Congratulations to the owner of the audio system of the day. Beautiful pictures of a beautiful room.

As an old amateur radio operator this amp appeals to me very much❤

What you do Steve more than any other reviewer is tell us how your products make you feel. And that's what its all about.

Thanks for this review Steve. Your descriptions of this 300B powered amp echo my own experiences of this tube. A few years back I built my son a pair of Bottlehead 300B Paramount kits. I dropped them into my own system and he had to pry them out of my hands a full year later. Regarding tube-rolling: we found the Chinese tubes were good when new but faded after about 1500 hours, some failing, some going noisy. If you listen to a lot of music every day this isn't much more than a year. Russian tubes (if you can still get them) last about twice as long as the Chinese ones and sound a little better. We haven't stretched the budget to genuine Western Electric tubes (yet) but I'd love to hear a pair.

just a thank you here Steve ... i have been watching for a month or two and have learned so much ... this tube amp piece catapulted me to yet another level ... i also like the music ( which it is all about of course ! ) discussion ... Cal Tjadar to Bob Marley to Laurie Andersen ... now that's range ... best to you

should be a long waiting list to get this beauty... I like that he warranties his amps for life

I very very truly appreciate you, your passion, and your intelligence. I also appreciate that you do an exciting review on everything regardless of cost.

Thanks for the review, excellent

I'm a 2 year newbie to tube amps & I love the "Tube Sound". My biggest concern was the heat generated by the tubes. I purchased a Muffin fan to cool the amps. Big difference! I think this will extend the life of the tubes dramaticaly.

Dangerous! I bet the waitlist for this amp just grew 1000% 😅

I'm privileged to have a Zen2 Decware amp. It took a year to get it ...but it was well worth the wait and a piece of gear that can be handed down generation to generation, not to mention that it sounds great. I am pleased and joyous that we live in a time were tube amps (and Decware) are around. I have a set of Decware mini-radial speakers too, what a great combination. Keep up the great work Steve. :)

Thanks Gary, I wish I had a super power that let me mentally compare products two years apart! But I don't, I can just say that I am way more excited about the sound of Sarah than the Elekit.

I had Pre-Ordered in Jan 2023 and the wait list is still growing. Looking forward to Part 2 of this review.

yo steve! just got the border patrol se i dac a few days ago based on your recommendation and it's amazing. on the decware ide swap the input tube to a vintage mullard for smoothness, general electric for clarity and crisp highs, brimar or rca for warmth .enjoy

Love Steve’s enthusiasm!

WOW, what an amp, and I'd love to hear it. "However for me", no matter how good it is, I need remote control for those often times when I'm listening to music while laying down/ relaxing on my sofa, and don't want to get up if I need to change the volume YMMV

So glad I placed the order before this review came out :)

I built my own Zen SE84 amps using genuine Decware output transformers from Steve at Decware, this was a good option as I live in the UK. Also, I didn't have to join the waitlist! I am using a pair, bridged as monoblocks. After about 5 years of listening to them, I agree that Decware designs are superior to many others in my opinion and beat anything else that I have heard for transparency and musicality. I'd really like to hear the 300B amp, probably a step up from the already excellent Zens. Thank you Steve G for posting this.

I’m on the waitlist for about a year now and I’m just about halfway there. My buddy has an amp and it sounds great. I couldn’t wait any longer so I purchased an Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET, also a preamp. If you want hand made, point to point wiring and a remote, check out Aric’s gear. His gear is awesome and he’s great to work with. Toolshed also makes hand made gear that is top notch. When my number comes up, I will try a Decware headphone amp.

This is what I’m talkin bout! Definitely one of the most beautiful products out there.

