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.
@garf7767Ай бұрын
I have to agree. Steph is spot on with her findings about this amp, it is dripping with poor design resulting in poor sound.
@toddstyles719421 күн бұрын
This amp is shocking good with good tubes. Only issue is the cheap Chinese tubes. Boo hoo the square wave is off. I've had 5,000.00 amplifiers that don't sound as good.
@mddawson121 күн бұрын
@@toddstyles7194 The main problem are the output transformers that appear to be close to shorting out causing a 9db dip 10 to 15 khz in its frequency response.
@justingriffin254614 күн бұрын
Skunkie did an update and says it's a great Amp-they changed a few things....
@mddawson114 күн бұрын
@@justingriffin2546 You might be thinking of the R8. She still thinks the updated R300 is mediocre. Quote: "In this video I do the anticipated test of the Wilsenton R300 Plus, which promises to resolve all the problem with the power supply and poor quality output transformers than plagued the earlier version. Sadly it has other issues and is just more of the same junk."
@matthewmurrell68293 ай бұрын
You got to be possibly the best audio reviewer on KZfaq 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
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experiences Matthew 😊👍
@RimfireAddicted703 ай бұрын
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!
@milanstastny67993 ай бұрын
I can recommed you Japanese ELEKIT SET amp models and US Omega loudspeakers. High quality, good prices.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly my friend. I really appreciate your support 😊👍
@joenovak63933 ай бұрын
@@milanstastny6799 Also Sunvalley for Point to Point Japan quality. The reviewers who had so called reviewed the R300B V1 and V2 do surface reviewing.
@zombielandiii27113 ай бұрын
@@milanstastny6799 Where can I find those?
@simonxuan3 ай бұрын
You are such a gentleman even when replying to impolite criticisms.
@abritishaudiophile73142 ай бұрын
Thank you. I try my best 😊👍
@JJ-no2ob3 ай бұрын
“Glowing glassware amplification “ well done old chap !
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😉👍
@cshawnb3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
That is great. Thank you for sharing 😊👍
@hershbagelstein5453 ай бұрын
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
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@damayor623 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
@joenovak63933 ай бұрын
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
@TheRealWindlePoons3 ай бұрын
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. 😀
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Very interesting, great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
@user-sj8ws3ku5o3 ай бұрын
try the R300 Boyuurange- Killer for lot less
@christopherrigby27983 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing Christopher 😊
@adsph3 ай бұрын
Well done here. Realistic expectations this looks like a good value. Started my journey into a class a tube amp. Really like it.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you . I appreciate you sharing 😊
@stephendixon85753 ай бұрын
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! 🙌
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you Stephen. Glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
@rfuesting3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
@mpp99643 ай бұрын
Excellent intro topic. This is exactly the reason why I value your channel so much
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. That is much appreciated 😊👍
@jcisme3 ай бұрын
I am surprised anyone recommends Tekton after the way Eric Alexander threatened to sue Erin after his review.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I was merely listing Hugh sensitivity speakers that are available in the USA, not making personal recommendations 😊
@jcisme3 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I understand. Reviewers just need to be careful saying anything about Tekton because it isn't just the speakers that are highly sensitive.
@bengleason5083 ай бұрын
My listening habits (SPL) are the same as yours. I would appreciate more content leaning in this direction. Thank you for your work!
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@DeMorcan3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing 😊
@zombielandiii27113 ай бұрын
Hi, can you share a description about the Labs Int-25 type of sound, please?
@DeMorcan3 ай бұрын
@@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.
@DeMorcan3 ай бұрын
@@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.
@zombielandiii27113 ай бұрын
@@DeMorcan Thanks , it seems it's more or less what I'm looking for.
@chengo513 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Great points. Well said 👍
@zindahoon3 ай бұрын
Brilliant review once again, Tarun , Thank you 🙏
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you my friend 😊👍
@Simon_Hawkshaw3 ай бұрын
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.
@TrueAudio2 ай бұрын
don't bother simon - trust me, i know
@pjono773 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@bruceandt3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing 😊
@BostonMike683 ай бұрын
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.
@zombielandiii27113 ай бұрын
What model is it?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you my friend. I bet it looked great in that finish 👍
@BostonMike683 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks, it did and also I got my first taste of the tube sound.
@jimfarrell46353 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for the heads up about KR Audio. I agree with you about the benefits and drawbacks of SET amps 👍
@danmarjenka63613 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
@nathanevans62773 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@jeremylynnchagaspereira39263 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
That would be interesting Jeremy. Please let me know how you get on 👍
@brown-eyedman40403 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 😊
@chrislj28903 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
If 10WC is sufficient you be fine with what you have. Extra power may give better bass control though 😊
@michaelvincent83063 ай бұрын
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
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@toddstyles7194Ай бұрын
Great review as always 👍👍👍
@abritishaudiophile7314Ай бұрын
@@toddstyles7194 thank you 👍
@toddstyles719421 күн бұрын
Put the RCA 5u4g and the WE Psvane 300b replica in it. Sylvania 6sn7 and rca red base 5691. WOW what a difference. Can we say tube magic 😮
@abritishaudiophile731415 күн бұрын
@@toddstyles7194 cool 😎
@bryanherr10933 ай бұрын
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!
