Willsenton R300 Owners & Discussion Thread

[ThoFi]

I bought a Willsenton R300 from China HiFi.

2 weeks delivery time and €1250.

The packaging was superb.

 

The R300 has amazing build quality and is one class better than my R8.

I own the R8 (in black finish) for 2 years now.

 

I am curious about how both Willsenton compare and how the 8W drive my mid sensitive speakers…

 

Here are some photos.

 

[Zed Zed]

Subscribed.

 

Really looking forward to your comparison of the R300 and the R8, especially with your 86dB speakers.  The R300 certainly looks the part in silver and black!  Do you intend to keep the stock tubes, or might you replace them? I understand that vintage 300B tubes can be very expensive.

Edited March 7, 2023 by Zed Zed

[ThoFi]

Just now, Zed Zed said:

Subscribed.

welcome

[ThoFi]

Today I had a first 2h listening session with the R300.

Power on, no click noise, just a little hum during the first 3s from the unit. After that dead silent (no noise. Compared my R8 has little hiss and hum)

Bias ok. Bias knobs has better feeling compared to the R8???

Warm up.

Volume knob set to 12. I use the volume control of my Linn Akurate DSM streamer/DAC/pre amp, connected to CD-in.

First speakers my cheapest dektop Wharfedale…just 0.5h…everything ok

Second, my main speakers, the Harbeth SHL5+40 An. (86dB/2.83V/1m and 6Ohm nominal impedance)

 

First impressions….

Everything sound right. No harshness etc.

I am very cautious with my first impressions…

But, till now I am very happy and 70dB average listening level is no problem (but I knew that).

 

No noise/click when turning off (the R8 does)

All tubes are Willsenton branded tubes (I guess Shuguang…?)

Update will follow 

Edited March 7, 2023 by ThoFi

[Zed Zed]

Excellent that your Harbeths are playing well with the R300. It shows that even moderately sensitive speakers are good with 8 wpc, so long as listening levels are also moderate. My own average

listening levels are a bit higher than yours, but my speakers are also a good 3dB more sensitive, so I too should be OK with the R300, should I be tempted.

 

Will you keep the R8, assuming your initial satisfaction with the R300 continues?

 

Will be interested in how your tubes develop as they get some listening time on them. Should get better I think?

[ThoFi]

32 minutes ago, Zed Zed said:

Subscribed.

 

Really looking forward to your comparison of the R300 and the R8, especially with your 86dB speakers.  The R300 certainly looks the part in silver and black!  Do you intend to keep the stock tubes, or might you replace them? I understand that vintage 300B tubes can be very expensive.

The R300 looks gorgeous. Thick silver front plate with very dark blue

Regarding tubes. Same as with my R8. First use the stock tubes and then start searching for alternatives…

The good thing is that the R300 also use 6SL7 and 6SN7. So I will use different tubes from my R8. This will be the first step and maybe later the 300B.

Regarding power…

Till now I have absolutely no issues with my 86dB Harbeth.

It sounds lovely  

[ThoFi]

11 minutes ago, Zed Zed said:

Excellent that your Harbeths are playing well with the R300. It shows that even moderately sensitive speakers are good with 8 wpc, so long as listening levels are also moderate. My own average

listening levels are a bit higher than yours, but my speakers are also a good 3dB more sensitive, so I too should be OK with the R300, should I be tempted.

 

Will you keep the R8, assuming your initial satisfaction with the R300 continues?

 

Will be interested in how your tubes develop as they get some listening time on them. Should get better I think?

Absolutely, if the the listening level is moderate and the music is not excessively dynamic, only a few watts are need. (I also own a 10W SMSL VMV A1, class A , SS Amp. Also with no problems). Also there are plenty of power calculators online… average listening volume+head room+listening distance.

 

I think I will keep the R8 because it is a different amp.

And yes, maybe other tubes will sound better.

