Leben CS300xs
 

I recently bought a CS300xs, and am very impressed! It is very musical, revealing, and has a great tonal balance.
Mine has the Sovtek el84's, and they do sound great. But I do see the the famed Mullard NOS tubes can be found in quads for about $500. Is it worth the extra layout?
I would be curious to hear from anyone who has heard both, or any other tubes I should consider.
I have to say as a guy who trades a fair amount of gear: this amp is a keeper!

If you plan on keeping the Leben, you have to buy a couple quads of great EL84 tubes. Why hold the unit back using Sovteks?

You will thank me.:thumbsup:

You would think the Sovteks could be bettered, as sheltie Dave says. Certainly the Sovtek 12ax7 was easy to improve upon, IME. That was not in a Leben though. I know a few months ago, someone was selling a NOS 300X, older version with Mullards. I can't tell you if it sold, but do remember the seller was asking alot. Easily $500 more than you would normally see an XS come up for. Of course we can't gauge too much on what one person sold one 300X for.

In this article Jeff Day mentions a recomendation for Gold Lion EL84's in this amp (it' a fair way down the page). Certainly more reasonably priced & more obtainable.

leben

sheltie dave... Welcome! :wave:

I have my Leben CS300XS fitted with EL84 Mullard. The sounds are a tad warmer and fatter on mid compare to the original Sovtek! I am using 12AX7 from GE.

daniel-

I bought a Leben CS300. Then I got EL84 from Mullard and Gold Lion and I much prefer Mullard with its warmer sound, more density.

BTW, I also replace the original 12AX7 with Telefunken's, the 4 caps with Duelund's, and the fuse. Each makes a big difference. :-)

I have wanted one of these amps some time. I hear the headphone amp is superb. I understand it has 6 tubes, but what do you mean by replacing the "4 caps with Duelunds" and what fuse did you buy to replace the original?
Thanks
Joe

I don't own a Leben and unfortunately can't help with your question but I do want a CS600 really bad. I'm seriously considering one as an early retirement gift to myself. Sorry to interrupt, Joe. :)