I made a trip East from Asheville, NC this past week and of course stopped by Cary for a visit with Dennis and Tony (Straitwire). Allen (Analog Addict) could not make it.☹️ As usual we caught up over lunch and then off for some critical listening, sharing of ideas, and also what has become a real treat, story time. I brought my latest speaker project, a single driver rear loaded horn. Pictures to follow. System components included the shop Rega P3 turntable> Assorted phono-preamps> Inspire CJ5 preamp (prototype)> The new Inspire 300b amp and a new Inspire KT88 SETamp (to be shipped on Monday to a customer). Speakers were various prototypes of the the speakers I brought which we have all been playing with.
My interests going in were to give the KT170s a listen. I knew Dennis had a pair. I also wanted to hear the new 300b amp with those new production Western Electric 300b tubes. I also wanted Dennis and Tony to hear my latest speakers. IMO, at present, these are the best yet from my shop. We hooked up the speakers before we went to lunch so they would be all warmed up when we got back. We had to wheel the shop 4 ways out and the pair with the Lii f15 drivers I made for Dennis a while back so as to make room to move around. There is a lot of equipment there at the toy factory, often just out of view of the pictures shown here.
Listening began with the 300b. WOW what a presentation. The best way I can convey the experience: remember the first time you heard a good SE setup? That feeling of realization regrading all you have been missing previously in your audio system listening life. Well damn if Dennis did not do it again with this one. There is no doubt that this amp bests his other offerings of which I own several. His SEP Firebottle amps are currently running about $2k (maybe the best bargain in hi-fi) and this 300b is $4k so it should, and it does in spades! As I sit here now listening to it in my listening room (yes, I took it home with me) I am just floored by the detail, fluidity, and timbre. The instrument separation is unmatched. Absolutely amazing presentation.
We switched to the KT88 SET (triode) amp next with the KT170s. BTW, same OPTs in both amps I was told. I will preface this with this statement. I have yet to meet a pair of KT 88/120/150s I cared for. I know there are many out there who love this class of tube but I always seem to prefer the 6f/l/v6 Pentodes. The KT 170s are the same for me. I switched them out for a pair of 6f6g from the mishmash of tubes there on the coffee table. There was the sound I know so well and absolutely love from my other Inspire amps (custom Universal, PSE, and 6V6er). Wonderful! If the fellow who is having this amp shipped on Monday is here reading this. You are in for a real treat. This is a wonderful amplifier. But IMO, get yourself some 6f6s to try.
Listening was through the various cabinets and with various drivers (Fostex 4”). Dennis has been in love with the FE126NV for a while and we have each been playing with the FF125WK. No firm conclusions were made but I was coerced into leaving my latest cabinets. You’ll have that there at the toy factory. I am missing them a lot as I sit here.
After a lot of listening, laughing and sharing, we seem to find ourselves engrossed in Dennis’s stories of times past. We went strolling down memory lane with him and his before and after Dentron Radio days. Mid to late 70’s. He pulled up some youtube videos on his phone which brought up more stories. Maybe we can get a podcast together someday. The man has really seen and done a lot in his lifetime.
Anyway, I had to get on the road and they each had to get home to their families. Another great visit was over. As always I look forward to the next.
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