Made in Japan: ELEKIT TU-8600 R amplifier

300B, it's the stuff dreams are made of, so here goes another 300B amp review from the Audiophiliac. The ELEKIT TU-8600 R is sold as a kit, but I did not build the kit.
More info here, www.elekit.co.jp/en/product/T...
If you're over 30 and you like to snap a couple of JPEGs of your system to possibly be included in the next posting of viewer system please send your shots to [e-mail] Please don't send questions to that address, due to the quantity of email I don't have time to respond. Sorry!
Tube Depot is a retailer for Elekit, tubedepot.com/products/elekit...
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Looking for great sounding FREE, not compressed or processed music? Check out these videos about the two MA Recordings samplers:
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Steve’s System:
SME 15 turntable sme.co.uk/audio/product/model...
SME V tonearm sme.co.uk/audio/product/serie...
Ortofon Cadenza Blue cartridge
Van Den Hul Grail phono preamp audioshield-distribution.com/...
Jay’s Audio CD Transport www.jays-audio.com/
Denafrips Terminator DAC www.denafrips.com/terminator
Denafrips Ares DAC www.denafrips.com/ares
Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
Border Patrol DAC borderpatrol.net/DAC.htm
Oppo BDP 105 Blu ray player www.oppodigital.com/support/b...
Pass Labs XP30 preamp
Pass Labs HPA 1 preamp/headphone amp www.passlabs.com/products/hpa-1/
Pass Labs XA25 power amp www.passlabs.com/products/xa25/
Pass Labs XA100.5 power amp
First Watt J2 power amp www.firstwatt.com/j2.html
First Watt F7 power amp www.firstwatt.com/f7.html
First Wat F8
First Watt SIT3 power amp www.firstwatt.com/pdf/prod_sit...
Amp Camp Amp Stereo diyaudiostore.com/collections...
Schiit Aegir power amp www.schiit.com/products/aegir
Mytek Brooklyn Amp+ mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
Decware Zen Triode
Reisong A10 tube integrated amp
Denon PMA600NE integrated amp usa.denon.com/en/shop/amplifi...
Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers • Klipsch Cornwall IV wi...
KEF LS50 Meta speakers • REVIEW: Radically impr...
Q Acoustics 3030i speakers www.qacoustics.com/3030i-book...
Emotiva B1+ speakers emotiva.com/products/airmotiv...
Adam Audio F5 speakers
AudioQuest digital cables www.audioquest.com/cables/dig...
Kimber digital cable www.kimber.com/products/D60
Cardas Clear interconnect cables cardas.com/clear_reflection_ic...
Cardas Clear speaker cables.
JPS Labs interconnects jpslabs.com/collections/inter...
Nordost speaker cables nordost.com/leif/red-dawn/red...
Wireworld Aurora 7, Electra 7, and Silver Electra 7 power cords, • Time to think about up...

[@2ridiculous41]

I've been waiting for some youtube channel to look at Elekit. I have the 8200 and it replaced a custom built tube pre and a pair of Quicksilver monos and I love it. Incidently, I had no idea how much of a pariah this channel is at Audiosciencereview. I browsed the discussion forums and it is HILARIOUS how much they hate sound and performance being described in words. Keep up the good work.

[@EddyTeetree]

Hi I just posted not realising this was old, that you can see these being built on HiFi collective. Got me interested.

[@colinbowler1104]

I just finished building the 8600R - easy to follow instructions and certainly doable by anyone with reasonable soldering skills. I had a lot of fun building the kit but even more fun listening to the completed amplifier. I purchased mine from VK Music in Vancouver with the transformer, cap and resistor upgrade at which point the spec matches that of the newer S version. By the way Victor, who is the North American distributor offers terrific support. I have been using the amp to drive Klipsch 600 speakers which had proven to be a good match. But I have Forte iii’s on order.... Highly recommend this amplifier! Thanks for your review Steve, love your channel. Cole

[@douxreveur131]

Hello Colin. I also own the Elekit TU-8200DX and I love it. just like you! It makes a pair of Totem Sttaf's sing beautifully and the music that comes through then erases all that is hifi for just human voices, accurate timbre and incredible space in width and depth where musicians and singers sit. It's just amazing for a small, inexpensive amplifier. My best regards from France :) Jean-Louis.

[@markpenland]

The visuals on this channel get better and better. Today's frame is a wonderful composition , the color balance is thoughtful, and the beautifully made shirt (with the perfect fit) completes everything. Nice work.

[@sketchtwenty2]

You know, - more and more I find myself drawn into the way you describe the music included in the review. I have followed up by taking a listen to much of the material you mention. Thank you for your thoughtful and joyous music choices.

