Is the amplifier on the 300B lamp for you?

I decided to gradually develop the subject of tube amplifiers.

It’s time for a 300B lamp, according to For me, probably the most mistakenly bought by music lovers, who are rarely ready and can appreciate what this lamp actually offers. On the other hand, just as often ignored by those who are looking for absolute quality in the most important band …

Queen of Lamps – 300B

One sentence to start: 300B is not an SUV lamp – for everything and for everyone. It is a lamp for a conscious person who looks for textures, details, refinement, flavors, bastards, decay, space and air in sound – this is his magic.

The 300b sounds more ethereal than ‘warmth’ in a stereotypical sense.

300B in Single Ended or Parallel Single Ended is almost unbeatable when it comes to the amount of information and the naturalness of the message in the midrange.

Regardless of the amplifier I listened to, the sound is usually on a smoother, slightly more musical side.

The 300B in Push Pull loses a bit of taste, but the dynamics, attack and the number of speakers it is able to drive is much better.

Sound of 300B-based amplifiers

Each amplifier on the 300B – whether in the SET or PP topology has always been characterized by:

• With an outstanding diameter – I mean the naturalness of vocals and acoustic instruments, richness in colors, micro-details – this is the sound of only the 300B lamp
• Phenomenal space – these are the amplifiers that, between sounds, artists, let in an incredible amount of natural air between the instruments, making the presentation extremely clear, but not in a bad – analytical way
• Smooth sound – this lamp can perfectly combine detail, openness, cleanliness with smoothness and pastel, and at the same time truthfulness at the top
• Versatility – interestingly, despite only 8W, in the case of the Single Ended lamp with highly effective loudspeakers, this lamp is able to play almost any repertoire very well.

Why 300B lamp?

Because the sound of this lamp is, in my opinion, the best balance between all bands and the most natural, pleasant and non-tiring sound. Rarely, amplifiers on the 300B strongly expose the recordings – despite linearity and high fidelity.

Of course, there are better 300B amplifiers and worse. Just like there are better 300B lamps and worse.

The quality is influenced by the traf – if they are wrongly selected and, for example, too large, they will play poorly quietly, if they are too small, they will have a problem with bass control.

The 300B is a relatively expensive amplifier in production (e.g. against the background of EL34, EL84 or KT lamps), while cheaper than 211, 845, 805 or GM70. Made uncompromisingly, it allows you to be a target amplifier and in many respects it will be unbeatable even for electronics around PLN 100,000 – sorry, actually, regardless of the budget, it will be difficult to beat it … If it is a different SE lamp, which will be more in our taste.

What columns for 300B?

In the case of single ending (one lamp per channel) of average quality for jazz and vocals, we can actually test most of the loudspeakers on the market. There is one condition – we do not listen loudly and give the signal from a dynamic source.

We increase the chances of a better sound by targeting a larger bass driver. 8 inches is almost always a guarantee of a pretty good or very good fit.

If we want to play a wider repertoire, it is worth looking at tube loudspeakers such as Klipsch or Audiophase Brown, Cannabis. We also find a lot of vintage loudspeakers – JM Lab Spectral, Antea, Vega, Cabasse, Snell, which can play very versatile and well with the 300B.

The more universal use we want – the larger the loudspeakers and the greater the efficiency. The first watt of power with a good 300B + a large driver is almost a guarantee of great sound at a low volume level.

The 300B lamp, like most lamps, will be perfect for acoustically unadapted rooms – its top is one of the best you will find – a lot of detail, space, and at the same time it will be much less rough and prickly than with the vast majority of transistors or other lamps – in particular kt.

Who is the 300B for?

Detailing, low volume sound, timbre and smoothness + excellent dynamics make the 300B actually the best lamp for evening listening.

It charms beautifully (the best ones with naturalness), calms down and allows you to almost transfer to the world of the artist we listen to.

300B will be the perfect choice for:

• A fan of vocal, jazz, acoustic and generally well-realized music with realization flavors
• A fan of long evening listening sessions
• Vintage column holder
• Owner of a system that needs air, sophistication, color and smoothness
• a person who prefers listening in a close field
• A person who is looking for soothing, relaxation and relaxation in the system

For whom will the 300B not be a good choice?

• It will never be a good lamp for rock, metal or synthetic bass.
• It will never be a good lamp for contemporary music
• This is not a lamp that plays with the meat and the scale

A good 300B amplifier will do better or worse with any repertoire. With suitable columns, it is often better than a strong transistor on bar columns.

However, if the repertoire is strong, energetic and loud listening – 300B is not a lamp for you – you will buy cheaper amplifiers, better for your applications and more universal when it comes to the selection of loudspeakers.

You have to mature to 300B … or want such a game. The most expensive transistors will not be a competition for her, because it is a bit comparing the new Lambo to the classic Mustang from the 60s or 70s. Fun is just completely different.