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: |
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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.
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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:
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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. :)
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Terry.......The Leben CS600 would be a wonderful retirement gift. I have longed for the CS600 myself for years.
6moons audio reviews: Music Lovers Series "An Auditorium 23, Harbeth. Leben, Shindo and Sony System" http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/l..._hero_lit3.jpg http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/l...hero_open3.jpg |
It's a beautiful amp, makes me wish I had a place for another system.
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Dan... I've wanted to own a Leben CS600 for some time now. I would love to have a simple Leben CS600 setup in my upstairs room as a place to just relax and let the music carry me away. I think it's a beautiful little integrated.
http://www.toneimports.com/leben/images/cs600.jpg |
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I have heard the Leben CS300xs and it functions as a wonderful headphone amp.
Joe |
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Curious....Where do you Leben product serviced here in the states if you have an issue?
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Jonathan of tone imports will help you out.
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