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you Bryan. I’ll check it out 😊
@crowshik3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
@robvandenheuvel46173 ай бұрын
Nice review! Have you ever heart of the brand Prima Luna? Great tube sound too!
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. I am familiar with Prima Luna 😊
@MarcusWellstead3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing Marcus 😊
@user-mz6lt2pr9s3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. Keep rocking 😎👍
@hartleypascoe6293 ай бұрын
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
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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. 😊
@hartleypascoe6293 ай бұрын
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
@edverbeek62923 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing Ed 😊
@hrvojekant94153 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@TheDjcarlos673 ай бұрын
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 🎵👊🏻
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Great 👍 Please let me know how you get on 😊
@joaquinbarreto93983 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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
@fletchermunson62253 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thanks Jim. If you get to try it out with DWX, please let me know how you get on 👍
@fletchermunson62253 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Not likely. I swore off power tubes. 😆
@stigbengtsson7026Ай бұрын
I really like that you speak without background music, but could you get some more brilliace (high tones) from youre mic, that would help us with a bit hearing problems. Otherwise you make a great youtube cannel. 😎👍 Best whishes from Sweden.
@abritishaudiophile7314Ай бұрын
@@stigbengtsson7026 thank you. I appreciate the feedback 😊
@stigbengtsson7026Ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Tank you to, there are so many not good cannels, so I preciate seriour youtuber. Goog Luck. from Sweden.
@stevehollingbery97443 ай бұрын
Nice review Chap. Listening habit is mostly low to medium levels. Once in a blue moon I have a blast 85db +. Cheers.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thanks Steve. You and me both 👍
@MasterHomebrew2 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73142 ай бұрын
Great 👍 please let me know how you get on 😊
@2023C8HTC3 ай бұрын
as always,GREAT REVIEW.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you kindly 😊👍
@vondellclark49543 ай бұрын
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.”
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 😊👍
@Ivy132763 ай бұрын
Great video! This amp has too many compromises, just buy a Galion TS120!
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I understand that it is not for everyone 😊
@cshawnb3 ай бұрын
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.
@dannyb36633 ай бұрын
Sigh. Why am I here again? I already bought multiple amps because of this guy.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Sorry about that 😊
@Washout19702 ай бұрын
Great Review, what is the difference between the "PLUS" and the non plus models?
@abritishaudiophile73142 ай бұрын
Thank you. There were quite a few modifications to the circuit and components 😊
@Washout19702 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you for replying I can’t find anything on internet about the difference’s
@jules1533 ай бұрын
Great review 👍🏻
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@ShonPatrick-nj1rr3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
@thomasfi12753 ай бұрын
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)
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 😊
@thomasfi12753 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314yes, some has issues others not. So beside the design faults it looks like they also have bad quality control.
@cshawnb3 ай бұрын
That sucks. Yeah the delay board was a quick fix on the R300 model. The Plus model resolved the problem.
@TheChrisleekay3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I agree, Chris 😊
@cshawnb3 ай бұрын
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.
@TheChrisleekay3 ай бұрын
@@cshawnb Interesting!!
@robertyoung17773 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@markcarrington85653 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 😊👍
@CinemaDemocratica3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your perspective 😊
@johncallaghan30973 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing 😊
@D1N023 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
You should check out my review of the Heaven 11 Billie amp that uses a tube preamp with class d amp stages 😊 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbKZq5h_v9mmn5c.html
@D1N023 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 oh yeah that one looks very good.
@victorrivera63753 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you. “Adequate power” will be different for everyone. It is enough for for me, listening at around 75dB, with most genres of music 😊
@victorrivera63753 ай бұрын
@@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!!!
@doctormidnight3 ай бұрын
"This video is sponsored by a useful, inexpensive product." You've lost your marbles.
@Evolved_ue73 ай бұрын
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 .
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@toddstyles7194Ай бұрын
Have one on the way. I listen around 70 db. Going to be using Sylvania 1960 chrome dome 6sn7 and tungsol 1950's gty military round getter 6sl7. WE 300b. KLH MODEL 5. Rated at 92 sensitivity. Should sound pretty good 😏
@abritishaudiophile7314Ай бұрын
@@toddstyles7194 great 👍
@DaleWhitlam-ni5wp3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 👍
@jacobpaternostro91093 ай бұрын
Hmmmmm…. the Billie Heaven 11 vs this with a good DAC (Denafrips Pontus)? Love your reviews 🙏🏼
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@chewy5603 ай бұрын
Speakers from Tannoy or Fyne audio UK based typically have high sensitivity and would be possible choice.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I haven’t checked for a while but I believe only the really big ones exceed 90dB at 2.83v/m rating 😊
@Simplyveej3 ай бұрын
I have the R300 and I have Tannoy Cheviots. Only a small number of songs sound good. Spurs, vocal centric music.
@jamesbrotherton54873 ай бұрын
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!
