To Boldly Go! DECWARE Sarah 300B Integrated Amp

Ғылым және технология

Decware's latest, the Zen Sarah 300B integrated amp! Beyond my expectations. Sold direct worldwide, www.decwareproducts.com/sarah
Patreon: / audiophiliac
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg

Пікірлер: 271

  • @user-od9iz9cv1w
    @user-od9iz9cv1w Жыл бұрын

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

  • @TheRealWindlePoons
    @TheRealWindlePoons Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @mr.george7687
    @mr.george7687 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @vaneast411
    @vaneast411 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @lillyrosemarykingofh
    @lillyrosemarykingofh Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @luke78333
    @luke78333 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @rockmusicvideoreviewer896

    @rockmusicvideoreviewer896

    Жыл бұрын

    No, it should be all about how good they sound and how accurate amps sound.

  • @Simplyveej

    @Simplyveej

    Жыл бұрын

    @@rockmusicvideoreviewer896 Then why not go to some other channel😊?

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    @@rockmusicvideoreviewer896 Well you know, the New York Times never offers a free read of any article. The archive Radio Shack catalog site and Steve's You Tube are free to view, but we have to pay to read the online Freemans catalog archive and at that, I reckon Steve should be moving his archive onto the Patreon video hosting, because uh ... we know for a fact that you know 'nice guys' like Miguel Barrio are huge followers of used bargain market high end Audio and uh ... people who're in a position to pay should be subject to market forces. Just saying. Money has to go around and come around and Steve you know, is behaving like Tesla with his intellectual property, he's making it all freely available.

  • @TheDumpstarInCle
    @TheDumpstarInCle6 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @PaoloCaminiti
    @PaoloCaminiti Жыл бұрын

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

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @AlarusOne
    @AlarusOne Жыл бұрын

    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. :)

  • @maxhirsch7035

    @maxhirsch7035

    Жыл бұрын

    Don't take this hard- but as a passionate audiophile, I don't expect anyone in the generation of my family after me to be interested in my gear; and unless you or anyone else has a son or daughter or niece or nephew or grandchild whom you KNOW is not only an audiophile, but ALSO shares your particular taste in gear, I wouldn't bet on your gear being of interest to them. Seriously- it pains me to say this- but the bulk of us won't find that our descendants share our taste in gear, or music gear at all.

  • @rockmusicvideoreviewer896

    @rockmusicvideoreviewer896

    Жыл бұрын

    @@maxhirsch7035 part of the reason is there is so much snake oil and amps like these are overpriced for what they are. All SS amps sound better and don't have to cost so much either. Kids are all confused being told this and that DAC, amp, preamp and so on sound different when they don't.

  • @lilpoindexter

    @lilpoindexter

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@maxhirsch7035 yes. they're gonna look at all this stuff and wonder why we were junk hoarders.

  • @AT-wl9yq

    @AT-wl9yq

    Жыл бұрын

    @@rockmusicvideoreviewer896 "All SS amps sound better and don't have to cost so much either. " Prove it. How exactly do all solid state amps sound better as a matter of fact, not opinion?

  • @5thlevelweb887

    @5thlevelweb887

    Жыл бұрын

    @@rockmusicvideoreviewer896 all SS do not sound better. I have quite a few tube amps and SS amps. In general, I prefer the tube sound, especially in multi-amp systems for midranges and tweeters. The SS amps do what they do best for power and damping driving the woofers and subs.

  • @RogierYou
    @RogierYou Жыл бұрын

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

  • @ChannelGarrett

    @ChannelGarrett

    11 ай бұрын

    Same! Ahhh the old days with the old rigs.

  • @brentoncrowhurst8338

    @brentoncrowhurst8338

    14 сағат бұрын

    Still planning to get a hallicrafters. And now a 300b.

  • @joshuaschneck
    @joshuaschneck Жыл бұрын

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

  • @backrack01

    @backrack01

    Жыл бұрын

    Right? Like that waitlist needed any help lol

  • @EricBurbeck

    @EricBurbeck

    Жыл бұрын

    @@backrack01 yeah, I've been on it for months and still estimate over a year until I get my gear! Hopefully Steve (Deckert) decides to ramp up production at least a bit before the wait grows even more.

  • @labalo5

    @labalo5

    Жыл бұрын

    Not really. The waitlist barely moved. You either want it or you don’t. There are other pretty good 300B amps out from other master builders.

  • @W4YN0T

    @W4YN0T

    10 ай бұрын

    ​@labalo5 can you give any example?

  • @lapocasini1246

    @lapocasini1246

    7 күн бұрын

    ​​@@W4YN0TAric Audio Super 300B and Coincident Frankenstein Mk4 are both mind blowing, highly life-like 300B amps for great prices. A little bit more money than the Decware with stock tubes, but about the same price when Decware has top tubes. Theres also Coincident Frankenstein Stereo for 2500 which is also a stagerring, high realism amp and an unusually powerful and wide bandwith 300b amp.

