[Bill Baker]

Hello Everybody,

 Response Audio has been working on developing it's own line of products for some time now. Over the past several months, we have been working on two sets of 300B mono blocs and one tube preamp. Yes, these units will be assembled here in the US. In fact, I will personally be assembling each unit in my New York facility.

This has been a very hard secret to keep for so long as we are very excited about these ventures.
 
Heres the question: What do you think most would like to see? An 8 watt per channel using a single 300B or a 25 watt units using a pair of 300Bs.

 Both units will go into production but the reason for asking all you circle members is so that we can get an idea of which model we should concentrate on developing more of in the beginning.

 This is not an ad to promote business nor a post to promote debates but rather a question to the people who have always been a good source of feedback. Audio Circle!

 We will be confirming our order for the final number of base units first thing Monday morning.

 What is your thoughts and/or recommendations in regard to which unit [may] be more desirable by SET enthusiest!?!

 All it takes is a quick mouse click from one of the options above. Thank you for your participation.

[doug s.]

hi bill,

this is a tough call.  300b "purists" like only one tube per channel, cuz they say paralleling two tubes introduces distortion.  of course, 25w is a lot more useful in a lot more applications than 8w, so it's really a toss-up, imo.

personally, i'd suggest developing an set amp using another tube than the 300b.  this is mainly due to the high cost of decent 300b tubes.  and, if ya wanted a 25w set amp, getting four 300b's *really* adds to the cost.  i recently was looking for set amps to drive my 97db-efficient coincident victory's.  300b's were definitely a consideration, but in the end, i went w/a 6c33c-based amp, in large part cuz of the awailability of cheap quality tubes.  i was reading a lot about the benefits of different tubes, before i made a decision.  i was also interested in ming-da's 805-based amps...  

the cost of decent 300b tubes is really a turn-off to me.  if someone were to make a low-cost excellent 300b tube, they could really make a killing...

best of luck,

doug s.

[Andrikos]

Hey, you didn't have an option for a 200W digital amp...

[Bill Baker]

Hey, you didn't have an option for a 200W digital amp...

  You're wright. I couldn't figure out where to put the tubes so I scratched that project.  

[Scott F.]

What is your thoughts and/or recommendations in regard to which unit [may] be more desirable by SET enthusiest!?!

Thats a tough question you pose and there isn't a simple answer IMO. Reason I say that is, you've got the hardcore SET guys that use either single drivers or front loaded horns. Those guys will gravitate to a SET.

For the rest of the crew out there, a PP (or parafeed) 300b that does 25 watts would be more attractive because you can use them with so many more commercially availible speakers (most anything in the low 90's or above).

Thats a darned tough decision you've got to make there. I voted for the single SET but that shouldn't have been any big surprize. Fewer parts, simpler build, less to get in the way of the music.

Then again, a PP 300b has a slightly more 'unique' place in the market.

Geez...you could go on forever tryng to figure this one out. Guess you just have to pick one then introduce the other after you have the first one perfected.

[Bill Baker]

Thats a tough question you pose and there isn't a simple answer IMO

 I agree, this is why I turned to the circle once again for some feedback. In all honesty, I expected this reply, both designs having their place, reasoning and following in the market.

Guess you just have to pick one then introduce the other after you have the first one perfected

 No, I don't think so. I have decided to introduce both at the same time. I don't want to have to start over again with the "other" as this would tie up far too much time and capital. Being different designs, a lot of experimentation will have to go into determining just the right circuit components to incorperate into each model. I hope to have the first of the production pieces available by spring. They first run will be very limited with another larger run following close behind.

 I am not releasing any further details at this point as the designs and component layout are not yet 100% finalized. Once we have the first few pieces in and have had a chance to voice them to my standards, I will post all the details.
 But, if you want to buy one now........... okay, just kidding.

[Christof]

A quad of NOS 300B's could easily cost a grand+, if you could find them.  I'd go for the single 300B monos myself...long live flea power!

[Bill Baker]

A quad of NOS 300B's could easily cost a grand+, if you could find them. I'd go for the single 300B monos myself...long live flea power!

 I do agree that a good quad of NOS tubes [could] cost upwards of $1k but there are some very good current production 300Bs available. I do like the Svetlana and EH 300B tubes but you could step up to something along the lines of the Sophia Electric pieces for about $600 a quad. I will try some of these out in my personal units (8 watt single tube pieces) A lot of money for 4 tubes? I would say so but again, I feel some current production units do provide very satisfying results.

 As mentioned, I will be introducing both units but will start off with a higher quantity of the single 300B, 8 watt units. The order has already been finalized. From there I will just have to see where the road takes me.

[Carl V]

I voted PP 25 watt.
The market place could use a good PP 300B.
What's the dirver tube gonna be...very critical.

Best of luck to you.

[Bill Baker]

I voted PP 25 watt.
The market place could use a good PP 300B.
What's the dirver tube gonna be...very critical

 I agree that a good higher powered unit that still has that sweet 300B sound may become a desirable unit. Just look at the Butler 100A at 100 watts using a 300B in the output stage. But only time will "how" desirable. I have to be careful not to let personal preferences and emotions stand in the way of what people want and this is why I have decided make both designs available..

 The driver on both units will be a 6SN7 / 6SL7 but in the future may go into a 12Sn7 or I may modify the circuit to accept either or.

[J North]

how about a 45 driver tube with PP 300B power tubes?

That would be sweet!

[Bill Baker]

how about a 45 driver tube........

 That was a thought if we can keep the noise down. I had also considered  300B driving 300Bs.
 Who knows what the future holds.

[beat]

Is it just me or is the vote button missing???

Anyhow Bill, I'd say a pair o' tubes each. There are many options out there for the low power single tube version. Also, There are many people who dont fancy the sound of horns/single drivers..I'm one of them. I like having the extra watts to provide many more options of crossovered yet efficient full range cabinets. Are you planning on PP or wiring them in parallel (do I have that right)? My preference aside, I'd say work on the higher wattage se version due to more of a market need than anything else.
thanks,
beat

[Bemopti123]

sounds really great.  A higher wattage 300B set up, might not be a bad idea in order to get more market, as someone said, who are not into horns and SET sound.

[Bill Baker]

HI Beat,
  Actually it was only a 2 day poll. As far as the product decission goes, I will be introducing both designs. I feel (hope) that the dual 300B will become a desirable unit and that the single 8 watt unit will continue with its popularity.
 I also want to price these units in a manner that they become know as a good value as well as a good product overall. Final pricing has not yet been determined.
 Time will tell.