dan-m9

Nice, make sense then Yes will update when I do test it!

Not sure I would with that one tbh sadly Eric may advise otherwise though as he know's way more than me.. “should work Sophia says” but will limit the life of it as they recommend 10uf cap or less (300B amp has 47uf cap Eric said), the directly heated part is fine for 300b amps as 300B tubes are also directly heated, but not sure about anything else wise than that.. Not sure if id go the path of modding it either to fully support it going by what @Odyssey said his sounded like afterwards.. Full info from Sophia on the 274b Mesh Plate: Sophia Electric 274B is an 8-pin octal-based tube and Sophia Electric 274A is a 4-pin based tube. Our friend Art Audio is using Sophia Electric™ 274B in the Art Audio PX-25 amplifier. Note(*): 274B is a direct heating tube. The indirect heating 5AR4 may turn on slower; however, people who buy 274B are for its superior sonic performance. To fully utilize its benefits, it may require the first stage capacitor (capacitor input) to be less than 10MFD; otherwise, it would shorten the 274B life span (very much like smoking is bad for your health). It would not be a problem with common choke input. Please consult your amplifier maker or refer to a tube manual. This 274B is an update of the NOS WE 274B, so both share the same characteristics. The maximum current capability for Sophia Electric 274B mesh plate tube is 90ma, suitable for tube pre-amp and mono-block 45 single ended and 2A3 mono-block single ended. We would recommend Sophia Electric Aqua 274B rigid plate tube for 300B amplifiers. The maximum current capability for the Aqua 274B tube is 160ma.

Sorry worded it around the wrong way haha, I already own a McChanson 300B amp, it’s the 274B tube that is coming soon Originally brought this tube for my Tube Pre Amp that fully supports it (along with many others), but seen it’s not like a usual 274B tube, more like a 5U4G but lower draw (its a 2amp draw, unlike the 3amp draw like the 5U4G). So it’s not really your usual 274B tube (but still can run like it with lower uf cap filter amp if required).. Eric would have likely changed your first cap after the reflector to support the usual 274B tubes (from 47uf to 4uf or 8uf) along with other things too maybe, which would explain the big sound change drop.. But no mods needed for the 300B to run this special 47uf 274B tube (it’s only this one though), might still sound too soft etc still with it, reviews say lively, but who knows till I give it a try I suppose haha.. Full info from Sophia: Sophia Electric Princess mesh plate 274B and rigid plate 274B tubes have been widely praised as the best sounding rectifier tubes ever made. However there is a catch - the first capacitor after the rectifier tube needs to be small. The max value allowed for the Princess 274B mesh plate is 4uf, or 8uf for the Princess 274B rigid plate. But for a typical 300B single ended amplifier, it is usually larger than 8uf. To overcome this limitation, Sophia Electric came out with a newly designed Aqua 274B rectifier tube to raise the limitation from 8uf to 47uf. This Aqua 274B can directly replace 5U4G in most amplifiers with great sonic improvement. Aqua and WE 274B tubes would deliver 150ma-160ma of current at 430vDC per 274B tube.

@Odyssey Yes too busy rolling and writing to Eric instead of on here about it haha.. Thanks for the info re the HP's, sorry would be the HE6 v2 (like yours above) id be looking at first, then Susvara likely after/long term, seems to be the end game for many Eric also gave me the go ahead to use the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B Rectifier in my McChanson 300B amp too (which I got coming soon), due to its special 47uf limit to match the first cap after the rectifier. Excited to give that a run..

Also under the hood picture, to me the U-Amp does seem to have a lovely unique sound to it. Then seen these caps, Russian NOS Guitar Tone Caps. Could be the reason maybe..

