Willsenton R300 Owners & Discussion Thread

[Mihai]

1 hour ago, ThoFi said:

Today I did set up my DIY HiFi rack, took some of my SS amps out and installed my  Linn LP12 (which I didn’t use for years 🫣).

(not all SS-amps are out. You see the SMSL VMV A1 between the Willsentons)

Here a photo.

 

The SMSL mediates the fight between the two giants.

[ThoFi]

1 minute ago, Mihai said:

The SMSL mediates the fight between the two giants.

 

I use the smsl for casual listening.

 

Question.
Did you ordered a R300?

[Mihai]

7 hours ago, ThoFi said:

I use the smsl for casual listening.

 

Question.
Did you ordered a R300?

Not yet, I'm in the process of building a tube preamplifier and also not decided which path to choose, buying an integrated tube amplifier (like R300) or building two 300b tube power monoblocks. I always loved the idea of completely dual mono devices that in my experience sound best.

[ThoFi]

Willsenton R300 plays Dave Brubeck‘s Take Five

 

 

[ThoFi]

Willsenton R300 plays Daft Punk - The Game of Love
 

 

 

[ThoFi]

In comparison here the recording using the R8

 

 

 

[Zed Zed]

On 16/04/2023 at 9:11 PM, Mihai said:

Not yet, I'm in the process of building a tube preamplifier and also not decided which path to choose, buying an integrated tube amplifier (like R300) or building two 300b tube power monoblocks. I always loved the idea of completely dual mono devices that in my experience sound best.

 

I have been a big fan of monoblocs in the past. I suspect that a lot of the benefit is that they each have their own power supply.  And, of course, two amps looks twice as cool as one!

[ThoFi]

My 300B replacements from China HiFi have been at the customs for weeks. Implausible value of goods.

Today I saw that the customs declaration is now completed

So I hope to receive the tubes next week

(what a nightmare !!)

[xlr8or]

On 17/04/2023 at 6:11 AM, Mihai said:

Not yet, I'm in the process of building a tube preamplifier and also not decided which path to choose, buying an integrated tube amplifier (like R300) or building two 300b tube power monoblocks. I always loved the idea of completely dual mono devices that in my experience sound best.

 

You're in luck. The seller just offered all watchers a discount.

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/175696363243

[ThoFi]

Willsenton R300 and R8 playing Nils Lofgren - Keith Don’t Go

 

 

 

[Zed Zed]

10 hours ago, ThoFi said:

Willsenton R300 and R8 playing Nils Lofgren - Keith Don’t Go

 

 

 

 

That is a terrific demo track. I love the way the notes 'float' above the speakers at times. He's not one of my favourite artists, and I suspect that the track wouldn't have done so well if it wasn't for the plea to Mr R to 'not go' (to Canada), but there is no denying that this is a great track to show off your system. 

[ThoFi]

Willsenton R300 and R8 playing Gregory Porter - Hey Laura

 

 

 

[ThoFi]

On 21/4/2023 at 2:29 PM, ThoFi said:

My 300B replacements from China HiFi have been at the customs for weeks. Implausible value of goods.

Today I saw that the customs declaration is now completed

So I hope to receive the tubes next week

(what a nightmare !!)

Today I received my 300B replacements (Willsenton branded).

They look good without any scratches.

[ThoFi]

Willsenton R300 and R8 playing Cowboy Junkies - I‘m so Lonesome I Could Cry

 

 

 

[raylowwl]

@Thofi... Thank u very much for all your posts. N it's because of you, I'm convinced to get the R300, my set came 2 days ago, initially sound very harsh. After a few hours, the sound is definitely better than my roksan amp. Music from Queen sound so much better and jazz from Chet Baker so so nice. Thank u once again

Edited April 26, 2023 by raylowwl

[ThoFi]

5 hours ago, raylowwl said:

@Thofi... Thank u very much for all your posts. N it's because of you, I'm convinced to get the R300, my set came 2 days ago, initially sound very harsh. After a few hours, the sound is definitely better than my roksan amp. Music from Queen sound so much better and jazz from Chet Baker so so nice. Thank u once again

thank you very much!