  • @joenovak6393
    @joenovak6393 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @yaniv-nos-tubes
    @yaniv-nos-tubes Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @melanmor
    @melanmor Жыл бұрын

    We are waiting for your Part 2 review!

  • @tkyr7021
    @tkyr7021 Жыл бұрын

    Just ordered one. Now the wait begins.

  • @scottarmsteadel2233
    @scottarmsteadel2233 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the review, excellent

  • @danstein2467
    @danstein2467 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @thomastoochal2133
    @thomastoochal2133 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @marcmccormick2343

    @marcmccormick2343

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm in the same boat! I think I counted 668, or 1/3 down page 4. Started far down page 7, now there's 11 pages!

  • @mostlyoldthings
    @mostlyoldthings Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @rhorto01
    @rhorto01 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @truman4956
    @truman4956 Жыл бұрын

    Love Steve’s enthusiasm!

  • @awboat

    @awboat

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah, he seemed a little bit more happy than normal with this amp. I wish I had the money to buy all the things he loves. And roll them to say.

  • @MikeK6046
    @MikeK6046 Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @nomaddude
    @nomaddude Жыл бұрын

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

  • @tonykazz2779
    @tonykazz2779 Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @printzapper
    @printzapper Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @CollectingRetro
    @CollectingRetro8 ай бұрын

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

  • @AdrianIII
    @AdrianIII Жыл бұрын

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

  • @FoxTick
    @FoxTick Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Jack96993
    @Jack96993 Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @scottbennett3119
    @scottbennett3119 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much, I didn't say the best amplifier, I said the best 300B amplifier I've heard.

  • @scottbennett3119

    @scottbennett3119

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Well, the best tubalishish amplifier you have ever heard.

  • @willmanJohn
    @willmanJohn2 ай бұрын

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

  • @ecstasy5317
    @ecstasy5317 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120
    @tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Жыл бұрын

    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 !

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, with the right combination of tubes (voltage regulator and input tube) Sarah can sound warm and sweet.

  • @tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120

    @tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I wonder how Klispchhorns would sound with this 300b those speakers have slam with very little watts Maybe even Tekton double impact - Thanks Steve Appricate all your hardwork and dedication to us Audionuts 😃

  • @joshuaschneck

    @joshuaschneck

    Жыл бұрын

    I have an Elekit 300b amp driving a pair of Klipsch Fortes. I do occasionally like to crank it up and these 8 watts have no trouble at all making the room shake.

  • @charlesclifton1006
    @charlesclifton1006 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @garydurler5603
    @garydurler5603 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @tubefreeeasy
    @tubefreeeasy Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @printzapper
    @printzapper Жыл бұрын

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

  • @ScottsLifeOffGrid
    @ScottsLifeOffGrid Жыл бұрын

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

  • @bruss529
    @bruss529 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @FOH3663

    @FOH3663

    Жыл бұрын

    Nice ... full automation

  • @labalo5
    @labalo5 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @fredflintstone8048
    @fredflintstone8048 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @michaelvaladez6570
    @michaelvaladez6570 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @richardstarkey71
    @richardstarkey713 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @randallcromer66
    @randallcromer66 Жыл бұрын

    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...👍

  • @johnboard7770

    @johnboard7770

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes Steve please post the follow-up. I have worked my way up to page one of the Decware list and am seriously considering upgrading to the Sarah but would like your full review before I decide!

  • @jonathanreich6360
    @jonathanreich6360 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @w7mjr
    @w7mjr Жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Just one day.

  • @philipgardiner2003
    @philipgardiner2003 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @marcosofsky2605
    @marcosofsky2605 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @HP_____

    @HP_____

    Жыл бұрын

    A Scott integrated amp is a great way to get great sound at affordable price. You can learn to repair tube online. You can do it!

  • @ronaldarceneaux2975
    @ronaldarceneaux2975 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @backrack01
    @backrack01 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @bigblueocean

    @bigblueocean

    Жыл бұрын

    How do you mean?

  • @if6wuzz9

    @if6wuzz9

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bigblueocean The waiting list is at least 2 years deep… I put my order in back in February ’22 and hope to have it next year at this time.

  • @bigblueocean

    @bigblueocean

    Жыл бұрын

    @@if6wuzz9 ah OK. Thanks. Got it now. There's no way I would wait that long.... I might be dead!

  • @if6wuzz9

    @if6wuzz9

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bigblueocean Time is of the essence on my end too my friend… ain’t quitting the fight yet!