[@ProgRockKeys]

Audiophiles, or maybe it’s a certain sect of audiophiles, are endlessly fascinated by small differences in sound reproduction. So much so that they continue to experiment and rotate components, just for the sense of pure exploration. They aren’t looking for the final golden sound combination, they are looking for more variation. Whereas my sect of audiophile, if I am even in that group, is happy once I get to a certain level, a good enough level, and then I just want to explore music. I think you gave this amp the highest praise possible when you said you just wanted to have fun and listen for extended periods, and that the human voice was so engaging. On my best listening days, that’s what I hear on my rag tag system also.

[@bobb.9917]

I like to explore music AND tinker with my system! I guess that I am just fidgety! 😲

[@legrandmaitre7112]

That's a brilliant post John. If we can share our mutual beard clippings, we might create the ultimate music listener

[@rayangrayson7769]

You prolly dont give a shit but if you're bored like me during the covid times then you can stream pretty much all the new movies and series on instaflixxer. Been watching with my girlfriend lately =)

[@antman5474]

Came back after an absence and oh my days Steve your channel is still awesome!! Really enjoyed this episode.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Welcome back

[@CP-oe3kt]

"Magic in a bottle". I like it. Thank you Steve for getting this review out and thank you for giving your thoughts on the Elekit 8600 vs the Decware Zen Triode!

[@mojoneko8303]

I just ordered the TU-8600S version with Lundahl output transformers. : ) I haven't even received it yet and I'm already having dreams where the first time I power it up all the tubes explode and the amp bursts into flames.. I've worked with and built electronics kits for 50 years but this one is going to be intimidating. This is the most expensive kit project I've ever done. I'll be taking my time on this build the last thing I want to do is have it go up in smoke. Thanks for the review!

[@douxreveur131]

Hello. How do you find the music reproduction with the Elekit? I have the little brother Elekit TU8200-DX with 6L6WGC TAD tubes and it is just wonderful. I can't even imagine the sound with the big brother and its 300B. Enjoy ! Greetings from France.

[@coolpkduck]

@@douxreveur131 I have both 8200 and 8600. 8600 is all around better. I am saving money to bet the 8900 with 2A3 tube for a headphone priority amp.

[@pranadistribution6033]

speaking of truth and beauty, I've always loved this Henry Miller quote ; “Every day we slaughter our finest impulses. That is why we get a heartache when we read those lines written by the hand of a master and recognize them as our own, as the tender shoots which we stifled because we lacked the faith to believe in our own powers, our own criterion of truth and beauty.”

[@fernandosilva9137]

Great vídeos, as always, I was missing your shirts Steve!

[@johncolton]

I love my TU-8600 R. Victor @ VK Music described it as an "emotion amp" and I tend to agree! Nice review, Steve.

[@zackpetrovic3029]

Would like to see a review of the Elekit TU-8200 and TU-8800

[@petesixbey8693]

Good review! I built the kit a few months ago and extremely pleased using a pair of Crites Cornscalas after I got the tube sockets turned around correctly _ couldn't understand why the 300B tubes didnt warm up ! Ha! Pays to pay attention!

[@ML-rm3vk]

Great video terrific insight it showed the gear but also you passion for music and the world of sounds.thank you

[@BigFarm_ah365]

I built one about a year ago, it was my second Elekit and second tube amp, the first was 6L6GC, but can use a whole bunch of pentodes. That was super tubey, beautiful mids, rolled off top and bottom, great with some music, not so great with some. Not something I could live with full time, but Herb and a few other reviewers sold me on trying the 300b and man, I wasn't prepared for how good it would sound with any and everything. Forte 1's are my main speakers and a Yamaha A-S2100(the VU meter convinced me to try low powered amp). It was almost 8 months the Yamaha sat unused until I got in a pair of full range driver speakers and almost as an afterthought I tried some other amps and then the Yamaha. The speakers ended up spending another couple weeks taking up too much of my living room, because they sounded so great with the additional power. Next up are some new crossovers for the Forte that will even out the crazy impedance swings, though they will still be 4 Ohm, unlike all the Forte that came after.

[@tothemax324]

I have the S version and I'm so happy with the 300B sound but had a tech friend build it with all his testing equipment for peace of mind

[@joenovak6393]

Hi Steve, Just finished a Sunvalley SV-1616D Pre-Amp and getting in this week Sunvalley SV-EQ1616D Phono EQ. What a wonderful sounding Pre-Amp!!!! Looking forward to Sunvalley SV-S1616D [300B] Amp (sometime early fall) to be used for SV-1616D Pre-Amp.

