Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 15,975
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Leben
Jun 28, 2018 15:52:23 GMT
Post by Bigman80 on Jun 28, 2018 15:52:23 GMT
I’ve been googling again. Aren’t these amps beautiful? In fact I cannot think of a single more desirables amp. I have to own one one day soon. CS600 looks like the one I fancy. Anyone else in love with the looks and build of these amazing amps?
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Leben
Jun 28, 2018 17:35:04 GMT
Post by macca on Jun 28, 2018 17:35:04 GMT
They sound pretty good too. There was one brought along to MiBO. I'd never heard of them but people were talking in hushed tones and stroking it. It was very good: clean and clear, just the tiniest hint of valvey 'glitter'.
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Deleted
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Leben
Jun 28, 2018 18:08:19 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2018 18:08:19 GMT
Don't get me started, Andrew. I used to lust after the CS300XS in my early 20's. Still fancy hearing that little EL-84 amp.
S.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 15,975
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Leben
Jun 28, 2018 18:19:04 GMT
Post by Bigman80 on Jun 28, 2018 18:19:04 GMT
I know I will have one. I just want it to be at a point in my life where I know I can keep it. Imagine being a former owner. What’s left for you to lust after?
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Leben
Jun 28, 2018 18:50:52 GMT
Post by macca on Jun 28, 2018 18:50:52 GMT
I'd take a Radford STA15 or 25 over it any day. Not the same sound but better for the sort of stuff I mostly listen to. And I love the laboratory equipment looks, with the chrome grab handles (that you actually need, not a cosmetic). The Leben is exquisitely pretty I agree. A completely different aesthetic but they are both lookers in their own way I think.
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Leben
Jun 29, 2018 19:25:22 GMT
Post by dsjr on Jun 29, 2018 19:25:22 GMT
The Radford was too much like the kind of precise 'studio' amps we like macca. I had a SC22/STA25 many years ago, it wan't too old but needed a service in addition to new valves which I gave it. I suspect the Leben has more of a personality to go with the looks?
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Leben
Jun 29, 2018 19:45:54 GMT
Post by macca on Jun 29, 2018 19:45:54 GMT
Not as much as you might think. It's pretty well judged for an audiophile amp. Like I said just a little trace of glitter.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 15,975
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Leben
Jun 29, 2018 21:21:45 GMT
Post by Bigman80 on Jun 29, 2018 21:21:45 GMT
The CS300x looks lovely inside, but the 600 models are far prettier outside. Their proportions are more elegant and the fascia are more symmetrical. Likely to cost you up to 2k used but they are so beautifully put together, they appear to be a labour of love. I have never read anything about the company. Maybe it’s time I did.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 15,975
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Leben
Jun 29, 2018 21:25:45 GMT
Post by Bigman80 on Jun 29, 2018 21:25:45 GMT
I'd take a Radford STA15 or 25 over it any day. Not the same sound but better for the sort of stuff I mostly listen to. And I love the laboratory equipment looks, with the chrome grab handles (that you actually need, not a cosmetic). The Leben is exquisitely pretty I agree. A completely different aesthetic but they are both lookers in their own way I think. They aren’t an amp I have ever seen or heard. I’m not sure what I feel about the looks, because they are so far removed from anything else. I remember Paul from RFC bought one and that did look nice in the pics. Am I right in recalling that the new versions had stayed true to the original design to the point of having bespoke transformers? If so, I have to admire that. People who know a lot more than me tell me that the quality of the transformers is very important with valve amps.
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Leben
Jun 30, 2018 6:29:26 GMT
Post by macca on Jun 30, 2018 6:29:26 GMT
I've read that the output transformers they use are amongst the best. Not that I know anything about what makes a good output transformer myself.
An old one fully serviced and brought up to spec would be about £2K. The new ones are more, but then they are brand new with a warranty and so forth. And you need a pre-amp of course. They just sound 'right' in some totally indefinable way. You'd have to have a listen to see what I mean. According to Jez Arkless they are technically one of the best valve power amps ever made. I didn't know that until after I'd heard one, but it is interesting that the two things would corollate.
I'd have one for these Tannoys I'm building but I don't really want the faff of valves and the Krell I got off of DSJR sounds quite similar to the Radford anyway. It's something about the way they do decay harmonics I think, not easy to put your finger on why a bit of kit sounds 'right'.
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 15,975
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Leben
Jul 6, 2018 12:40:47 GMT
Post by Bigman80 on Jul 6, 2018 12:40:47 GMT
I’m posting this video together with a warning. The last 2 minutes in particular will pose a future risk to your wallet.
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Leben
Jul 7, 2018 4:37:24 GMT
Post by antonio on Jul 7, 2018 4:37:24 GMT
They certainly look good although I've never heard one.
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Deleted
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Leben
Jul 12, 2018 17:56:42 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 17:56:42 GMT
Found this. Just about makes LS50s listenable!
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Bigman80
Grandmaster
AA Founding Member & Bigbottle Audio Creator
Posts: 15,975
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Leben
Jul 12, 2018 18:34:11 GMT
Post by Bigman80 on Jul 12, 2018 18:34:11 GMT
Found this. Just about makes LS50s listenable! One of my all time favourite songs. I have to have a Leben.
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Deleted
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Leben
Jul 12, 2018 20:09:08 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 20:09:08 GMT
Andrew you got it bad, you just got to get one.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Leben
Jul 12, 2018 20:17:09 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 20:17:09 GMT
Andrew is offline. Must be jerking off watching Leben pics.
S.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Leben
Jul 12, 2018 20:18:26 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 20:18:26 GMT
Yes, probably plastered all over his bedroom wall......😁
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Deleted
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Leben
Jul 12, 2018 20:27:28 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2018 20:27:28 GMT
I think the 600 is a better bet. Much more power and control unless you have very easy to drive speakers. Two alternative valve types can be used with internal switching. Also can function as a power amp only. Expensive though at over £5K new!
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