Dear Mr.Steve , hello from Caribbean Florida, I haven't seen one of your Videos since Stereophile ( JA2 ) banned me a year, or so ago, approx. You seemed to have done well, with 233K Subs. ( probably the TOP GUN in Audiophile reviewing , at least in my book ! ) Your Living space seems rather well organized and your wardrobe seems fresher. For some reason : My Desktop iMac decided to put this 300B review, of yours, in front of me on this Sunday Evening. -- Wow , again I'm impressed , you're still that same high Integrity guy I met back at RMAF 2011 !! This 300B review reminds people that the Glass Tubes are the Singing Voices in Amplification , the better the Glass the better the singing. I've never imagined a 5 year performance promise from any manufacturer of Audiophile gear ( maybe Magnapan being an exception ), so I'm feeling this time watching you is a darn good investment. Should I encourage you to follow the Geese South ? , you would probably love living with amazing weather and outstanding quality of life that Florida pretty much guarantees. I've had to travel to NY,NY lately, the place seems cringeworthy . Oh well . Congratulations on your success ! Tony Kazz

There's no doubt in my mind that if this amp had a full array of headphone outputs (fully tubed) it would raise some serious hell in the headphone amp market.

We are waiting for your Part 2 review!

Oh my! Thank you for introducing me to Laurie Anderson. How in the world have I overlooked this artist?!

Hi Steve. Great review! How would you compare this amp to the other Decware amps? Specifically the Decware UFO SE84 Zen 25 anniversary?

It is very reassuring to me, in knowing that you have listened to so many fine amplifiers over the years. That you, without any hesitation, are able to say a product is the best you have ever heard. It proves to me that you are not governed by manufacturer loyalty. That is what I like most about your review style. You just call it like you see it.

I've had a Decware SE34-I6 (around 6 watts using EL34 output tubes) for about a year now and I am loving it. I've never heard a 300B amp so I am not sure how they would compare. Maybe the Sarah would sound more tubey in comparison? Great review, I am looking forward to part II.

Great review! Out of curiosity, how does the Sarah sound compared to the other Decware amps that you've listened to?

Wow! Could learn to build your own 300b amp at that wait time!

I use a vintage Carver C-4000 inputting my turntable into a primaluna integrated, mainly for tone, balance, and other features on the preamp that I like. Plug it into Aux 1 on the integrated. I also have a pro-ject tube phono-stage, for if I want to go flat-- tubes only.

Thanks Steve - I always wanted to own a 300b amp but I like slam and strong bass Attack even at low volume '(2ch only) I bet the 300 does sound warm n sweet !

Stunning looking amp!

This is the best 300B amp with a wooden base that I have ever heard!

Not really related to the review, but I finally got to hear a pair of PureAudioProjects Duets. I heard what all the fuss is about and I have greatly underestimated how good OBs can sound. They were being powered by Musical Fidelity integrated amp (the model escapes me) and it was absolutely sublime.

Another option would be to use a external DAC that can be used as a preamp with volume control, like my Exogal Comet Plus DAC

OMG - I always wondered what Steve (Decware Steve) would do if he ever decided to harness the 300B. I think I just found out.

I hope that you get a chance to try the PSVane Cossor black glass tubes. Also, the Cossor brand also offers a blue tube version which, I'm sure, will provide a whole new idea of different.

BTW, a 2-10 perfect set from Tekton work well for me, your review was what set me on to them.

Just ordered one. Now the wait begins.

Decware also offers what they call the ZSB which seems to be a switch of sorts allowing you to have 5 sources.

The Viewer system of the day is sweet! San Diego represent!

Steve i wanted to know if you will review the new Musical Fidelity NU-VISTA preamp and monoblocks? I enjoy your reviews on your KZfaq channel.

I'm a huge fan of tube amps. Class A of course being the best for the harmonics that are added to the sound that actually distort the original sound information adding a warm rich tone to the music. Yes, tube amps add content to the signals, but it's a very pleasant sounding content. 300B class A amps are among the best as doing this. AB not quite as nice, but they provide more power than class A does. When matched with very efficient speakers you can't hardly beat the rich sound. One of the things that often gets overlooked in tube amp designs is voltage regulation. Lack of voltage regulation does introduce signal distortion that is 'NOT DESIRABE', and the especially at the lower frequencies where there is more power draw against the power supply circuit. The better tube amps will include good voltage regulation.

A properly sized rubber band placed over the volume knobs while they are equal will allow you to adjust both volume knobs in parallel.