[@danielwilliams1921]

The crazy-cool shirts are back!

[@technoxtreme178]

Yes, he wears those to brighten up dull-sounding speakers.

[@HareDeLune]

@@technoxtreme178 Lol!

[@2ridiculous41]

@@technoxtreme178 an ultimate room treatment.

[@christophernoto]

I'm thinking that today's shirt is another of the one-off, custom designs that Mrs. Audiophiliac does, just for him! What a lucky man!

[@robertogarlaschi7826]

👍👍👍🔝

[@zsvrljuga1]

Steve, i saw it coming... in one of your last videos few days ago... Beautiful sounding amp...

[@mrfrosty3]

I had forgotten about Laura Nyro, thanks for the reminder.

[@jamesdwright]

Best shirt yet Steve!

[@ronaldmcdonald2456]

Unlike the equipment, your shirts are ALWAYS a hit! Like you, I've also got a fabric maniac in the household 🤪, and at the end of another decade space is once again at a premium. A few hours after getting the latest newsletter from HiFi Collective (which sells the Elekit line here Europe) I was combing your offerings and found the review, at the end of which I once again found myself going Steppenwolf: "God damn the pusher man." And a some Linda Ronstadt, too: "...you got me in trouble again." So now, I'm calculating the cost of a house addition.

[@wpg_dude1930]

Steve in full spring bloom awesome

[@douxreveur131]

Many thanks Steve for the subtitles Merci :)

[@legrandmaitre7112]

Steve, I have "Ralf and Florian" on a 1970s vinyl issue, also on a 21st century CD reissue (plus the album before). I love this period of their work, it all sounds great on a good hifi. Texture!

[@johnupton5271]

You're the Man love your shirts

[@MrPeeBeeDeeBee]

Great end pic!

[@christophernoto]

As always, great work on this review! By the way, the “punchier“ version of your saying about cubic inches goes like this, “There’s no replacement for displacement!“ 🙏❤️

[@fredflintstone8048]

If displacement equates to wattage then 9watts per channel is all you'll see from single 300bs in a single ended (class A) configuration which generally means you'll want as high efficiency (db SPL) rated speakers that you can get. Otherwise a person is looking at more final stage tubes in the amp and perhaps a push pull configuration which many audiophiles criticize as not having as much of the 'warm tube' sound that SE amps have. Personally I play my rig at lower volume and use decent efficiency speakers, and tubes are fine with me in that regard. If you want volume levels that blow your hair back, you'll need far more complex / expensive tube amps, or bipolar transistors, or fets. We must remember that perceived levels of volume are not linear.. 3db SPL increase equates to double the output power (watts).

[@joshuaschneck]

I have some experience with this amp that can hopefully benefit others. I bought it (the S version) after seeing this review and reading Herb Reichert's reviews, and I really like it - definitely a keeper. Sound is very detailed, clear, warm, and surprisingly powerful. Drives my Tekton Electron SEs (4ohm, 98 db sensitivity speakers) with ease. However, since the Elekit 8600 has only 1 input and Steve mentions that "most people" will likely use a preamp before the 8600, I assumed that was the way to go. I have at least 2 inputs (analogue and digital), and wanted a remote control for the volume. So I purchased a Schiit Freya+. After about a month of not entirely satisfying listening, I tried running my sources direct into the Elekit. Big improvement. Quieter noise floor, deeper soundstage, and just overall better sound. I tried several different volume combinations with the Schiit Freya+ and the Elekit, but my understanding now is that it's just never a good idea to put a preamp before an integrated amp unless you can bypass the integrated amp's preamp stage (which you cannot on the Elekit). So, surprised that Steve reviewed this amp using a Passlabs pre in the signal chain. In any case, it didn't work for me.

[@mojoneko8303]

Hi I found your comments interesting as I am currently building the 8600S I bought a few weeks ago from Tube Depot. It's supposed to be the last run of them according to Tube Depot. So you found the 8600S sounded better without the pre-amp? I didn't think the 8600S had a pre-amp stage built into it and was planning to build the Elekit TU-8500 pre-amp to pair with it. From what your saying I won't need a pre-amp and it could actually sound worse with one? I am almost finished building the 8600S. Waiting on tubes and 9 pin porcelain tube sockets for the 12AU7 & 12AX7 tubes so I can finally fire it up and see if it bursts into flames or makes music.. : ) I also upgraded the coupling capacitors to Jensen copper Foil paper-in-oil caps. Wish me luck! : )

[@joshuaschneck]

@@mojoneko8303 Hi Mojo. Good luck! I paid someone to build the amp built for me (sad, I know - would have liked to tackle this project myself if I had time/space). Pretty sure I would have burned my house down. Yes, to reiterate what I wrote above, definitely don't need a pre-amp with the 8600 as it already has a preamp stage inside, and the pre (in my experience) just created more noise and less clarity. Interested to hear how your amp sounds when completed. What kind of speakers are you using?

