Had the EML 300Bs burning in the whole time. Took them time to open up but the mids were supposed to be sweet, liquid, and spooky, with a holographic sound stage. It had some of these qualities but somewhat rough. Rolled through three of my rectifiers, several brands of 2c51/396A/5670s and was nonplussed.
Drunk purchased a pair of Psvane ACME 300bs and strapped in for the burn-in. I'm floored. The sound stage is huge, the mids are liquid and sweet, it has great bass, holographic, and resolves so much better. This, is what I was looking for and the tubes aren't fully burned in while the EMLs have around 80-90 hours on them. Smh...
Which EML 300B? Solid Plate or Mesh Plate? I borrowed both when I had the Balancing Act and chose the solid plates. Still they were when I wanted a bit more top and bottom end. Used KR PX-4 for the perfect mids.
Can be a nice luxury to have two different good sets to trade out for variety but only if they both have different and justifiable strengths. Enjoy those ACME. I am interested in those and happy there is a good new option!
EML Solid Plate. Even after 80+ hours they sound rough. It has good treble extension but the treble can be a bit sharp. The mids blossomed after about 50 hours but still feel too neutral for my tastes and it just isn't clean sounding.
When I swapped in the ACMEs everything opened up. It extends well on both ends without any harshness, and it's liquid smooth. Notes are delineated with a clearer image and microdynamics easily coming through. It's as if it has a darker background. I'm going to keep burning the EMLs because they have a 5 year warranty but I'm greatful the ACMEs are in now.
@Phantaminum good to know another member as acquired one. I've been looking for impressions but couldnt find anyone's but @songmic. Where did you find the "fuss"? I only heard crickets on this amp sadly.
I'll post impressions after I've given both 300B tubes a little more time to fully burn in. With the ACMEs this amp checks off almost all of the boxes I wanted in a TOTL amp. The EC is up there with the Apex Teton except I'd take the EC over the Teton with my current headphones.
Sorta knew you go that way some day, knowing your journey. We both love, say, controlled sweetness (my take of teton as well). Seems you're even closer on that end. I am just too procrastinated (and chicken-herted) to perform that due diligence though.
Still good to see non-NOS non-WE conclusion.
Now I sadly? moved to El Cheapo.. no idea when/whether to come back to where I belong. lol
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