Good to read that you are happy with the R300!

It would be great if you stay at this thread and share your journey.

may I ask about your other hifi component?

all the best and enjoy the music

[raylowwl]

14 hours ago, ThoFi said:

thank you very much!

Good to read that you are happy with the R300!

It would be great if you stay at this thread and share your journey.

may I ask about your other hifi component?

all the best and enjoy the music

I'm using Dali speakers and currently looking for streamer. Something like ifi neo stream. Will also be changing my speaker at later stage

[ThoFi]

Comparison Willsenton R300 vs Willsenton R8 (KT88) Triode Mode

- Dave Brubeck / Take Five

- Nils Lofgren / Keith Don’t Go

 

 

 

Edited May 5, 2023 by ThoFi

[ThoFi]

Comparison Willsenton R300 vs Willsenton R8 (KT88) Triode Mode

- Gregory Porter / Hey Laura

- Daft Punk / The Game of Love

- Cowboy Junkies / I‘m so Lonesome I Could Cry
 

 

 

 

[ThoFi]

Tried to record different 6SN7 tubes…

new production Tung Sol vs TAD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 11, 2023 by ThoFi

[ThoFi]

Also interesting to see the different in room frequency response, at my listening position vs recording position…

Guess what is which

[Flevoman]

Thank you for sharing all your impressions @ThoFi

I just bought the R300 also. 

Everybody is so hyped about the 300B tube, so this seems a very affordable option to give it a try. 

Cornwall 4 + 300B tubes, this should work 

[ThoFi]

17 hours ago, Flevoman said:

Thank you for sharing all your impressions @ThoFi

I just bought the R300 also. 

Everybody is so hyped about the 300B tube, so this seems a very affordable option to give it a try. 

Cornwall 4 + 300B tubes, this should work 

thank you !!!!!!!
it should be a great match with the Klipsch 

Looking forward to your impressions

[Flevoman]

My first impression...
I haven't owned many amplifiers to compare with, but I currently own the Melody MDA2, Dynaco ST70 II, Decware Zen Triode, and as of yesterday, the R300. I also had the Melody 211 Everest for a while and a couple of transistor amplifiers.

 

But my first impression is positive. I had been listening to the Zen Triode for a while, and the first thing that stands out is that the sound feels grander. However, the R300 sounds fresher and more dynamic than I expected (to be honest, I didn't have high expectations for the 300B tube and this amplifier). Vocals can have some sharp edges though.

In terms of sound, I found it to be on par with my Melody MDA2 (2A3 tubes). I haven't been able to directly compare them yet, but I suspect the Melody will have a tough time ending up as the better amplifier. That's a compliment to the R300. Almost 6k versus 1.5k...

 

However, compared to the Decware, I find the Decware more enjoyable to listen to. It may sound slightly smaller in the soundstage, but it's tighter, better in terms of detail, and especially the holographic representation stands out—it's much more realistic. With the Decware, I strongly feel like everything is happening live in front of me. This feeling is much less pronounced with the R300. Also, the desire to listen to all my favorite tracks on the R300 is missing, something I had with the Decware.

 

But the R300 sounds really good for the money. I would like to try other 300B tubes to see if they bring the amplifier closer to the Decware. However, a well-known reviewer on YouTube claimed that upgrading the 300B tube in this amplifier made almost no difference. If anyone has other tips to make the amplifier sound better, I would love to hear them.

 

[MRJAZZ]

Flevoman.  

How many hours on the R300B? If under 50 hours, you might want to revisit your comparison with the ZEN Decware.

I don't have a  Willsenton R300B (yet), but I suspect it needs a good 50 hours of burn in, before it " settles in"...