[@mojoneko8303]

@@joshuaschneck Hi Joshua Thanks for the reply! : ) Not having to buy/build a preamp will save me a few bucks... : ) I am almost finished with the amp. I am also building a pair of the CSS Audio Criton 2TDX Tower Speakers with the Superior Cross overs to pair with the amp (They finally got the 7" drivers back in stock). I am building the cross overs now and will start building the cabinets next week. I didn't buy the flat pack but chose to build the cabinets myself from 3/4" Red Oak. That's going to push my carpentry skills a bit. Once I finish the amp I will plug it in to the Parts Express Passive/Aggressive speakers I built for my desk top computer speakers to test out the amp. I will try not to blow them up! : ) I was very meticulous with the assembly of the 8600S and checked everything 4 times before and after I installed it. Besides the Jensen caps I also replaced the original resistors with Adams USA made military spec 1% resistors and used German WBT Silver Solder for all the soldering. I want to make this amp perform as well as possible. I will try the 8600 without a preamp and see what I think. Thanks for the input! : )

[@georgewright6745]

@@mojoneko8303 curious to know how this worked out for you. I have contemplated buying both the 2TDX as well as the 8600. How did the pairing work out?

[@landocal0]

The preamp is pretty good too.

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

Yeah this is on my to do list for 2021

[@tonykazz2779]

looks like you now have Pro-Lighting systems, nicest Shirt in your collection

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks daylight

[@johnnytran1067]

I tried a couple different preamps and in the end using it as an integrated was my preference.

[@donvito8652]

P.S. If you like the Elekit's from Tube Depot why not check out their Tube Cube 7? 3.5 watts per channel and with some NOS Sovetek EL84M's and NOS 12AX7, performs far above it's class. For it's size and cost you just can't go wrong.

[@AudioTnT]

This review fills in some of the unanswered questions from Herb's Stereophile write-up. I wanted to drive Falcon LS35As (15 ohm) and went with the TU 8600S over the Decware. Its a great match to my ears. With only one input, what would you recommend for a preamp? Enjoy your polite but insightful reviews.

[@johnupton5271]

Hey Steve l concede to you the piano demo is awesome

[@BrentLeVasseur]

I’ve learned to read your facial expressions, body language and choice of tone and phrasing as a means to read between the lines of what you are saying. You always try to sound positive in your reviews but it’s helpful to sometimes be critical so that people don’t waste their money buying crap that will cause them headaches. (I’m guessing that you didn’t actually assemble this amp from a kit right?) Love the Hawaiian shirt! You really should post links in your videos where you can buy your shirt of the day. You would probably end up with a fashion sponsor if you did that. lol

[@HareDeLune]

Steve has posted that link before. The store is an African clothing store in Brooklyn. If you want to go link hunting, I remember he posted it on a subwoofer review.

[@PanAmStyle]

Informative review! Thanks to Kevin of the Glow in the Dark website, I’m seriously considering a 6L6 single ended amp from Elekit. The 8800 is the current offering though it’s substantially more expensive than it’s successor, the 8200. A review of either of those would be interesting.

[@douxreveur131]

The TU8200 is a little wonder for its price. As much for the headphone input as for its speakers.Mine is wonderful with the Tung-Sol 7581A and Psvane 6AU7-S, after about 100 hours of break-in. It is quiet, silky, smooth with a beautiful 3D image ! I love this amp (TOTEM Sttaf speakers).

[@PanAmStyle]

@@douxreveur131 that is great feedback - thank you very much.

[@douxreveur131]

@@PanAmStyle Avec plaisir :)

[@alanrogs3990]

The 6L6 elekit is a great amp. It is dead quiet.

[@PanAmStyle]

@@alanrogs3990 You guys are not helping my bank account! 🤣

[@denteomd]

Steve hope you can review the Bottlehead Cap Beepre 2 300B pre amp. It is also a kit, made in America. Wanting to get that kit, but looking for time to start the project.

[@sergiocurvelo2384]

I have an Elekit 8200 with Lundahl output transformers and Mundorf capacitors. Sounds magic with my Grado GS3000

[@coolpkduck]

you have to try the new 8900

[@cesarestefanini1299]

I see in their description that the two sections of each 12au7 drive in parallel the 300b... I would have opted for a single triode driver, for better sound purity, using a higher current preamp tube...