Just great. Would the Sarah be well matched with Devore speakers?

Steve, I listen at 75DB (85DB peak) so why wouldn't this amp work with my 86DB efficiency speakers (Harbeth C7s)?

I have the Decware ZEN 2 Mono Amps; 60 watts per channel. They are unreal.

steve which is the tecnology of the ouput tranformer ( M6 laminated , double core c or japanese hight end ) . Do you know the time constant of the power supply driver ? for my experience , a good 300B should be AC supplied . and will make hum .... and music ...

I’m curious to know how long you let the 300B tubes warm up before listening?

It is important to match the capacity into the 300b tube up to its maximum capacity, we do this via multiple pre-amp stages to most perfectly match the input to the tube (or set of tubes) to be driven. I am a fan of the 300b having a Music Angel and Yaquin 300b and I use JJ gold in them and have replaced the rectifier in the Yaqin with a solid state device (it is worth the time and cost for that improvement) The solid state rectifier reduces the overall load on the power supply, that gives me more presence in the mids and the bass does not fall off. It is like having an extra watt to each channel. I would like to see a selectable gate voltage in the preamp tubes to be able to drive them and add a little more of that natural sweet tube distortion we like for jazz selections.

Sweet h3 named it after his daughter..how gracious..love it..

Is there a warm up time you leave the amplifier before using when testing. If so 5-10mins 2-3 hours ? Cheers.

Don Sachs and Lynn Olson are working on pair of push/pull 300b mono blocks that will be debuted at Pacific Audio Fest next month. Great discussion thread involving both Don and Lynn at Audiogon under "300b lovers" in the amp section. I haven't ever heard a 300b amp and it is probably too rich for my blood especially given the price of these tubes. Just for information. Hoping I didn't break any rules by posting this, just thought it was interesting.

Can't wait to hear this in about 3yrs :p

There is nothing like tubes amazing

looks very nice the amp,nice shirt it reminds me of blues guitarist buddy guy

Still waiting for a follow-up on this amp...come on Big Steve I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on purchasing one and I'm still waiting for your continued impressions on this tube amp. Love & Respect always...👍

Does Decware have a gear that you can connect turntable, cd player, and headphone?

When a tube comes in a box inside a box you need to consider if you've gone nuts?

If I listen to my 300B amp 2 or 3 times a day for 45 minutes each time, do you suggest that I leave the amp on during the day or turn it on on and off as needed?

Well when you have a $2200 turntable with a 1-2k tone arm and $1000 cartridge, $4000 speakers, goodness knows the value of Steve's cables used through out the system and a $4500 tube amp I would certainly hope it sounds good and organic no matter what records your playing. The chance of many of us ever having anything like Steve's system used for this review is not possible. But it is a dream set up for sure.

My United States Live album boxed set is one of my most cherished possessions. That's so cool that you got to be there for the live performance! Did you go both days?

If you can remember (or actually had a chance to do direct comparisons), would you please remark on how the Sarah compares with the 25th anniversary edition Zen Triode SE84UFO25? Would love to hear your thoughts.

I would love to own a refurbished vintage Scott tube preamp amp tuner -but the prices for tubes are way beyond my means. The ones you are referring to , well, also way beyond my means. I wish I could apprentice with an audio tech so I might repair affordable units and own one I could really be proud of.

This amplifier seems like a good deal for what you get even adding Western Electric tubes to the price. Much more affordable compared to the new Western Electric amplifier @ $15K. Would be interesting to compare the two.

Absolutly,I have one Decware,here in Barcelona,its the BEST ampli that I nevera hear

In the next episode covering this decware Sarah, I'd be most interested to hear your thoughts on how it compares to the UFO Zen Triode (most important), the Feliks Audio Arioso you tested a while back (comparable priced 300b amp) and the Elekit if possible (a DIY cheaper option)? We viewers dont ask for much 😅

I have a Decware CSP and Tabboo and they are top notch. Long wait to get them, but that is part of the reason experience.