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@CUBICUB3 ай бұрын
Great video
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@NormcoreGreg3 ай бұрын
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)?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 😊
@NormcoreGreg3 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@joenovak63933 ай бұрын
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.
@gaborozorai37143 ай бұрын
@@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?
@dennis37793 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@MrRperez263 ай бұрын
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
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 😊
@paulgood22183 ай бұрын
Thank you for the review.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching 👍
@matytinman2 ай бұрын
Skunkie Designs Electronics Willsenton R300 Plus Review: More Junk Bling kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nN2mesdky62lnas.html
@bobb.99173 ай бұрын
This is a visually beautiful amplifier! GREAT review.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@joenovak63933 ай бұрын
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
@matthewtaylor73553 ай бұрын
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
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing Matthew 😊
@stimpy12263 ай бұрын
Perhaps one day you can review a Line Magnetic equivalent amplifier.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@ionutfloares69583 ай бұрын
I have always wondered if that’s a Seasick Steve picture 🙂
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
It is 😊
@andyb1553 ай бұрын
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?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
It may struggle with Harbeth’s but the only way to find out is by trying 😊
@siriosstar47893 ай бұрын
have you considered reviewing the german company SPL? im interested in their Performer800 amp . thanks
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I appreciate the suggestion 😊
@ggdfggdfgdffgfddg343 ай бұрын
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?
@Ricky-cl5bu3 ай бұрын
I bet it sounds great 300B tubes class
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
It has a distinct sound that many will enjoy 😊
@kindface3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73142 ай бұрын
Worth a try 😉
@BoredSilly6663 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
That is understandable and the trade off for the low price 😊
@Simplyveej3 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
This is not the same model but the “Plus” version. According to the supplier, there are significant internal modifications 😊
@steveshreeve89523 ай бұрын
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?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
None at the moment. I can only try with speakers I have 😊
@steveshreeve89523 ай бұрын
@@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. :)
@steveshreeve89523 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 A shame because none of those speakers are designed with SET amps in mind.
@Dpak19805 күн бұрын
I have never heard tube sound. Will this pair well with Wharfedale Lintons?
@abritishaudiophile73145 күн бұрын
@@Dpak1980 worth a try 🙂
@simongrove32763 ай бұрын
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.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thx for the suggestion. This is the new “Plus” version and not the same as the one reviewed by many others 😊
@shanestephenson84233 ай бұрын
Hi Tarun, I do my critical listening at around 80db.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you 👍
@urbenkam3 ай бұрын
i have a desktop setup where the maxi go to is 75db. LAI Hcw got two headphones seyups
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thx for sharing 😊
@jameschan24043 ай бұрын
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?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
They are two completely different types of amps with very different presentations 😊
@TJRainbowWarrior3 ай бұрын
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!
@TJRainbowWarrior3 ай бұрын
I also rolled the tubes to the best PSVane R300 tubes. Big difference!
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
There have been a number of changes to internal parts. I haven’t been given specific details as yet 😊
@Simplyveej3 ай бұрын
I have the R300 one too. I bought it after the many glowing reviews on KZfaq. Sounds good on certain songs, but there is a lot of distortion and I am regretting my purchase.
@TJRainbowWarrior3 ай бұрын
@@Simplyveej Have you done any tube rolling. The PSVane tubes made a tremendous difference for me, as did adding the sub
@Simplyveej3 ай бұрын
@@TJRainbowWarrior I did. There was an improvement. But the same negatives.
@2023C8HTC3 ай бұрын
Which Willsenton amp would you recommend between the R8(KT88) or R300 for Klipsch Cornwall iv speakers?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Depends on the sound characteristics you are looking for 😊
@TrueAudio2 ай бұрын
R8, definitely
@mvaron25463 ай бұрын
I think the Sebalius speaker would be a good match.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Worth trying out 😊
@rasardo13 ай бұрын
Why insist on those China tube amps when we have, in Europe, a lot better ones, in every single aspect... An example: Fezz Audio, from Poland.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I don’t insist on Chinese amps but review all sorts of products from across the globe, as long as they are available in the U.K. 😊
@martinbishop29663 ай бұрын
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. 🙂
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
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 😊
@welshrarebit92383 ай бұрын
Taryn ,did I miss what is the difference between the regular and plus model 300
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
The Plus model has replaced the older R300 and had some internal modifications and upgraded parts 😊
@welshrarebit92383 ай бұрын
Time to review Canadas very own Reference 3A Dulcet…..!
@outboardfun33533 ай бұрын
Did you try your ProAc 1Sc's with this R300?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
I did, it struggled to drive them 😊
@ranelime3 ай бұрын
I suspected you might like this amp. It is a gem. Made me scratch my head and wonder the value of my previous amps at higher price. on I do recommend Klipsch Cornwall, though the size might be problematic.
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing your experiences 👍
@abinashpradhan93553 ай бұрын
How do you compare this with Boyyurange 300B A50, MKIII ?
@abritishaudiophile73143 ай бұрын
It is similar in sound but the Willsenton R300 Plus seems to have a bit more power 😊
@abinashpradhan93553 ай бұрын
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you. Love and respect from India.