Hi again all, Sorry have been slack and late posting this! But I am now the proud owner of the timE McChanson U-Amp and have been rolling tubes with it for over a week now Unfortunately didn’t get down to meet Eric in person due to work under staff issues and other things came up too ☹ Still plan to get down there later this year to meet Eric in person, but Eric has been really great with communication via email and I have learnt alot from him over the last couple of weeks too The U-Amp was re-configured to a more suitable voltage levels for the tubes I was hoping to use with it, I will attach the voltages on what they were and the new voltages in red below. Very happy with the changes, I can run 6Y6G or 6DQ5 (220V), 6L6/EL84 (266V) and the usual 6L6GC/EL34/KT88 etc (377V). Still looking into more tubes to order around the 300-310V range, Eric said EL84 should be fine with that setting too, but it is getting very close to the max plate current and disapation limit of them, the 7189 verison would be the safer pick to use I feel.. I also got the U-amp with a headphone out and speaker off switch too. The U-amp sounds fantastic with all the different tubes so far ive tested and much happier with this U-Amp than my EL84 Miniwatt Amp and the 6L6GC Elekit I sold a while ago. It’s great to finally have another 6L6GC/EL34/KT66/KT77/KT88 etc range amp to test all my tubes I have here still and still a lot to go through yet, plus a few coming that Ive ordered also haha I cannot fault the amp apart from a bit of low-level hum when running the cap filter on the low (L) setting for lower impedance headphones (300ohm or lower), It is no issues with my 600ohm DT880 headphone (less hum than my 300b McChanson), but I mostly use speakers 90% of the time now anyway and cannot hear any hum with speakers (unless my ear is right up next to the driver). Still need to get a better pair of headphones one day to test/use. @Odyssey thinking the HE6 would be a good starting point for my McChanson amps? Specs say 50ohm but are hard to drive so does this affect it to have less low-level hum? Anyway a couple of days off coming up a the end of the week for some more rolling with it! I will attach a couple of running pictures below too

Unique speakers being ribbon hybrid. They really stand out best with acoustic, classical, instrumental or strings etc. I didn't find them hard to drive but ran best with a good 50w+ 8ohm SS amp. Woofers have been fully rebuilt/cleaned by Vitor (Brisbane Speaker Repairs), so ready to last new owner for many more years of enjoyment. No front grills sorry. Minor marks/scuffs due to age. Couple of small rip spots on back ribbon protection fabric (front fabric is perfect), ribbons and woofers are in perfect condition. Happy to demo for serious buyers. Brisbane drop off also available as an option too. Thanks. Full Specs: The Centaur was the medium sized model of the Centaurus ribbon hybrid range, Apogee's first range of ribbon hybrids using an 8" dynamic woofer and a 26" ribbon tweeter. They enabled users to experience the clarity and spaciousness of a ribbon tweeter, and with the ordinary dynamic woofer instead of the current hungry planar bass panel they were considerably easier to drive. Specifications Height 117 cm Width 38 cm Depth 28 cm Bass driver 8" Dynamic cone Midrange 26" Aluminium/Kapton ribbon (etched 6 segment) Max Sound Level 107dB peak @ 4 meters using a 50 W amplifier Sensitivity @ 3m 84dB Frequency response 38Hz (-3dB @ 45Hz) to 20kHz Suggested amp power 100W (8 ohm load) Impedance nominal/minimum 5/3 ohms Weight 65kg each Finishes available Silver grey, rosewood, walnut, blonde oak and mahogany Price at time of first sale (1990) USD $1995

Further Information: One of my fav vintage SS amps by far, hard choice to sell but moving into tube gear more and more, so doesn’t get the use it should now. Tested/heard a few Sansui’s now, found this amp to be the perfect middle ground, not too warm (like more vintage Sansui’s) and not too clinical/new age clean sound either (like newer Sansui’s). It has been restored about 1.5-2 years ago) to its original glory by Vitor from Brisbane speaker Repairs (done all PCB boards, new resistors, caps, pots cleaned etc). This model has the glue all around the PCBs, which has all been removed/cleaned before Vitor restored it. Power supply section has been restored by AVD (Audio Visual Devices) about 6-7months ago, faulty/under rated transistors etc replaced, new power lead and bias levels etc checked. Has been changed to 230v AU voltage (fuse changed). This should last the new owner many years before another service is needed. Of cause still has the original large Sansui power caps to get the famous Sansui sound. Full specs/info: https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sansui/au-517.shtml Prefer local pickup due to its weight and being vintage to. Brisbane drop off available (I head to Brisbane every 2-3 weeks on avg too). Happy to post at buyers risk (can arrange pack and send quote for postage insured). Thanks

