Leben CS600 Tube Integrated Amplifier Point-to-point Wired Beauty - Overview

I wanted to take the time to look at my Leben CS600, talk about its strengths, some issues, as well as power it on and play a record. This integrated amplifier competes against Uesugi, Shindo, and Audio Note (Kondo). These amplifier are built in the way that McIntosh, Marantz, Fisher and Scott were built except even cleaner. You can use 6L6GCs and EL34s. I also have an RS-30EQ. Leben also makes a CS-300X that is around half the weight and half the price of this unit.

[@francois0013]

Hi Chris, great video!!! I also own the Leben CS600 and after trying tube rolling for a couple of years (6N3C, 6L6GC both of different brands), I finally went for the Sophia Electric EL34 ST blue tubes and never looked back. They are a game changer in the way they provide a beautiful lush sound with rich tones and a deep holographic soundstage! So happy I tried them! Keep on the good work!

[@robertobrandoli4462]

Whats's about the Sophia Electric KT88 did you considered that before go to EL34?

[@brothermax9159]

Hi Chris, very informative video! Thanks. I am assuming you acquired a second hand unit, do you know how old was the unit? Curious how soon oxidization happens on these amps.

[@wcg66]

I have a friend who lives in Japan looking out for a good used CS300 on the Japanese market. Prices are better there and he usually brings things over during his yearly visits back home.

[@brothermax9159]

Nice system and Gillian Welch is awesome too!

[@alfredosparta8901]

Ho preso il 600X, è favoloso!

[@carld.3729]

I have the CS600X which gets really hot as well.. it’s placed in a quite narrow shelf and wonder if it can get damaged through the heat. Altogether really happy with it (running Harbeth HL5s), looking for a suitable DAC - does anyone here have a similar setup and can recommend one?

[@xfloodcasual8124]

I bought a used 300 from a guy who kept his in a shelf and burned a resistor out. Heat will radically reduce the lifespan of audio components.

[@ousi00]

This definitely helps. I'm going to buy the Leben CS600 now

[@ChudGippity]

Get luxman lv 103 or 105

[@klepp19]

Is there a new 600x out? Uses 12au7 & 12bh7 input tubes. I'm torn between this and Jadis Orchestra Ref integrated. Any thoughts?

[@chrisw.3077]

I have no idea in terms of sound which would be better, but I can tell from pictures the build quality of the Jadis falls well short as will the resale value.

[@klepp19]

@@chrisw.3077 Thanks for your feedback!🙂

[@mxmmlsk]

@@klepp19 i own the new 600x, love it! cant compare it to a 600, but compared it to airtight ams 1s with an airtight pre aswell…. well have to say, costs 1/3 of the airtight combo but does everything very very close to an airtight setup! a little softer, a little less blackness in between and a little more warm…. but overall super happy with the cs600x

[@klepp19]

@@mxmmlsk Thanks for your sharing your experience with me!☺️ I'm not sure if I should go for SET 300b.

[@mxmmlsk]

@@klepp19 300b‘s is loveley but what they usually lack of is bass, and the control for it. so if u have very very efficient and already punchy speakers like a devore for example a 300b is amazing. apart from that i love 300b but i miss the bass a lot, and thats me whos actually not into punchy speakers ;) would never buy a 300b wothout listening to it with the exact setup u plan to use it

[@stevenhifi2188]

Hi,I am looking to buy it but unfortunately I can't find it any websites. Please let me know if it's possible

[@chrisw.3077]

You can’t just buy one of these online like any old thing. You’ll have to find one used or deal with one of the few dealers who sell this gear.

[@halfsquatch]

In Living Stereo in NYC can order and ship one to you. The owner, Steve, is awesome and can help you with speaker matching too. This amp can drive 4 ohm speakers, which some tube amps it competes with can't do. But note that when you order this item, Leben literally has to build it for you, so it takes about three months to get one new... If you're lucky, you can find a used one, but I don't think they are ready to get a hold of.

[@chrisw.3077]

@@halfsquatch Absolutely not. That store may be the worst shop selling Leben in the entire country. Take a look at what people on Google think about it. Matches my experience well. McDonalds has a higher rating.

[@halfsquatch]

@@chrisw.3077 I am not surprised. The owner is a bit prickly. I always dealt with the other "Steve" (Steve Cohen). He's super nice. I only mentioned them because I know they carry Leben and I am not sure how many other places do. Either way, they are usually made to order, so if you want a new one, you will likely have a three month wait. Great channel, by the way.

[@ilanlampl]

Great review, great amp!

[@chrisw.3077]

Thank you!

[@ilanlampl]

The best. I love mine.

[@saugghos]

I saw one in my local store. Looks great but the switches did not feel as good as the vintage pioneer amps. However I did not get a chance to listen to it. Is it typical warm sounding like vintage tube amps or is it modern sounding

[@dojoguitare]

I'm curious: the CS600X already has a built-in phono pre (if I'm not mistaken), so why use the Leben external phono pre?

[@chrisw.3077]

The CS-600 does not have a phono pre.

[@chrisw.3077]

and a look at the rear panel would’ve likely clarified this.

[@TheSissyFace]

Have you ever had to bias the tubes yourself? Or are they sold biased already?