But my experience is that not always the better, the more clearer, the more dynamic, the more better in general, is to my liking.

And yes, the R300 should work with your speakers. Also not forget the min impedance….

Edited March 7, 2023 by ThoFi

[Zed Zed]

7 minutes ago, ThoFi said:

And yes, the R300 should work with your speakers. Also not forget the min impedance….

 

Yep. I requested the impedance curve graph from Fyne Audio, which they happily sent me. My speakers have a good curve, never dropping below 5 ohms, and are pretty easy to drive. I chose them specifically to partner with my R8, and it has proved to be a good decision. They'd work very well with the R300.

[Zed Zed]

I forgot to ask - will you be taking the bottom plate off the R300 so that we can see its internal construction? I think it would make an interesting comparison with the R8.

 

It is quite exciting that you own these two Willsenton amps I think. The only person on the internet who does! Your comparisons will make for interesting reading for anyone trying to decide whether to choose the R8 or the R300, especially as they are both the same price. I wish I had had this info to hand before buying my R8 (although, as you know, I have always been delighted with it).

[ThoFi]

2 minutes ago, Zed Zed said:

I forgot to ask - will you be taking the bottom plate off the R300 so that we can see its internal construction? I think it would make an interesting comparison with the R8.

 

It is quite exciting that you own these two Willsenton amps I think. The only person on the internet who does! Your comparisons will make for interesting reading for anyone trying to decide whether to choose the R8 or the R300, especially as they are both the same price. I wish I had had this info to hand before buying my R8 (although, as you know, I have always been delighted with it).

No, I will not take the plate off. Nice photos are at china hifi page.

 

The R300 wasn’t on my radar as I bought theR8 2 years ago…

I am also looking forward to how they compare…

But my first impressions of the R300 are that it is shockingly good!!!!

[ThoFi]

1 hour ago, Zed Zed said:

 

Yep. I requested the impedance curve graph from Fyne Audio, which they happily sent me. My speakers have a good curve, never dropping below 5 ohms, and are pretty easy to drive. I chose them specifically to partner with my R8, and it has proved to be a good decision. They'd work very well with the R300.

what Fyne Audio speakers do you have and how do you like them?

Would be great if you can share your experiences with the Fyne.

I was always interested in Tannoy and now also Fyne Audio.

Do you know Harbeth, did you heard them?

thank u

[Zed Zed]

47 minutes ago, ThoFi said:

what Fyne Audio speakers do you have and how do you like them?

Would be great if you can share your experiences with the Fyne.

I was always interested in Tannoy and now also Fyne Audio.

Do you know Harbeth, did you heard them?

thank u

 

These are my Fyne audio speakers:

 

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/fyne-audio-f500

 

I pair them with a REL subwoofer to give a better low-end performance. Together they work very well in my room and their natural tendency to be slightly forward complements tube amplification IMO, giving a very 'musical' sound, by which I mean that it feels as if I am listening to music rather than a 'hi-fi system'. As you may recall, my preferred music is mostly acoustic, with jazz combos and vocalists making up the bulk of my listening. The Fyne Audios + REL seem very well suited to this.

 

My interest in Fyne Audio stemmed from my lifelong love affair with Tannoys of all shapes and sizes, including at one time the huge Westminsters. I have an affinity for coaxial design speakers for their precision imaging and phase coherence right from the speaker. I still have 8 Tannoys in my Home Theatre (along with three big JBS for LCR speakers) and I can never see me changing them.

 

I do know Harbeths, but only from listening demos at shows or dealer listening rooms. I liked what I heard very much,

 

 

[ThoFi]

Today I found some curious issue.

First. I am not able to pull out the 6SL7 and 6SN7s….???

 

Second. I found some marks on both 300B tubes.

What’s your thoughts?

Are this scratches critical?

what happens when the glass cracks… will the tube show red plate…?? 

