The Western Electric 300B is the movie star, the rock star, the supermodel of vacuum tubes.
The single-ended Class A Triode Evolution 300 integrated amp uses a pair of current production Western Electric 300Bs in its output stage, generating 12W + 12W into 8 Ohms. More than enough power for a speaker like the Barn resident DeVore O/96 or the review Volti Rival SE, or so I assume but we shall certainly see. Those 300Bs are joined by pairs of 12AU7s and, 12AX7s in the input and driver stage respectively.
The Triode Evolution 300 offers 4 single-ended RCA inputs, two pair of speaker binding posts, an IEC inlet, a pair of RCA Main In(puts) for bypassing the internal preamp, and a nice old fashioned toggle power switch.
A tube cage is included but I wonder if anyone actually uses it, which to my mind is like having Marlene Dietrich act in a veil. Two knobs on either side of the front faceplate offer power/input selection and volume/mute and sit on either side of a display that lights up with red LEDs to show the volume level and active input. An included aluminum remote mimics these functions adding a Dim button for the display.
If you’re wondering, it weighs about 63 lbs and yes, I’m very excited.
Triode Evolution 300 Integrated Amplifier
Price: $19,999
US Importer Website: Fidelity Imports
Specifications
Vacuum tubes used :12AU7×2, 12AX7×2, Western Electric WE300B×2
Circuit type: A class single
Input: RCA PIN×4, MAIN IN×1
Input sensitivity: 310mV (LINE, 100kΩ), 900mV (MAIN IN, 10kΩ)
Rated output :12W+12W (8Ω)
Frequency characteristics: 16Hz~56kHz (-3dB)
SNR: 93dB
Output impedance: 4~8Ω compatible
Power consumption: 130W
Dimensions/Weight: W440×D330×H235mm/29kg
Accessories: Vacuum tube cover, remote control