Further Information: One of my fav vintage SS amps by far, hard choice to sell but moving into tube gear more and more, so doesn’t get the use it should now. Tested/heard a few Sansui’s now, found this amp to be the perfect middle ground, not too warm (like more vintage Sansui’s) and not too clinical/new age clean sound either (like newer Sansui’s). It has been restored about 1.5-2 years ago) to its original glory by Vitor from Brisbane speaker Repairs (done all PCB boards, new resistors, caps, pots cleaned etc). This model has the glue all around the PCBs, which has all been removed/cleaned before Vitor restored it. Power supply section has been restored by AVD (Audio Visual Devices) about 6-7months ago, faulty/under rated transistors etc replaced, new power lead and bias levels etc checked. Has been changed to 230v AU voltage (fuse changed). This should last the new owner many years before another service is needed. Of cause still has the original large Sansui power caps to get the famous Sansui sound. Full specs/info: https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sansui/au-517.shtml Prefer local pickup due to its weight and being vintage to. Brisbane drop off available (I head to Brisbane every 2-3 weeks on avg too). Also heading Sydney way (down the coast way next month 11-12th of March). Thanks

Unique speakers being ribbon hybrid. They really stand out best with acoustic, classical, instrumental or strings etc. I didn't find them hard to drive but ran best with a good 50w+ 8ohm SS amp. Woofers have been fully rebuilt/cleaned by Vitor (Brisbane Speaker Repairs), so ready to last new owner for many more years of enjoyment. No front grills sorry. Minor marks/scuffs due to age. Couple of small rip spots on back ribbon protection fabric (front fabric is perfect), ribbons and woofers are in perfect condition. Happy to demo for serious buyers. Brisbane drop off also available as an option too. Thanks. Full Specs: The Centaur was the medium sized model of the Centaurus ribbon hybrid range, Apogee's first range of ribbon hybrids using an 8" dynamic woofer and a 26" ribbon tweeter. They enabled users to experience the clarity and spaciousness of a ribbon tweeter, and with the ordinary dynamic woofer instead of the current hungry planar bass panel they were considerably easier to drive. Specifications Height 117 cm Width 38 cm Depth 28 cm Bass driver 8" Dynamic cone Midrange 26" Aluminium/Kapton ribbon (etched 6 segment) Max Sound Level 107dB peak @ 4 meters using a 50 W amplifier Sensitivity @ 3m 84dB Frequency response 38Hz (-3dB @ 45Hz) to 20kHz Suggested amp power 100W (8 ohm load) Impedance nominal/minimum 5/3 ohms Weight 65kg each Finishes available Silver grey, rosewood, walnut, blonde oak and mahogany Price at time of first sale (1990) USD $1995

Further Information: Basically still new, used a couple of times only. Free postage AU wide. RRP is $540 new. More info/specs: https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/qed-reference-xlr-40-analogue-xlr-to-xlr-interconnect-pair?variant=32478821384288 Thanks.

Further Information: One of my fav vintage SS amps by far, hard choice to sell but moving into tube gear more and more, so doesn’t get the use it should now. Tested/heard a few Sansui’s now, found this amp to be the perfect middle ground, not too warm (like more vintage Sansui’s) and not too clinical/new age clean sound either (like newer Sansui’s). It has been restored about 1.5-2 years ago) to its original glory by Vitor from Brisbane speaker Repairs (done all PCB boards, new resistors, caps, pots cleaned etc). This model has the glue all around the PCBs, which has all be removed/cleaned before Vitor restored it. Power supply section has been restored by AVD (Audio Visual Devices) about 6-7months ago, faulty/under rated transistors etc replaced, new power lead and bias levels etc checked. Has been changed to 230v AU voltage (fuse changed). This should last the new owner many years before another service is needed. Of cause still has the original large Sansui power caps to get the famous Sansui sound. Full specs/info: https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sansui/au-517.shtml Prefer local pickup due to its weight and being vintage to. I’m also heading to Brisbane this weekend so can drop off (I head to Brisbane every 2-3 weeks on avg too). Thanks

