LEBEN CS300F INTEGRATED: Anyone else using one?

[SONDEKNZ]

I read an awful lot about the various different LEBEN models, but very little ink is spilled about the feisty little LEBEN CS300F Integrated.

 

Poking out a very robust 15w + 15w into 4/6/8 ohms - courtesy of an on-board variable output tranny - I have to say that I am just loving mine.

 

With the right speakers (of course) this amp is definitely no syrupy little "pipe and slippers" number.  Talk about "The little engine that could!", I think many solid state users would get a shock at just how punchy this little amp is.

 

Having previously owned 300 SET monoblocks myself, I think SET users would also find the extra headroom and jump-factor that they hanker for, with this silky little brute.

 

Best of all, you can re-tube the entire amp for $NZ50.00!

 

The really good news is.... Where else in the world can you buy a LEBEN CS300F for under $NZ 3K?  TURNED ON AUDIO in Auckland, for those of you who don't know. 

(No commercial affiliation - but a healthy bit of gratitude to Messrs. Young and Turner...)

 

So how about it.  Any other CS300F users around these parts?

 

-SONDEK

 

PS:  Guys, Also loving my matching LEBEN RS30EQ (another bargain) partnered with my AUDITORIUM23 SUT... -SONDEK

 

Edited June 15, 2018 by sondek
Typo

[Guest Proshchay]

Nice looking system Sondek! I don’t own a Leben amp, but it’s interesting as I was just discussing a list of my favorite tube amps with an audiophile friend of mine, and Leben was my go to choice on the budget side. Lovely sounding amps & beautifully made. And I agree, a bargain at their asking price. The CS-300f or CS-600 for that matter would be a great match with a pair of Klipsch Forte III’s or Devore Fidelity 0/96’s. Btw what tt do you run?

[SONDEKNZ]

Hey BODHI

 

Thanks for your thoughts.  It looks like we have similar taste in amps. 

 

Have you ever heard a LEBEN?  Or specifically, the LEBEN CS-300F?  Other than being 3dB down in power by direct comparison, it is said that the 15w + 15w CS300F sounds quite different from the 30w + 30w CS600.

 

I've never had the LEBEN CS600 in my exact system - for a clear A/B face-off - so I can't say for certain.  But the online banter seems to suggest that the little sibling is a bit more sparkly and open at the top-end, in its power-band...)

 

As for turntable, you've probably guessed from my handle that I run a LINN SONDEK LP12.  It is a hot-rodded effort with much of the original LINN gear now replaced with either third-party components - or my own tweaks.  I have to say that the venerable LINN ITTOK tonearm still remains as it mates well with my SHELTER 501 II cartridge - and it's big money to take a serious step upwards.

 

I know there are other great turntables around - I used to own a REGA3/RB300 myself in the early days - but I don't know how anyone is able to live long-term in the real world and play vinyl, without a proper suspended turntable.  Even resting on a concrete slab built home, all turntables tend to have footfall problems.  Even my fully suspended LINN had to be wall-mounted on a shelf-rack, to get rid of the footfall problem.

 

Anyway, that's my 10-cents worth...

Edited June 18, 2018 by sondek
Typo

[Guest Proshchay]

I’m more of a solid state guy these days due to the nature of my system & room. And I prefer maintenance-free at this point in my life. That said, many years down the track, it would be fun to setup a simple 2nd system based around something like a Leben Integrated & pair of Klipsch Forte III’s or 2nd hand SF Guanari Homage’s. For a good VFM tt, I don’t think you can go past Gold Note.

 

To answer your question, no I haven’t heard a Leben amp before, however I have heard an Audio Nore Integrated in a full AN system. Not the same, but similar in philosophy being a Japanese tube Integrated. I’ve also followed Jeff Day’s ‘Acoustic Revive Chronicles’ for many years & read the reviews. The old school workmanship and build quality is very evident. Tube amps like these also offer plenty of scope to tube roll & tune the sound to your taste, so i’ve made some educated assumptions here.

 

As to which amp to choose, I would think the CS-300F would have plenty of power to drive the highly efficient Klipsch Forte’s, whilst I’d probably go with a CS-600 to drive the Guanari Homages for the extra headroom.