  • @miguelbarrio
    @miguelbarrio Жыл бұрын

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

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Those transformers are designed by Steve Deckert. That's part of his not so secret sauce!

  • @LeonFleisherFan

    @LeonFleisherFan

    Жыл бұрын

    @@keplermission Please, get off people's back! Miguel is a nice guy, and yes, there are output-transformer-less amps, and no, you couldn't come up with an example of an OTL 300B DHT SET that'll drive anything more than a pair of headphones either, so let's leave it at that.

  • @playbackvintagehifihunter9669
    @playbackvintagehifihunter9669 Жыл бұрын

    Stunning looking amp!

  • @peterlundskow4061
    @peterlundskow4061 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Landmantx
    @Landmantx Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jordipallach4185
    @jordipallach4185 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Ricky-cl5bu
    @Ricky-cl5bu8 ай бұрын

    There is nothing like tubes amazing

  • @Jack96993
    @Jack96993 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @josefbuckland
    @josefbuckland Жыл бұрын

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

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Half an hour is fine.

  • @superdougie10
    @superdougie10 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    The $1,200 Decware Zen Triode amp is awfully good! Pair that with the Klipsch RP 600 M speakers and for under $2000 it's a dream system!

  • @superdougie10

    @superdougie10

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you Steve for the great reply. I have wanted to get into some tubes but really didn't want the schitt gear, I wanted tuby tube sounding gear and didnt know where to look. I will be looking online for some Decware info and a few reviews

  • @stephenbrockway5899

    @stephenbrockway5899

    Жыл бұрын

    @@superdougie10 Check out the Decware SE34i.6. Six watts of single ended triode goodness. Just add a pair of vintage Klipsch Heritage speakers, a pair of Altec Valencias or if the funds are running short a pair Klipsch KG4 or KG5 speakers.

  • @eggshellskullrule7971

    @eggshellskullrule7971

    11 ай бұрын

    Even better and more fun could be Decware’s 6V6 SET amp. It has VR tubes and compatibility with 6V6, 6F6, 6K6, 807, and other 6L6 variants, even EL84/6BQ5 with adaptors.

  • @steveee2511
    @steveee2511 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @rezimulov1
    @rezimulov1 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @bradcollins9046

    @bradcollins9046

    Жыл бұрын

    ^ this. Same question!

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    The 25th anniversary amp was returned a long time ago! But I would say the 300B amplifier is a more robust, fuller sounding design! It is probably a bit less transparent than the 25th anniversary amplifier. Hope that helps.

  • @MusicLover-01
    @MusicLover-01 Жыл бұрын

    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 😅

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching, the Feliks and Elekit Reviews were two years ago! Kinda makes comparisons rather difficult to say the least! All I can say is my emotional reaction to the Sarah is at a much higher level than those two amps. As for the Zen triode that's still here so yes I will do that comparison. Spoiler alert there's no comparison, Sarah is a vastly better sounding amplifier.

  • @tonykazz2779
    @tonykazz2779 Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @hagbard72
    @hagbard72 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    If the vacuum is intact they will work fine. Of course you don't know how many hours of use they've already had. BTW, Western electric started making them in 1938, so the oldest they could be is 85 years old.

  • @stephenbrockway5899

    @stephenbrockway5899

    Жыл бұрын

    Might need to clean the pins. I have some tubes that are WW2 surplus that work just fine.

  • @hagbard72

    @hagbard72

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Okay, got it wrong, they're mostly RCA and Eveready, no WE.

  • @richardelliott8352
    @richardelliott8352 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @sevestan
    @sevestan Жыл бұрын

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

  • @stimpy1226
    @stimpy1226 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    And very unlikely, there's a waiting list for about two years to buy the thing. Why change it?

  • @stephenbrockway5899

    @stephenbrockway5899

    Жыл бұрын

    All Decware amps are power amps. You can order them without the volume control and input switching. You simply place your order then call-in and delete the volume control and input stuff. Or you can just turn the volume knob all the way up and hook up your preamp of choice. The volume and switching are there so you don't have to have a preamp.

  • @bornodnoc1034
    @bornodnoc1034 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @robertkemper8835
    @robertkemper88359 ай бұрын

    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).

  • @photohum
    @photohum Жыл бұрын

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

  • @aitchr8770
    @aitchr8770 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    I don't have the super power to mentally compare products two years apart in my reviewing life. Well I can say is my emotional reaction to the Sarah is much stronger.

  • @eggshellskullrule7971

    @eggshellskullrule7971

    11 ай бұрын

    Owning the TU-8600 I wonder why I never like it tho sometimes I do take it out for rotation among my amps. The Elekit might need valve rectification to make it sound more attractive to me. I just fancy a Sarah.

