edwinr Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 Hi Fi News have published a review of the Welborne Labs 300B DRD single-ended triode monobloc amplifier kit in their May 2005 issue. Specs are 7 watts per channel in Class A with zero negative feedback. There is a 45 amp version that features 1.5 watts per channel. The DRD stands for 'Direct Reactance Drive', a circuit developed by Jack Ellanio. Export prices are around $1787 with TJ premium 300B tubes and alder wood chassis. There are cheaper prices for those that want a more basic kit. The reviwer's comment was; "If you can put up shelves, change a tap washer or assemble flat back furniture, you can easily learn to solder... and be able to stitch together a DRD". Recommended for smaller rooms with sensitive loudspeakers, the Welborne was well reviewed. Sound quality? "...magical soundstage, openness and sense of space - there is no question that this Welborne Labs 300B DRD does this". This looks like a good kit for those that are interested in 300B SET amplifiers or someone looking for a simple project. The above pic shows the simplicity of the kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaaaz Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 I have built the older welborne Laurel 300b amps as well as the DRD45 amps and must say that they are the easiest to follow instructions of any kits I have built.good stuff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazytubepower Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 How do these compare to say bottlehead's paramour's CTP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben. Posted June 22, 2005 Share Posted June 22, 2005 I think the 45s are rated at 1.8W. Keep in mind, that's a 20% difference! These amps have quite a following among those who find the output suitable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leok Posted June 23, 2005 Share Posted June 23, 2005 Most of my listening is well within the 3.5 Watt capability (including peaks .. no clipping at all) of the 2A3 SET. The 300Bs have about 2x the power. I started with the Welbourn Moondogs and performed several mods (listed below). Welbourne quality is excellent. The DRDs look very interesting .. would want a good pre-amp with those due to lower gain than the Moondogs. Since I've come to prefer parallel feed approach, I would also recommend the Bottlehead designs. SETs used within their capabilities are tough to impossible to beat. When I want more power I just use a different amp. Leo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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