GoodSoundClub - Romy the Cat's Audio Site

In the Forum: Melquiades Amplifier
In the Thread: Single-stage Melquiades vs. DHT amps

Post Subject: DHT or 300B?Posted by Paul S on: 11/29/2008

Romy, setting aside for now the issues of loading, the observations about color seem at this point appear to be as much about 300B as they are about DHT. As near as I can tell, people who like the 300B's color-capability either like or do not hear what I hear as the "constancy" of the color(ations). IMO, some "less-colored" DHTs are in the end better with respect to color just because they can also do black and white and gray scale so much better (not to mention the issue of texture...).

With respect to the ability to play chaotically, IMO this is another area where the 300B has been shown up by other DHTs.

I have thought for some time that it is the 300B's unrivaled "beauty" when operating in its sweet spot that wins people over. But the flip side of the seductive beauty seems to be that it does not get as "dirty" when called for as a couple of other options.

I keep hearing from designers and 300B groupies that the "new wave" 300Bs are a whole 'nother kettle of fish from older designs, and who knows, this may be true; but then, this is still hi-fi, and I'm sure we all keep hearing the roiling buzz about This then That...

Regardless, I am often astounded and delighted by your observations, and also the way you frame them. I think I learned as much or more about the S2 here than I did the DHT.

Best regards,
Paul S

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