 

Btw i agree with your POV about suspended turntables. That’s one of the reasons I like the Audio Union Helix 2 deck by Mark Döhmann as he is a genius with suspended tt design. Congrats on your very nice rig! . 

Edited June 18, 2018 by Proshchay

[SONDEKNZ]

Bodhi

 

Thanks for the kind words about my rig.  Appreciated.

 

I too enjoy Jeff Day's ramblings.  He sure is passionate about audio and that comes through in spades.

 

Maintenance Free Motoring

I went Solid State for many years for the exact same reason.  My FIRST WATT J2 was a fine amp.

But when I finally got to hear tubes amp again - my TRANSCENDENT SOUND SE-OTL, the LEBEN CS300F and others -  I really missed the supreme 3D thing that (IMHO) solid state amps just cannot seem to achieve.

But you are right.  Many tube amps are off-putting simply because of the price of the tubes. 

The great thing about the LEBEN CS300F is that the entire amp can be completely re-tubed for around $50.  I guess you'd have to pay more for labour, if you were unable to change the lightbulbs on your own.

My LEBEN CS300F already has thousands of hours on it, because we work from home and have it running most days.  I can report that there is not the slightest sign of performance drop-off.  When the time inevitably arrives to change the tubes, I'll be more than happy to shell out the bucks, whip the lid off and change 'em over.  It'll cost me way less than changing the oil in my car.

 

Gold Note Turntables (Italy)

This is a new name to me.  Do you run one?

(Which one?  Which arm?)
They appear to be non-suspended, but I could be wrong about that.

Beautiful decks, for sure!   You gotta love the quirky and stylish Italians. 

(I'll have to do a bit more research on these...)

 

Audio Union Helix 2 deck by Mark Döhmann

It sure looks nice. 

A pity their website does not reveal a bit more about the table.  I guess they want to keep their trade secrets on the low-down.

 

Thanks for the great intel, Bodhi.

 

(Pics below: GOLD NOTE on top.  DOHMANN below...)

 

Edited June 19, 2018 by sondek

[Guest Proshchay]

I enjoyed my time with my modded Ayon CD-5s as linestage driving my Boulder 1060. The 6H30DR's have plenty of resolution and image well as you described. There is no doubt good tube designs do some things really well (eg: sweetness, holography, melifluousness). That said, I think loudspeakers have a greater influence on the sound. 

 

I don't own a tt, but I've heard the Gold Note Mediterraneo on a couple of occasions at my local Dealer's shop in an all-Gold Note system. You're right..It's not a suspended design, but uses a high mass, triple layered plinth, distortion-cancelling synchronous power control & tight tolerances to control vibration. To my ears it sounds smooth & musical. There is just an engaging 'musical flow' and build quality is excellent. Is it the last word in resolution or bass? Of course not, but it’s a lot of table for the doh.  I believe the arm used on both occasions was the included B-5.1 tonearm. Unsure of the cart.

 

Btw Mark Döhmann is giving a tt masterclass at the Australian Hi-if & AV show in Melbourne in October & will have the Helix 2 on demo. That will be one not to miss!

[championsound]

late to the party, but Sondek, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the Leben phono stage. aside from the fact that the two units looks gorgeous next to each other, how do you feel the phono stage performs? Would it play well into a 200w integrated? I'm currently distracted by the line magnetic lp-33, and I'm on the fence about whether to just go all in on an integrated solution or go out wide with a tube phono stage like the Leben or Line Magnetic. definitely looking at solid state fo the amp though, wanting to get some grunt after the last decade of feeding my images too little power.