Unique speakers being ribbon hybrid. They really stand out best with acoustic, classical, instrumental or strings etc. I didn't find them hard to drive but ran best with a good 50w+ 8ohm SS amp. Woofers have been fully rebuilt/cleaned by Vitor (Brisbane Speaker Repairs), so ready to last new owner for many more years of enjoyment. No front grills sorry. Minor marks/scuffs due to age. Couple of small rip spots on back ribbon protection fabric (front fabric is perfect), ribbons and woofers are in perfect condition. Happy to demo for serious buyers. Brisbane drop off also available as an option too. Thanks. Full Specs: The Centaur was the medium sized model of the Centaurus ribbon hybrid range, Apogee's first range of ribbon hybrids using an 8" dynamic woofer and a 26" ribbon tweeter. They enabled users to experience the clarity and spaciousness of a ribbon tweeter, and with the ordinary dynamic woofer instead of the current hungry planar bass panel they were considerably easier to drive. Specifications Height 117 cm Width 38 cm Depth 28 cm Bass driver 8" Dynamic cone Midrange 26" Aluminium/Kapton ribbon (etched 6 segment) Max Sound Level 107dB peak @ 4 meters using a 50 W amplifier Sensitivity @ 3m 84dB Frequency response 38Hz (-3dB @ 45Hz) to 20kHz Suggested amp power 100W (8 ohm load) Impedance nominal/minimum 5/3 ohms Weight 65kg each Finishes available Silver grey, rosewood, walnut, blonde oak and mahogany Price at time of first sale (1990) USD $1995

Unique speakers being ribbon hybrid. They really stand out best with acoustic, classical, instrumental or strings etc. I didn't find them hard to drive but ran best with a good 50w+ 8ohm SS amp. Woofers have been fully rebuilt/cleaned by Vitor (Brisbane Speaker Repairs), so ready to last new owner for many more years of enjoyment. No front grills sorry. Minor marks/scuffs due to age. Couple of small rip spots on back ribbon protection fabric (front fabric is perfect), ribbons and woofers are in perfect condition. Happy to demo for serious buyers. Brisbane drop off also available as an option too. Thanks. Full Specs: The Centaur was the medium sized model of the Centaurus ribbon hybrid range, Apogee's first range of ribbon hybrids using an 8" dynamic woofer and a 26" ribbon tweeter. They enabled users to experience the clarity and spaciousness of a ribbon tweeter, and with the ordinary dynamic woofer instead of the current hungry planar bass panel they were considerably easier to drive. Specifications Height 117 cm Width 38 cm Depth 28 cm Bass driver 8" Dynamic cone Midrange 26" Aluminium/Kapton ribbon (etched 6 segment) Max Sound Level 107dB peak @ 4 meters using a 50 W amplifier Sensitivity @ 3m 84dB Frequency response 38Hz (-3dB @ 45Hz) to 20kHz Suggested amp power 100W (8 ohm load) Impedance nominal/minimum 5/3 ohms Weight 65kg each Finishes available Silver grey, rosewood, walnut, blonde oak and mahogany Price at time of first sale (1990) USD $1995

Further Information: One of my fav vintage SS amps by far, hard choice to sell but moving into tube gear more and more, so doesn’t get the use it should now. Tested/heard a few Sansui’s now, found this amp to be the perfect middle ground, not too warm (like more vintage Sansui’s) and not too clinical/new age clean sound either (like newer Sansui’s). It has been restored about 1.5-2 years ago) to its original glory by Vitor from Brisbane speaker Repairs (done all PCB boards, new resistors, caps, pots cleaned etc). This model has the glue all around the PCBs, which has all be removed/cleaned before Vitor restored it. Power supply section has been restored by AVD (Audio Visual Devices) about 6-7months ago, faulty/under rated transistors etc replaced, new power lead and bias levels etc checked. Has been changed to 230v AU voltage (fuse changed). This should last the new owner many years before another service is needed. Of cause still has the original large Sansui power caps to get the famous Sansui sound. Full specs/info: https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sansui/au-517.shtml Prefer local pickup due to its weight and being vintage to. I’m also heading to Brisbane this weekend so can drop off (I head to Brisbane every 2-3 weeks on avg too). Thanks