[@JEG6919]

The number one selling amp in 1918. A heralded game changer.

[@1mctous]

Western Electric first produced 300B tubes in 1938 and they did change the game.

[@JEG6919]

@@1mctous oh yes, I meant 1938. Excellent catch!

[@Attlechief]

Now that’s a shirt that suits you looking good 😎🇺🇸👍

[@LosFicosMusic]

God bless you brother

[@jackryan2008]

Hi Steve, I love your channel very much. Great works here! I happen to own one TU-8600. I paired it up with Klipsch RP-600M and listen jazz and vocal. It sounds lovely. You mentioned that it can be used as a power amp. What affordable pre-amp you would recommend?

[@douxreveur131]

diyaudiostore.com/products/elekit-tu-8500?variant=15422946738210

[@milanstastny6799]

Hi, friend, and why not to try the tube line/phoho pre-amp TU-8500?

[@donvito8652]

How many hours for the average person to assemble? Does it come with a lifetime warranty? Does is substantially outperform the Decwares? I'd say ... At almost twice the price of the Decware SE84UFO I'd go with the Decware, a pair of Klipsch or Zu high sensitivity speakers and good sound sources like the Denefrips Ares II and call it a day!

[@joshuaschneck]

Hi Steve. Any thoughts on whether the Schitt Freya + preamplifier would be a good match with the Elekit TU-8600? Thanks for your help

[@anukrw]

Steve have you given any of Bob Carvers relatively new tube Amps? I would love to hear your thoughts

[@joshuaschneck]

Hi Steve. Thanks for this review. I'm very intrigued by this amp. One question - Herb mentioned in his conversation with you about this amp that 300b tube amps don't seem to pair well with "low impedance" speakers. I have a set of Tekton Electron SEs that are designed for 4 ohm outputs (according to Eric). Can you say anything on whether this would be a good or a bad amp to mate with the Tektons? Aside from being "4 ohm" speakers, they have high (~99db) sensitivity. Thanks for your help, Josh

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry, I have no clue. You should ask Eric

[@Jonas36457]

Is there any way of making the headphone out more powerful and direct WITHOUT disabling the security aspects of having such a resistor network?

[@jonlaws4493]

Please, please, please list the review music you use in the info section. Many of us are really interested in it. Thanks

[@filipviljamaasvensson]

"Call the cops-loud" LOL.

[@alanrogs3990]

Elekit doesn't get enough reviews. They make a fine product. It's just not a BIG name nor is it in a super heavy chassis so it gets ignored as not being something an audiophile would want.

[@Finn-McCool]

Personally I think you might get even more views/subs/Patreon hits if you included the "DIY" moniker. I wonder....how did Mrs. Philiac enjoy the amp? I miss her"special guest star" quality to the show. Thanks for doing these. They say if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. So how does it feel now that you have never worked?! 😄 hehe- I keed, I keed. -✌🏼

[@billbones1000]

Steve, if you don't know it you should really check out the Julian Lage love hurts album. I REALLY think you would dig it.....by far one of the best albums of the past decade.

[@mediascapes2011]

Morning shock: Whilst walking my neighborhood this morning I passed by an open house door from which great percussion and saxophone sounds emerged. I immediately knew it was live, absolutely no doubt: it was a harsh reminder that HIFI equipment just never gets even close to the dynamics and sound characteristics of life sounds, maybe it can reproduce well acoustic guitars and some voice work, especially when skillfully compressed and nicely confected to suit well furnished living rooms, when it comes to more demanding stuff, no chance. Maybe geniuses like Denis Morecroft or Walther Rehe and Altec Lansing & Co. maybe came closest to that understanding in their design approach, but at what price! The industry does not seem to advance in the right direction, or is it the ill conceived audiophile market that drives product developments into fetishized and domesticated boxes and bonsai sound worlds. Sadly something has gone and still is going quite wrong in this industry.

[@cameronkrause4712]

@Jazzer2349 good response!

[@astolatpere11]

Oooh, take a look at Bottlehead please. Homegrown and unique.

[@coolpkduck]

point to point is always better. However, how many people nowadays have the skill. I know I don't.

[@simonirvine1628]

I tell ya what, that shirt would make a many greet tie's.... Kool and the Gang

[@EddyTeetree]

Yep hi quality Japanese product with really great price that can be upgraded at your convenience (and your labor). You can watch them being built at HiFi collective on KZbin. It must be very fulfilling to use gear you’ve built.

[@dougg1075]

I want a visceral head trip

[@mikeallen3666]

You should know the Telefunken "Black Diamond" tubes are modem production JJ's. Not bad, but definitely not great. I'm assuming you bought those, since even used old Telefunken are *very* expensive.

