QUICKSILVER 300B MONOBLOCK SET AMPLIFIERS
This pair is one of approximately 18 made (in late 1990s). Quicksilver Audio 300B SET amp, an extremely limited production run! Mike Sanders made approximately 18 of these units, and they were sold only to dealers or close customers. Several years ago, Mike began offering these amplifiers again in a limited fashion at $3200/pair. This was a word-of-mouth phenomenon, and I don’t know if it is ongoing.
The amps feature massive, hand-wound transformers, large power capacitors and point-to-point wiring by Sanders himself. Don't let the utilitarian looks put you off, these amps are downright magical with the right speaker. I've seldom heard 300B's hold onto the lower registers as well as these amps have demonstrated, where that is otherwise certainly a weakness of the 300B tube. Midrange magic in spades. This is a very rare chance to own these excellent amps.
Amps are very clean overall. One of the transformer covers has a small dent in it – I believe they are replaceable from Mike. Also, on each amp, one side of one of the transformers has some kind of epoxy-looking residue on it (original condition). I would rate them 7/10, but I don’t think that the residue is super flattering. If you know Quicksilver amps, Mike puts his resources into function over eye candy. Internally the units are in pristine condition.
Also included are a pair of custom made protective tube cages that have an industrial style consistent with the Quicksilver style and a cutout “window” to view/highlight the 300b tube. I also have a spare set of black 300b badges that I meant to mount on the tube cages but never got around to doing.
Like all Quicksilver amps, the 300B's are true short path, hardwired units, no circuit boards. The amps come with a set of Svetlana 300B tubes that sound great and test well along with GE5AR4 rectifiers and Phillips ECC 12FQ7 input tubes.
Output: 9 watts into 4 or 8 ohms 1 Watt Frequency Response: 5 Hz-100kHz Input Sensitivity: 1.7 Volts Input Impedance: 100 K Ohms Tube Complement: (1) 12FQ7 input, (1) 300B Output, (1) 5AR4 Rectifier Finish: black chassis with black transformer covers and chrome badges. Dimensions: 7” (H) x 14 ½” (D) x 9 1/8” (W) Weight per mono amp: 30 lb. (unpacked); 35 lb. (packed) (approximate)
A bit more about the tube compliment: I believe that the 12FQ7 can be swapped with 12BH7 (a more commonly available tube). I know you can exchange the rectifier tubes between 5AR4 and 5R4. The 5AR4 rectifier tube gives a little warmer, fuller sound, not as dynamic or controlled on the bottom end as 5R4. 5R4 rectifier tube have more dynamics, bottom end punch, and a little tighter, more exciting sound, with a little less warmth in the midrange.
Shipping Details
All original packaging included, consisting of double-wall inner box with soft foam surrounding amps and tubes, and exterior 2nd box. Shipping weight: approximately 35 lb. per box. I will tubes and tube cages in additional (separate) boxes.
Buyer to pay for shipping and paypal fees.