Thanks will do! Still in talks with Eric but will likely take it at this stage Never met Eric yet and would be keen too one day, might pay deposit/half now to hold and drive down to meet him in a month or two to collect, bit of a drive from QLD haha but always been keen to do a NSW coast road trip one day over a week or so (go Blue Mountains etc), I do also need to drop my 6AS7 amp for a service/tune up as its one of his first amps I believe (needs new tube sockets as a bit worn out, new volume pot, check volt levels are still good as no bias adjustment etc), so would be worth while

@xtiva2000 thanks for the info, what about KT88 though? That was the highest I was looking to go with this amp. All my tube collection are mostly 6L6GC or lower. Keen to collect and test/use more of the vintage ones with it. Unless you feel I’m really missing something with using higher KT120-KT150 vs vintage tubes?

@PaulTB Very nice, hope it works great enough for you with the low sensitivity LS3/5As, I'm sure it will work great with powering the 603 S2 @Odyssey Speaking with Eric he's going to see what he can do to make the u-amp run even lower, e.g. a very low 250v switch. So running EL84’s etc, which I have many pairs of here and I'm in need of another set EL84 amp since my cheap china built one died.. Would be a dream u-amp if it could run 3 modes like 250v, 300v and 350v. Not sure if all other running values will match up enough to run them all correctly enough with one amp as yet but he’s looking into it more.. Likely a bit more technical than just dropping plate voltage and it should work fine haha..

** Now Sold - Pending Payment **

@Odyssey O wow, very nice. Love the siver look! Mmm guessing Eric would sell the U-Amp directly (so minus the high eBay fees).. Will flick Eric an email once you return it I think

Further Information: Don’t think this needs an intro here. Fantastic smooth SS sounding HP amp and Pre-amp. Also comes with the Burson Super Charger to take it one step further (3Amp model). I’m the 3rd owner and got it for a great price so passing it on to the next owner to enjoy. Think it’s about 2 years old now, so out of warranty. Have tested all functions (HP amp and Pre-amp) and all works fine. Also still in mint condition. Postage AU likely around $30 (extra if you want express or postal insurance). Thanks.

Further Information: Latest Version Klipsch RP-600M II, brought from VideoPro 13-06-2022. (comes with invoice for warranty, which is 5 years so plenty left). Sound much better to the first version to me, much more neutral/more mid’s/less V shaped. Larger Horn surrounds, better binding wires and bigger bass coil etc too I believe going by reviews. Free postage AU wide (unless to costly rare rual areas etc). Please PM me. Thanks.

Further information: Perfect working order, they have been serviced by Brisbane Speaker Repairs to last for many more trouble free years. One woofer had to be cleaned out as coil was sometimes getting stuck, which is a common issue with the mk1 with the woofer hole for corrosion build up over many years. Serials inline 14949 and 14950 A couple of little marks here and there due to age, one more bigger mark/scratches on right left speaker, please see photo below. Also no front grills too sorry. Happy to demo for serious buyers. Brisbane drop off also available as an option too. Thanks.

Wow all this info makes me really want one now , still need one of his 6L6 family amps to go with my McChanson 6AS7 and 300B amps haha.. Is this the exact amp on his eBay? https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125647565635 Was there any other mods to it that you know of? Special/better Caps etc? Guessing this one isn’t Interstage Transformers..

@Odyssey Nice, wow seems you will have fun rolling for a while with this amp then! Keep us posted O right thought the 5U4G was direct heated, I have this one that they say it is on the EH site (looking now it is a 5U4GB though so likely the difference vs 5U4G then), never tested any other 5U4G's tbh so why I never looked further. I also only use it in my pre amp that can take both fine (direct heated and indirect heated). https://shop.ehx.com/item/5u4gb eh/tubes-vacuum-electro-harmonix/ The GZ34/5AR4 are my usual go to fav's for all my tube gear including Eric's amps