[@andreansaragihaja]

do you have a sample sound?

[@arcorob]

Hello Steve have you heard the 8200R? Any comparison ? Thanks ...great video here !

[@coolpkduck]

I have both. There is no comparison. 8600 is just all around better.

[@epi2045]

Having been in the electronic manufacturing industry and having personally soldered probably 800-1200 electronic devices, including medical, military products, and personal audio projects... I still am hesitant in doing DIY tube projects. There’s nuances and a level of skill along with experience when it comes to soldering. Just because someone can solder doesn’t mean they can do it right or with quality. I have inspected electronic components soldered by assemblers who are diligent and have years of experience compared to newbies, and there’s a huge difference in quality. Done wrong, components are degraded from over overheating, board damage or fatigue, fried wires, uneven solder flow, over and under use of flux, and the list goes on. Then there’s consistency. There could be 50-300+ solder joints...

[@biketech60]

I have assembled far fewer than you . It can be difficult, especially when the packaging is small and everything is tight and close . I work slowly with attention to detail , using a temperature-controlled soldering station with 50 watts maximum and rosin core solder . I use aluminum spring-loaded heat sinks to protect components from overheating and I have not had anything fail to work on first try except for the very first device, which had a faulty power transformer . Four of these pieces were vacuum tube amplifiers , the balance solid state and none with surface-mount components . Soldering is a learnable skill . As in anything , practice improves quality and an advisor to show errors is a blessing .

[@epi2045]

@@biketech60 You did something that everyone should do: attaching a heat sink or dissipator where possible to redirect the heat. I’m glad you’re taking the time and care, it will pay off in dividends.

[@scottcarlon6318]

Steve you should pick up an SPL meter so you could accurately inform your viewers of just how loud a product played.

[@JRadian]

Steve, you have GOT to try some better 300B tubes in the Elekit! As far as headphones, try some high-end planar headphones directly from the speaker binding posts, NOT the front jack.

[@tullskull]

Yes! I was going to say that if you are going to compare the Elekit to a $6K amp, at least use comparable quality 300B's in the Elekit!

[@tonykazz2779]

You now have Pampers advertising on your channel

[@willwill5595]

Would you consider a discussion with other people in the audio industry, what is best room size and con figuration for music playback first. Then consider speakers and other electronics afterwards. Thanks.

[@2ridiculous41]

The best music room size will always be one you don't have. PLEASE do not add buying/selling houses to the list of annual upgrades!!!

[@willwill5595]

WELL, you see the need for the discussion is that without dialogue you never know that you just might already have that room !!!

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

Burning Amp Festival starts today

[@AllboroLCD]

Did you catch the Kraftwek reunion in NYC few years back Steve? Heard it was quite the show!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, but it super loud, ear plugs wouldn’t have been enough for me

[@AllboroLCD]

​@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac The stage design was sofa king awesome! Not that I was there of course...

[@charleskatz2606]

Steve how about *Herb approved) Rogue Stereo 100 with four KT120's pumping out 100 wpc push pull?I have German Horn with EL34's (50 wpc) but want the low down about hard hitting power even if it is push pull vs these SET morsels as tasty as they may be

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

"champing" at the bit lol.

[@knobbshots]

It’s chomping

[@lynnpoole7830]

@@knobbshots The correct pronunciation is ''champing '' not ''chomping''.

[@lynnpoole7830]

Steve said chomping as do most people but the correct phrase is ''champing at the bit''.

[@johnupton5271]

Steve check out Binky Griptite with Inyang Bassey version of 100 years it blows away Jaggers song

[@RCook-iy4xk]

Steve, I like your colorful blouse.

[@goodforwatch]

It's a kimono 😂

[@hurcorh]

His wife makes them I believe!

[@RCook-iy4xk]

@@hurcorh I little to frilly for me thank you!

[@HareDeLune]

Well, *there's* a back-handed compliment!

[@MrRourk]

Says it can take kt88 tubes. So how much would that bump up the wattage?

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

The manual says 7 watts on KT88.

[@A.R.B.J.]

I don't know how to solder. Can I use Super Glue?

[@HareDeLune]

No

[@milanstastny6799]

The vendors provide you soldered device for some money. It is such fun I would love do it for you for free if we were in the same country.

[@matthewhilty4209]

That might be a great invention , conductive super glue.

[@shanec6664]

Can someone recommend me a good power amp? I’m trying to get separates and I think this is the best place to ask since you guys are very knowledgeable

[@biketech60]

The choice of power amp is based on which speakers you have settled on for the long haul and what set of sonic characteristics you prefer most . Only personal experience can inform you of that . There is no shortcut to your version of sonic nirvana . A bit like learning an art , you must begin and progress from there & never give up . Listen to what you can find .

