Leben CS300/CS-30EQ Review

[Makube]

Thanks! Looking forward to learn loads of stuff here! I'm new to the beautiful world of high fidelity.

[DesW]

Originally Posted by f1 fan

Dave...most likely they are. My friends who own Leben and Shindo have tried aftermarket pc's with mixed results and decided to spend their $$ on music.
Dave

Yes well unfortunately the 240v Shindos have the two pronged Schuko's on

the supplied cord--not OZ/NZ certified.

I use the NBS Statement II's( factory Oz 3 pin terminated)seem fine to me.

It's Ok at the moment as I am considering upgrading-- nice touch to sell maybe with

unused PC?

Des

[Portugal]

Three questions on the CS300:
- What's the "tape monitor" switch?
- What kind of inputs? RCA?
- I have no experience with speakers but like the idea of buying this for headphones and keep the option to had speakers later. Can I had any good bookshelf speakers or should I care about technical specs to make a good match with the Leben? I just plug the speakers directly into the Leben without additional amp... right?

Thanks.

[joeling]

Hi Portugal,

The CS300 has only RCA inputs
The CS300 is 12W per channel so have to match speakers with adequate sensitivity for best results. I find the ProAc D1's work well.

Regards,
Joe Ling

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by joeling

(...)
The CS300 is 12W per channel so have to match speakers with adequate sensitivity for best results.
(...)

Apologize for the ignorance ... what specs should I look for to identify adequate sensitivity?

Thanks, Pedro

[Makube]

Pedro, you look fot the dB spec. From what i gather you need at least 91/92 dB sensitivity. Check out Tannoy or Audio Note

[guitardave]

The Devore Nines work pretty well, if the room is not too large.

[googleli]

The Leben CS300XS was my first proper 2 channel integrated amplifier which I used to drive my Monitor Audio speakers (originally used for AV only). The versatility with tubes really amazed me, and I had bought tubes which eventually surpassed the price of the Leben. A very good amp for a not too big environment. I have switched to McIntosh and Dynaudio C4 since I moved to a bigger place.