I appreciate the enthusiasm. I like to learn what I can from audiophiles when our interests overlap, but with this review, I am glad I don't need so much that I am seeking out tubes. I would have to hear if this system was as good at reproducing reggie as reported. From his almost giddy happiness with this most hair shirt of Hi Fi set up, could be more than the usual hearing being influenced by thought.. Not to say the guy doesn't know what he is doing, just a counter point.

If I was after a tube amp, this would be it. I wonder if Steve can monoblock it?

how does it compare to the Elekit 8600 and the Feliks arioso 300b?

Steve,do you have any recordings by Andy Narell like 'Slow Motion or The Hammer'? I consider him the best steel pan player in the world and with his side man these recordings are real System Testers.

Does Decware still use or recommend Wathen tubes?

Hello Once again, Hmm Are you aware of the waiting list for this outfit's offerings ? Their published list shows orders from Aug 2021 being completed -- finally ! Phew. Isn't that 1 year, 8 months ? This company seems to work from a Residential setting which probably isn't zoned for large scale manufacturing . They seem to have a couple thousand Amps on-order and waiting to be built. I haven't called them to discuss anything but I do feel comfortable trying to own one of their offerings. I like these small outfits that aspire to building greatness . Thanks for presenting this ! Tony in Florida

Do you think they will ever come a day when they make this exact amplifier without the preamp? That would be a win-win for me.

Great stuff. My initial question was: Where are the output transformers? But when you showed the underside, the answer was clear.

I think I saw something like that amp on an old Frankenstein move 😊

Idea...try the Sarah with the Zens and a pair of powered subs (e.g. Tekton 4-10s crossed over between 60-80 Hz. The Tektons are specified at ~100db/m and allow themselves to be driven from the high level input).

Think I might have some of those Western Electric tubes. My grandfather built his own radio kits back in the 20s and I got the old tubes, but I have no idea if they're any good. They're 100 years old so not holding out much hope.

Will this amp work with a passive pre amp?

Better than my JBL Flip??? Very skeptical Mr G!

Great review. Steve, how does the Sarah compare with the Elekit TU-8600S 300B tube Amp - one of your and Herb's previous favorites? (Sad to see your reference speakers switched from the Klipsch Cornwall IVs. Wonder how they would have sounded with the Sarah too.) Thank you.

5:32 - No printed circuit boards? I can see 3. However, no big deal, especially for the smaller bits (guessing it's a ccs up front and center?)

Please test more preamps with the tube power amplifier

What is the wpc

People need to realize that there are more than 2,000 people already on the Amp list. From February 2022 to February 2023 they cleared about 675 names off the list.

Hey Steve , how many 300b amps you heard , and what models ?

I wonder if they’ll be able to increase production before the waitlist gets to 3 years

Regarding new 300B tubes: more expensive than the (resurrected) Western Electric are the Japanese Takatsuki tubes. Matched pair are $2500, a thousand dollars more than the WE. And Takatsuki limits production so there are no extras.

No Hall & Oates "Sara" on the Sarah?

Wow that's a primo viewer system dang

E.A.R. V-12 Integrated amp is the best sounding Integrated amp...? Just add some Stenheim Alumine 3 speakers.. Closest to a Live Concert😇

In your next video please address the long wait time. They are currently working on July 2021 orders and losing ground every month. Wait time for this amp will probably exceed 2 years.

Steve please compare the Sarah to the decware ufo you have, on your next update.Thank you!!

Reserved yet ebullient! You really loved the Elekit TU8600. IS there a comparison here between the two? Sarah and the TU8600? Please

Oh, for the days of Radio Shack's lifetime tube guarantee! But the WE 5-year warranty is probably long enough (if they're going to fail at all early, it would happen before then).

This is tough for me to understand. Why would a company give out units for review when their waitlist is years long. It doesn’t make sense.

Nice viewer system, though I thought the 'star' of the show was 'Nipper' the dog!

Try the western Electric new 20w 300b. Same tube more power

Match it up to a full horn loaded speaker. My 300b amps can rock can play organ music at high SPL your just using the wrong speakers to get the most out of 7 watts.