[@tullskull]

Shane I would suggest not spending $1 on any new components until you have successfully investigated and implemented good room acoustics products if you have not already done so. It is the true foundation of a system.

[@shanec6664]

@@tullskull my room treatment is pretty good I have carpet and a nice distance speakers from the walls , I’m running a Rega preamp into an integrated sansui au 101, which is causing some distortion and buzzing noises at higher mid to high volumes which is why I was looking for power amp recommendations , what other room treatment things have you tried ? I’m open to anything

[@tullskull]

@@shanec6664 well in general I would suggest some diffusion on the front wall (behind the speakers), base traps in the corners and absorption at the 1st reflection points. Again you want to consider interaction with your speakers for your amp choice. Synergy would suggest an amp from rotel as the path of least resistance. Try to listen to several different types to get some experiences under your belt. So your checking out Elekit...are you open to building an amp kit? Many to consider. Look at the Akitika.

[@shanec6664]

@@tullskull you can actually see my speaker placement in Steve’s latest video , it’s the very last pic at 1:16

[@musicforlife3632]

Steve, how is this 300b amp compared to the Decware? Which one do you think perform better with the Klipsch Forte? Love your video btw!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Elekit

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

If you would have watched more than 5 mins you would have found out you muppet

[@musicforlife3632]

​@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks Steve, I was thinking of getting a 300b amp and your video just helped to make up my mind.

[@musicforlife3632]

@@JohnJohn-lk4lq Get a life, smart Alec

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@musicforlife3632 name is John not Alec... you are still a muppet

[@Watcher4111]

Made in Japan = quality

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

Not even close, made in your living room

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@HareDeLune do you live in Japan? Didn’t think so... muppet

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@HareDeLune spoken like a true muppet, whats a bleedin’ amp? And a bleedin’ Japan? Seems like your off your meds, should I call the snowflake patrol, ya sodding muppet

[@baronofgreymatter14]

What about the decware integrated amp at 1500 bux and 6 watts? how would that compare?

[@HareDeLune]

He compares it in the video. Perhaps you would care to watch it?

[@baronofgreymatter14]

@@HareDeLune I stopped watching after he began reviewing laura nyro...he compared it to the zen triode..nots bigger brother 6 watt per channel 1800 dollar version.thanks tho

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@baronofgreymatter14 that’s an integrated amp

[@baronofgreymatter14]

@@JohnJohn-lk4lq so is the one being reviewed in this video

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@baronofgreymatter14 good god man... NO!

[@sitomdd]

any dealer for Italy?

[@zsvrljuga1]

Getaudio.eu But this one is discontinued...

[@robertogarlaschi7826]

But the shirt is in Pure Class A?

[@getstarted48]

How well would this amp drive my Quad ESL 57 speakers at 85db?

[@douxreveur131]

Just mission impossible in my opinion. Sorry !

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Doubtful

[@searing7549]

I need thump thump, pound pound. So, I will stick with my McIntosh MC 2105. But, I am tempted.......

[@rabit818]

When reviewing an Elekit wear a kimono; a Linn wear kilt...

[@HntrSvrsn]

They're is no replacement for displacement

[@mosne123]

Japanese vs danish audio systems. who will win?

[@fredflintstone8048]

It's a nice kit, but the fact is that I can put together my own so called kit, built my own stereo 300B amp for less than half the cost of that kit. If I don't know the components I need there are plenty of websites with Parts lists and schematics designed by very good engineers. I do appreciate that the Japanese culture of audiophiles loves the tube amps as we do and as such help keep the manufacturing of the tubes and needed transformers alive today which may have otherwise been totally abandoned as other obsolete technologies (yes, they not only build them, but you'll find them in their dwellings). I agree with the statement that this tube amp kit is considerably cheaper than fully built amps of the same type, but in comparison with other means of building your own albeit other kits, or gather your own parts, no, not at all.

[@cameronkrause4712]

man, you must not have any friends!

[@johnkreutz3207]

How difficult is it to build

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Medium

[@hifikampy]

I build the Elekit tube preamp TU8500. From what I could see they are similar in soldering effort. You can do it in one weekend, given you spend full days on it. I spend most of my time checking that I didn’t made a mistake. As Steve said, the component quality was also excellent on the preamp. It sounds great too.

