You are correct Charles, when I bought the ascendo I did think that if I liked the speakers they would require a new amp, even though I really like the Moore amp. I did buy a 100w/ch hybrid; the 300B was much better. So for 9 months the 300B has been in place. I'd say that on 50% of the recordings the ascendo are fully engaged, on 30% I can hear the bass and lower mid need more, but overall it still sound good; & on a 20% it is very clear that more amp is needed. So for now, I enjoy what I have while considering another amp.

I have found that ratings and published specs can only be used as guidelines, you never know until you hook it up and have a good listen. In this case a powerful 13w seems better to me than a 100w hybrid and my 30w push pull. But if anyone asked me about the Ascendo, I'd say a very good 20w in a smaller room would be the minimum.

ludimagis June 15, 2011 14:29

Ludimagis,
Thanks for the information, I always thought the Ascendo speakers required moderate to high power amps(based on reviews I`ve read) to make them come alive. It`s good to know your 300b amp is capable of driving them to your satisfaction.

charles1dad June 14, 2011 17:33

As far as the EML 300B-XLS, the many positive comments online & at AA and then to see a high rez picture of one prompted my decision. It is a great 300B and as Sebof commented; like scientific pieces of art. I've never seen such an excellent build quality for a tube. With the proper plate voltage they put out 13w/channel, which I needed.

Larry Moore was part of the initial wave of SET amp builders that started up about 15 years ago and this 300B amp was actually his version of the best he could do with "off the shelf parts". I'm pretty certain that he built a few of these. He gained some well deserved industry recognition for 1st his 10 squared amp & than an 845 set amp that was reviewed at positive feedback.

ludimagis June 14, 2011 15:16

Ooops,
Forgot to ask, is your 300b amp purely a one of a kind custom built? It looks very well made and with excellent parts.
I`ve never heard the EML 300b tubes, how did you happen to select them?
Thanks,
Charles,

charles1dad June 13, 2011 04:54

Hi,
Ludimagis,I have no doubt your system satisfies you, but I`ll tell you that the Frankenstein MarkII monoblocks are stunningly good.They take a good SET amp`s ability to deliver realism to another level(particularly when used with the upgraded Shuguang Black Treasure 300b tubes).
Best Regards,
Charles,

charles1dad June 13, 2011 04:42

Charles, we have some similar listening priorities & tastes; I owned the Partial Eclipse II and have given serious consideration to the Frankenstein amp. I agree, there is a certain joy that comes with a well designed set system. Just seems easy to become one with the music.

ludimagis June 12, 2011 19:15

Very nice system, looks well thought out.
Those EMLs look like pieces of art.
Enjoy!

sebrof June 12, 2011 18:22

Hello,
This is a very nice system and must provide much musical joy.The components seem well matched.

charles1dad June 12, 2011 05:22

Thanks Dan, I've been fortunate with my choices and it has come to the point that I wanted; it sounds very good with any type of music. When I 1st got the Ascendo speakers I thought that more w/ch would be needed. But over time there has only been a handful of recordings that were lacking. Still have my eye out for a parallel 300B or an 845 set amp.

ludimagis June 11, 2011 17:19

Very nice looking system you've put together, very organized and neat. It must sound as good as it looks. Congratulations, enjoy!

Dan

islandmandan June 11, 2011 12:02