Oh Sh#7! Eddie Current Studio B

Never tried the Mullard GZ34s actually. I had almost purchased a metal-base Mullard GZ34 before another buyer got to it before me, so since then never really went down that route. And especially with me enjoying the GZ32 sound right now, I really don't have a lot of curiosity into paying so much for a premium GZ34. If anything, I'd probably consider an upgrade like the reissue WE300B, or moving to a different 300B amp altogether (the Cayin HA300 and the Felix Envy specifically).

 

The new Genalex GZ34 is a good tube.

 

I have the opportunity to purchase an EC Studio 300B Serial #14) at US$1980.
Were the earlier units a bit twitchy (sorry can't think of another word) or are they solid performers?
Looking at replacing my Bottlehead Crack

 

I mean that is a price that rings very suspicious. If it is real then it is a steal. I dont know much about the early units though

 

Well I don't know of any fakes about. I'm in Australia so take in consideration the Aussie Price

https://www.facebook.com/groups/753042031400794/user/722622109/

 

As a US Facebook user I am unable to see that link, or it's been taken down, or both. I agree you should proceed with a lot of caution, that would easily be the lowest I've ever seen a Studio B listed for anywhere. The issue wouldn't be a fake Studio B, but a scam listing.

As for issues with early Studio B units, my Studio B is Serial # 2, which is about as early as you could get besides unknown prototypes Craig may have at home, and I'm the second owner of a bit over a year now of use with zero real issues to speak of.

 

Thank you for the reply. As you know because it weighs a ton, It would be (and is )a face-to-face deal.
The owner told me it cost him almost $6500 ($4000 US) to bring in to Australia. And it has Gold Lion 300B's

 

Honestly for that price i could import it back to the US and sell it and still make a good chunk of money. Or even fly there myself and still make out a little.

Ask for more pics with time stamps (paper with his name and date), reverse google image search, and take a good look at it. That price is a steal if legit, but i wouldnt want to see anyone scammed.

 

I have unit #4 and it’s been solid.

 

I bought one during his early run and have serial #12. No problems or twitchy behavior. However like others have pointed out it's really suspicious to have one priced that low.

 

If he asks for half the money via PayPal and then the other half when you meet him at his house (it will be a random address he doesn't live at) it is a scam. Be careful. I would only do this deal if it's all cash in hand and in person and you can listen to it at his place.

 

Good luck, it does sound like it could just be a legit seller trying to unload it at a good price to someone who can use it and do a local pick up, but you can never be too careful. Gold Lions makes that an even better deal. It is true that not only are these amps expensive to ship, but even if you do a great packing job they have been known to fall apart during transit. My foam injection machine-packed Studio B PSU had a dangling inductor in its choke input from a screw that came loose while it got to me. Even Craig’s own packing jobs have gotten items to customers with loose parts.

Anyway, just another way of saying that if the seller is worried about shipping, that makes sense, and a pick up would be better for a few reasons.

 

OK well I ended up buying the unit for US$1900 and paid a small deposit, but only after I received/checked
A timestamp
Sellers Mobile
Facebook ID and checked his history
Actual bank account (not Paypal)
Spoke to him on the phone
It comes with additional rectifier tubes, the original Shuguang and Gold Lion 300B tubes.

 

Hopefully you pick it up, all works perfect, and you walk away with an absolute steal. I look forward to your impressions.

 

I pick up the amp in 2 weeks. And yes it's totally legit.
I have thoroughly done my research, even speaking to Craig who confirmed the 300B was sold to the seller directly earlier in 2020

 

Awesome. Enjoy -- going by your sig you already have cans with good to great synergy with SB, so should be a smart purchase.

 

Any recommendations for some small bookshelf speakers for use with the 300B in an apartment would be appreciated.
Not too expensive, as I'm going to pony up for the 300B

 

Don't get the Orcas, or at least watch the video of a SBAF person burning them to make sure no one else has to experience them before you consider a purchase.

Depending on the wattage output try old high sensitivity Klipsch. Prices are stupid now but older is better and can generally be found for less then modded/upgraded to get so much better.

 

The loaner tour was over and they were purchased by me and several others.

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.o...stein-orca-unkind-disposal-thread.6585/page-5

 

I can recommend Omega single driver speakers. They are relatively affordable especially for used and easy to drive. They have the strengths of single driver design--great imaging, fast, clear and coherent sound, non-fatiguing, and so on. I have the Super 6 alnico version and am quite happy with them.