Many thanks

 

I did send china hifi an email…

 

 

[Zed Zed]

1 minute ago, ThoFi said:

Today I found some curious issue.

First. I am not able to pull out the 6SL7 and 6SN7s….???

 

Second. I found some marks on both 300B tubes.

What’s your thoughts?

Are this scratches critical?

what happens when the glass cracks… will the tube show red plate…?? 

Many thanks

 

I did send china hifi an email…

 

 

Whatever those marks are, they shouldn't be there on brand new tubes, so I'd be expecting a replacement set from China HiFi.  I have no idea if they are dangerous, so it might be worth posting in the R8 thread to see if anyone has a view.

 

As for not being able to pull the other tubes, that's strange too. Have you tried rocking them from side to side a little as you try to ease them out? I saw this on a YT video some time ago. The guy used a 'rolling' motion as he extracted them, hence, I guess, the term 'tube rolling' which we are familair with.

[ThoFi]

4 minutes ago, Zed Zed said:

 

Whatever those marks are, they shouldn't be there on brand new tubes, so I'd be expecting a replacement set from China HiFi.  I have no idea if they are dangerous, so it might be worth posting in the R8 thread to see if anyone has a view.

 

As for not being able to pull the other tubes, that's strange too. Have you tried rocking them from side to side a little as you try to ease them out? I saw this on a YT video some time ago. The guy used a 'rolling' motion as he extracted them, hence, I guess, the term 'tube rolling' which we are familair with.

Zed, thanks for your quick support

Now I was able to remove the tubes….but man…hard work and finally rocking did help 

 

And yes, the mark shouldn’t be there.

I am afraid to turn on the amp because I want to avoid any damage!

 

[ThoFi]

Yesterday I did continue listening to the R300.

Oh Lord, this amp sounds fantastic

[Zed Zed]

1 hour ago, ThoFi said:

Zed, thanks for your quick support

Now I was able to remove the tubes….but man…hard work and finally rocking did help 

 

And yes, the mark shouldn’t be there.

I am afraid to turn on the amp because I want to avoid any damage!

 

 

Yes, I;d be the same. See if you can get an informed opinion from XLR8OR on the other thread.

[xlr8or]

I'm sorry to see the presence of those scratches on the new 300B tubes that you have acquired with the R300. Are they a problem? Yes and no. Yes from the perspective that they are a physical flaw on the glass envelope's surface. The glass thickness is thinner in this particular location compared to the other adjacent areas. More importantly though the presence of scratches in the glass can easily turn into propagating cracks, as the tube cycles heat on and off. Once a crack develops in the glass envelope its a matter of time before air enters in and the  vacuum is lost rendering the tube instantly dead and useless from any further operation. No from the perspective that the scratches are superficial and great care is taken to ensure that heat cycles are reduced to a minimum and no vibrations are apparent that can transform the scratches into potential cracks.

Edited March 9, 2023 by xlr8or

[ThoFi]

1 hour ago, xlr8or said:

I'm sorry to see the presence of those scratches on the new 300B tubes that you have acquired with the R300. Are they a problem? Yes and no. Yes from the perspective that they are a physical flaw on the glass envelope's surface. The glass thickness is thinner in this particular location compared to the other adjacent areas. More importantly though the presence of scratches in the glass can easily turn into propagating cracks, as the tube cycles heat on and off. Once a crack develops in the glass envelope its a matter of time before air enters in and the  vacuum is lost rendering the tube instantly dead and useless from any further operation. No from the perspective that the scratches are superficial and great care is taken to ensure that heat cycles are reduced to a minimum and no vibrations are apparent that can transform the scratches into potential cracks.

Hi Kirk,

 

many thanks for your reply.

i do have the same understanding.

Do you know what happens when the vacuum is lost.

I can live with that the tube dies, transmitte no music. 
But I can’t accept it will cause further damages….blow a fuse, resistor.

thanks

[Zed Zed]

1 minute ago, ThoFi said:

Hi Kirk,

 

many thanks for your reply.

i do have the same understanding.

