you will find no better example of a "super quiet backgroud" than what can be routinely achieved with a well designed solid state offering. Absolutely no offence intended here. It's good to talk. Regards.
7:38 What ever amp or combo I use I tend to use volume control on average at least 3 times per song sometimes I change volume every 30-60S. But if I'm bussy doing something I tend to just leave it on a slightly lower volume. Using the volume control multiple times per song gives me best exprience.
Hi I'm an old dude an consider myself an recovered audiophile who 20 years ago had the privilege to design and build a 300b with an audio genius with a cost no limit budget. And after a year of trial and error came up with an end game product. So in the end we were trying tube rolling and on my amp the differences were quite small...untill I tried TJ Fullmusic balloon tubes as you mentioned. Then I sent them out to get cryogenic treatment here in Canada. What were the results? When Dan asked me how the new tubes sounded.... I replied "tubes... what tubes? They were invisible ! It seemed like all I heard was the preamp tubes only magnified and I was so impressed I thought of going into business promoting those cyro tubes so I also used TJ input tubes and to me it brought audio nirvana. Now I know everyone has different tastes but if I ever build another amp I'd still opt for TJ cryogenic tubes... just saying 😊😊😊😊
PS,. I used the term "recovered audiophile". Because now my real joy is in introducing newbys to the wonderful world of an "ancient" craftsmanship of the glory of Tubes
You getting really good at this man. Great insights with no BS
I appreciate that!
More Sarah vids!!
For me the review content is timely and addresses questions I have. I am ready for a change and have contemplated Decware for the amp replacement. After your Sarah review I decided yes I want one. Friday I sent an email to Decware asking will I miss not having a remote? You answered this. Next question should I just get the Western Electric 300Bs? I am thinking yes.
Thanks for your well articulated review. It sold me on the Sarah!
Definitely my favorite hi fi channel on you tube. I wish only how the Decware compare to Audio Note ToneMeister Meishu amp .
I wish I knew. I dont have access to those right now.
Great Job Loic!
Thank you Ben!
Just saw this pop up.
Great presentation!
After building tube amps for many years and conducting numerous A/B sonic tests, I've found that while different tubes do make a difference, coupling capacitors also significantly influence the sound just as much.
I've experimented with various exotic capacitors, but I always revert back to high-end interstage transformers for coupling.
I'm not sure what Decware uses for coupling.
Well said, Loic!! as usual
Thanks again for the info. My problem is I'm on that list and it's a bit over 2 years. When my turn comes, I will order along with those VC tubes just for fun. In this video, you didn't mention about the regulator tube rollings. I had a good result with my current amp--Willsenton R800i rolled with Sophia electric 274B MK2 blue glass. Who cares if it's in the signal path or not.
It all has an impact.
Great info 👍
Thanks for another great review!
I forget when I ordered the Sarah, I'm afraid to look where I am on the list. I'm probably another year on the 25th anniversary triode.
Fun video
😎
Thx for the great video. What volume level do you set the Sarah at when using a preamp? Do you find that that you get more of the 300B tube magic if you set the Sarah to maximum volume?
I am enjoying it at around 75%
Nice video. Will the Decware Zen Sarah 300B easily drive the Maco Macaria Speakers?
I talk about it in this video:
The Best Open Baffle speakers yet? Macaria, by MACO
ruclips.net/video/_1a4H8XT9hY/видео.html
Thanks!@@hificave
Love your reviews! Once again detail (sorry!): no, the three voltage regulator tubes do not need to match! The outside two for the 6N6P driver tubes need to match or else one is going to get channel imbalance, but the third in the middle is the voltage regulator for the preamp tube in the front (see also manual, second to last page or so). Besides, rolling the rectifier tube makes no less of a difference sonically than any of the other tubes, so indeed, the permutations are seemingly endless.
Oh yes, thanks. Another detail, changing the rectifier makes a big difference in terms of soundstage, bass & air.
I’m about two months from getting my own Sarah. Have you heard the Brunoco Terra 6L6PP amp to comment on how the two compare? Thank you!
Never heard about Brunoco.
It is one of Jay Iyagi’s personal favorites.
👏👏👏
What about the rectifier? as I mentioned last time you HAVE to try the WE 422A.
When the opportunity presents itself. I will.
Your 6922 will accept a converter to a 6SN7, be prepared for a bigger sound stage.
Bigger soundstage is ALWAYS good imo. Thanks!
Loïc !!! You never speak about your ladies back speakers ..? What are you waiting ? Please make the video about this beautiful as :)) speakers ❤
I will soon
@@hificave merci monsieur :))
have you tried 300b in OTL?
Not yet.
Green skin
"Super quiet background"?
Perhaps your intention here is for this statement to be taken in a relative sense. And that is fair enough.
However, the more critical thinking amongst us might go on to struggle with the obvious yet dangerously regressive thought: relative to what?
This risks demoting your statement to that of unhelpful hyperbole and obfuscation.
If amplifier noise so exercises you [as it should us all] to the point where you feel it an important feature worth touting, then in the same relative terms
you will find no better example of a "super quiet backgroud" than what can be routinely achieved with a well designed solid state offering.
Absolutely no offence intended here.
It's good to talk.
Regards.
Everything is relative and in context.
7:38 What ever amp or combo I use I tend to use volume control on average at least 3 times per song sometimes I change volume every 30-60S. But if I'm bussy doing something I tend to just leave it on a slightly lower volume. Using the volume control multiple times per song gives me best exprience.