  • @tombillard5264
    @tombillard5264 Жыл бұрын

    Wow that's a primo viewer system dang

  • @bitterandjaded_
    @bitterandjaded_ Жыл бұрын

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

  • @thomastoochal2133

    @thomastoochal2133

    Жыл бұрын

    No. Steve hand makes his gear so it takes time. I believe he still quality controls all his products before leaving. That’s what you’re paying for. If you want hand made, point to point wiring and great customer service, check out Aric Audio and Toolshed. I have an Aric 300b amp and preamp and they are crazy good. Check out his reviews. He’s highly regarded in the field.

  • @bitterandjaded_

    @bitterandjaded_

    Жыл бұрын

    @@thomastoochal2133 A 300B or 2A3 SET from Aric has been on my wish list for a long time. I just wish I had made up my mind what to order from Steve earlier. A few months of indecision translated to even longer on the waitlist because it seems the demand only goes up. I just think he should start an apprentice program or something to build a workforce that makes things his way. He could be the Willy Wonka of hifi.

  • @TheDanEdwards
    @TheDanEdwards Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @stephenbrockway5899

    @stephenbrockway5899

    Жыл бұрын

    Should check out German Elrog 300b tubes. The mid priced ones are $2500. The most expensive ones are only available with an amplifier purchase.

  • @arnaudinpatrice112
    @arnaudinpatrice11217 күн бұрын

    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 ...

  • @carljung9230
    @carljung9230 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @peterc3143
    @peterc3143 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @stimpy1226
    @stimpy1226 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @robh9079
    @robh9079 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @patbarr1351
    @patbarr1351 Жыл бұрын

    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).

  • @Biefstukje
    @Biefstukje Жыл бұрын

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

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Those were two years ago, all I can say is I'm enjoying the Decware more.

  • @stevebrown9363
    @stevebrown9363 Жыл бұрын

    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?)

  • @rickp6731
    @rickp6731 Жыл бұрын

    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😇

  • @charliebrubach9277
    @charliebrubach9277 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @mikehuntington4440
    @mikehuntington4440 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @ericstolze8925

    @ericstolze8925

    Жыл бұрын

    Because people are interested. Decware amps are magical and many of us have waited happily as Steve and crew build our orders.

  • @rareearthfab5511

    @rareearthfab5511

    Жыл бұрын

    Why do you think their waitlist is years? 😉

  • @imosolar
    @imosolar Жыл бұрын

    Please test more preamps with the tube power amplifier

  • @IvoCoric
    @IvoCoric Жыл бұрын

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

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Elekit TU 8600, Feliks, Reisong 300B, and at least one more I can't remember the name. Oh, and many years ago I borrowed a VAC 300B. And I owned a Wavelength 300B amp.

  • @thomastoochal2133

    @thomastoochal2133

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Hey Steve. Love watching your reviews. Please keep up the good work. Have you reviewed any of Aric Audio’s amps or preamps? If not, would love to see it. Thanks again for your quality content.

  • @annebokma4637
    @annebokma4637 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @fletchermunson6225
    @fletchermunson6225 Жыл бұрын

    Does Decware still use or recommend Wathen tubes?

  • @stephenbrockway5899

    @stephenbrockway5899

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes they do. Walthren was at Decfest last year. They are experimenting with cryogenically treating whole amps last I heard.

  • @muratabdi4967
    @muratabdi496719 күн бұрын

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

  • @Eric-yt7lh
    @Eric-yt7lh Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @DJ_BROBOT

    @DJ_BROBOT

    Жыл бұрын

    and that's som bullsh** , they need to contract some help. This is stupid at this point...you won't see this for 5 years in the wild.

  • @Gez492
    @Gez492 Жыл бұрын

    Listen to an Audionote Conqueror Silver Signature 300B Steve be a great comparison

  • @paulnovitt8557
    @paulnovitt8557 Жыл бұрын

    My estimate on the wait list for the "Sarah 300B," 20 months to 28 months.

  • @klepp19

    @klepp19

    Жыл бұрын

    😮

  • @frankr6702
    @frankr6702 Жыл бұрын

    No Hall & Oates "Sara" on the Sarah?

  • @robk5745
    @robk5745 Жыл бұрын

    Cool amp! Good luck actually getting one tho lol

  • @karthikeyan-lv5on
    @karthikeyan-lv5on Жыл бұрын

    Abroad, we need spare-parts, video call support even if it's automated upto a point

  • @maxpower78-15
    @maxpower78-15 Жыл бұрын

    Nice gear. Not in my lifetime, but cool stuff

  • @awboat

    @awboat

    Жыл бұрын

    I could buy the amp plus tubes, and then...... The old stuff I got aint gonna cut it. But damn, it is nice to dream.

  • @dilbyjones
    @dilbyjones Жыл бұрын

    Shirt looks like the cool Carolina HERRERA

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