Do you know what happens when the vacuum is lost.

I can live with that the tube dies, transmitte no music. 
But I can’t accept it will cause further damages….blow a fuse, resistor.

thanks

 

That would be my worry too, Thomas. A tube is a tube and can be easily replaced. But if the tube takes the rest of the amp with it . . .   Unless you get an unequivocal, crystal-clear answer that the amp will be OK no matter what happens to the tube, I personally wouldn't use the amp until I had a new set of tubes. I can imagine how disappointing this must be for you, after all the anticipation, and then the elation of hearing the R300 for the first time. But you can't risk destroying your new amp.

 

Have you had a response yet from China Hi-Fi?  I'd hope they would be sending you replacement tubes by the fastest courier means possible.

[ThoFi]

2 minutes ago, Zed Zed said:

 

That would be my worry too, Thomas. A tube is a tube and can be easily replaced. But if the tube takes the rest of the amp with it . . .   Unless you get an unequivocal, crystal-clear answer that the amp will be OK no matter what happens to the tube, I personally wouldn't use the amp until I had a new set of tubes. I can imagine how disappointing this must be for you, after all the anticipation, and then the elation of hearing the R300 for the first time. But you can't risk destroying your new amp.

 

Have you had a response yet from China Hi-Fi?  I'd hope they would be sending you replacement tubes by the fastest courier means possible.

thank you.

Yes china hifi respond to me.

first they ask if the amp still works.

later they  ask if I would like to return the tubes to China.

No option for me of course 

 

some answers from china hifi

 

 

[Guest Gadnuk B.O.W.]

if i were you i would just get other and better 300b's and all the other tubes too, the prices of tubes are normalized i think, at least ordering in Belgium and Holland they are. And then ask for new tubes, send it back to China, i would say no problem because it seems to me they are counting on it that you would say no because you want to enjoy your new purchase... Why won't they just send you new ones and then ask you to send the ones you have now when you recieve the new ones... My guess is they rather you just keep the ones you got and find a solution yourself... They seem to try and drag you in a war of attrition :-)

[xlr8or]

3 hours ago, ThoFi said:

Do you know what happens when the vacuum is lost.

 

Yes, it simply won't work at all. There is no risk of damaging any other component. It will be as if no power is being sent to that channel and the amp is switched off. Adjusting the volume knob will have no effect on that channel. Dead as door nails, as they say.

[xlr8or]

@ThoFi As the 300B tubes are still new you can always buy a single one (of the exact same construction and brand) to pair up with the other existing one that has no scratches and also to have peace of mind.

[Guest Gadnuk B.O.W.]

they look like these ones i found on ebay   , only the things that push it against the glass at the top look a little different, are they chinese 300b, do you know wich brand, or do they tell you the same as they told me, that the brand is Willsenton... and Psvane is the partner

 

 

https://www.benl.ebay.be/itm/204252522929?hash=item2f8e6629b1:g:J~YAAOSwxylj9c1y&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA0C%2FuqZwf7A3qHSkQss4rCpus9e70D3zSS3ewJ9GyDBhbhTNVbrnYKaHGXMlN6a%2FDIuNMKwQnuiHDkEp5llBxa5%2FlBXswMc5FB%2BZ25OiskA23VLn0eFGFdn5uG4og9zKBz9%2F5URdcIjDRKnOTMxgJrNwOkC66IGy%2FXisRrDf5uEpcDqYZVZULbb2YPDwtZgZ4hiPkn%2FVVNOLwLj85nDnPLuFATzFThM6Mgva1R%2FiLDFq1HVb%2Fmq7StXmPaI%2FyWl71pLyIHO0PJDLCybhTaRzkvfI%3D|tkp%3ABFBM-rqDhtlh

Edited March 9, 2023 by patrick.kremers
added everything after "found on ebay"