[@carlitomelon4610]

Ask Herb ;-)

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Please try and find cayin 300b tube amp for review as well! ❤️

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

#butbut

[@HareDeLune]

@@JohnJohn-lk4lq Something really got up *your* "butbut", didn't it? 🙄 😒

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

@@HareDeLune got you to comment

[@HareDeLune]

@@JohnJohn-lk4lq : P

[@WiliiamNoTell]

Call the cops loud!!

[@rhwinner]

Pair this with a pair of Heresies and...chill the frig out.

[@davidnord1979]

still love my 2a3s better...my opinion...RCA are the best tubes i own many telefunken brimar Ratheon ect probably 3k in tubes and still love the RCA...

[@ianlarge4635]

The 2A3 is the "little brother" of the 300B, half the power but twice the music, and my choice any day. but those EH tubes are really average [IMHO] the Psvane are much better and the further up the range the better they get.

[@PanAmStyle]

@@ianlarge4635 In the last several months I discovered Sylvania tubes; I had never given them much thought, but I started using a Sylvania type 80 (with adapter) in my Zen amp, and holy cow! I’ve read a little bit about some of their other tubes, and it seems that depending on which tube type and construction, some are VERY highly regarded. So I wonder how Sylvania 2A3s would perform? If I do get an 6L6 SE amp, I will try the Sylvanias first.

[@davidnord1979]

@@PanAmStyle yep sylvanias are right behind rca in opinion

[@ianlarge4635]

@@PanAmStyle I have been using 2A3 triode amps for several years and the latest developments particularly out of China makes all of the vintage valves sound weak and outdated, the newer models from Psvane and the parent company Shuguang make the old/vintage valves obsolete in my opinion, its like believing an old car is better than a new car, it simply is not!!, about 12 years ago i had a 2A3 amp that was supplied with Sovtek valves, i immediately swapped them out for standard Shuguang and they were much better,, China replacing Russia, then i was introduced to the TJ Meshplates and was bowled over how much better these were, a greater degree of transparency from these compared to the solid plate Shugs, i kept those for about 2 years and then tried the then new to the market Psvane meshplates, way better made and an inmprovement all round, so out went the TJ's and as newer versions became available i moved up the pecking order and tried the vastly more expensive WR series that were supposed to be a WE copy but as Western Electric never made a 2A3, this is confusing but who cares?, i now use the WE275 solid pates version of the 2A3 made by Psvane and these are the very best i have tried to date, and that was a purchase 4 years ago, so quite a journey but i have settled on these and they still sound great, so keepers they are!

[@jctai100]

Interesting..... but for $2200/2400 depending on config and then to build it myself? I'd rather get a Line Magnetic. This Japanese 'mystique' that Americans fetish over really only applies to the more upscale high end that is assembled by the Japanese. Although I don't really buy into that either lol

[@burtnull2245]

Is there an audio dictionary? I find it infuriating that adjectives used are borrowed from senses other than sound.

[@m.j.s.3838]

One is tempted to say that that sounds like a ‘bitter’ comment. 🤔

[@garymoore3497]

it has no tone control

[@cremersalex]

Trans ... Europe ... Express

[@TombstoneTube]

Pity that the North American distributor is the typical snobbish that we sometimes find in this hobby. When I contacted him about options to use a remote, this was his answer: “I do not think my products will meet your requirement. We care about the music”. Ironically, I contacted Herb after he reviewed this amp, and he told me that used a preamp.

[@eggshellskullrule7971]

He really just meant to say he’d care about 💰 that’s all nothing personal against your music😂😂😂😂

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

US$ 1.680,00 for an amplifier that you have to build yourself and no tubes! I,d say Go Chinese!

[@JohnJohn-lk4lq]

Thankfully you don’t have a channel

[@epi2045]

Having worked in electronic manufacturing, $1,780 is a bit much for this layout and in consideration of the competition.

[@bobb.9917]

@@JohnJohn-lk4lq It’s a mine field...but there are GREAT Chinese amps out there. Finding good ones is fun! About 12 years back I bought a Yaqin MC-550B 300B (2x300B tubes per channel) 18wps@8ohms. $1000 shipped from an extremely nice gentleman (importer), in Canada (Song Gao was his name). Is it perfect? No...but what amp is? I definitely got my monies worth! ...especially after a little tube rolling. I listen to it all the time! One of my 3 amps that I rotate thru. If you do your research it can come up all good. photos.app.goo.gl/AnXRtxc58vhYEE4v6

[@brianfeiger]

Agreed. I have Jolida integrated with three inputs that came with Svetlana tubes that was less than this kit without tubes.

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

@@bobb.9917 Cayin, Raphaelite, Little Dot , ming da, Line Magnetic etc etc as far as price/ quality Can almost quarantee you will be completely satisfied.