[SONDEKNZ]

Hey CHAMPIONSOUND! 
Happy New Year to you and yours...
Thanks for inviting me to chime-in here.   A few of my thoughts on phono stages.
I'm a fan of having tubes in the phono stage.  Preferably all tube - with tubed rectification - which seems to deliver bigger benefits at the phono end, probably due to the huge amounts of gain involved.  So for me, a tube rectified phono stage is part of the answer.
To my ears - and in my system - this type of all-tube phono stage tends to deliver greater palpability, dimensionality and "flesh-on-the-bone" than other phono types I've tried.  Despite the terrific delivery of detail, solid state phono stages often sound so dry and relentless.
This tubed rectification is what the LEBEN RS30EQ delivers, albeit in combination with a Step-Up-Transformer (SUT) due to the LEBEN's limited (MM) amount of gain.  I use the AUDITORIUM23 SUT with great success.  The little LEBEN is also dead quiet with my highly  efficient 96dB KLIPSCH RP-160M speakers.
(Interesting note:  LEBEN does not use tubed rectification in my feisty little LEBEN CS300F integrated, so perhaps LEBEN Chief Engineer Mr. Taku Hyodo holds similar views to mine regarding tubed rectification...)

Bear in mind too, that if you work with Neil Young at TURNED ON AUDIO - due to his decades long direct and personal relationship with the manufacturer - you will only pay NZD for USD worth of brand new LEBEN gear (Eg: $NZ2500 versus $US2500 elsewhere...) making the legendary LEBEN gear the steal of the century, here in NZ.
The other great thing about the LEBEN amps is that their tubes are cheap and readily available, so you don't need to worry about retubing costs.  Just enjoy!
I love hand-crafted Japanese products.  The Japs just seem to go the extra mile and get the little things right.  It's part of their "excelsior" culture.  They are perfectionists! 

So yep... I'm a LEBEN fan.  I have no experience with the Chinese LINE MAGNETIC gear, so cannot comment.  I will say that it looks nice, too!

If you are heading down the all-solid-state integrated amp path, I believe this tubed phono component becomes even more critical.  Therefore, I'd be trying to keep the phono stage "off-board" and run with a non-phono integrated.  This way, you have some choices around trying different phono / SUT combinations also.
I hope this helps.  Enjoy!

-SONDEK
(I have no affiliation with TURNED ON AUDIO, but as stated previously:  They have always given me the sharpest pricing and superb support, so I want to let everyone know...)

Edited January 7, 2019 by sondek

[championsound]

Thanks @sondek

 

much appreciated! I'm starting to think i'll go the separate phono amp route, although I feel like I want to steer away from leaving myself too open for tweaking. I optimistically hope to spend some money now, and then not do it again for a long time! 

 

That said, I guess I can buy an integrated with onboard for now, and it still gives me the chance to separate the pre-amp stage later. I've managed to stick to one set-up for over 10 years, so i feel a little bit justified in treating myself now! 

 

 

 

[SONDEKNZ]

CHAMPIONSOUND

To my mind, regardless of whether you go solid state or tube for phono stage duties, there are two distinct advantages to an off-board solution.  these include: -

• Dedicated power supply.  Not shared with preamp so often delivers improved dynamics, transparency, etc; and
• Greater distance of phono stage from preamp transformers usually helps reduce - or even eliminate - hum and noise

 

The downside is that you need to introduce the cost of some very suitable interconnects, for an off-board solution.  The phono stage leg needs careful shielding due to the millivolts involved.  This means more $$$...

 

Certainly, a full phono-equipped preamp does not preclude the option of adding a separate off-board phono stage further down the track.  It just seems like a waste of original investment.

 

I guess the answer is to listen first and vote with your feet... Carry off the one you just can't live without!  That's what I did.

Edited January 7, 2019 by sondek

[Alex-Bridgit James]

Hey Sondek, great looking system, and sounding I bet. I'm looking at a similar setup. I have Klipsch Forte iii's and am wondering if the 15w is enough to drive them adequately. I'm currently using an Lfd LE V amp, a Perreaux VP3 phono, modified Rega RP6 with Micro Benz Ace low output cart, a great combo. 

 

The tubes look very appealing though, and maybe an itch I have to scratch :-) What speakers are you running with the Leben CS300F? Do you have any experience with the Leben and Klipsch Forte iii pairing?

 

Cheers

[SONDEKNZ]

Hey BIGAL

As above.. I'm using KLIPSCH RP-160M (Large) Bookshelf Speakers.

With the LEBEN CS300F (15w + 15w) we can rock the neighbourhood with massive amounts of power in reserve.

Your KLIPSCH FORTE are even more efficient than our RP-160M!  Your FORTE get to 99dB (Bloody LOUD!!!) on just 1w - so you can imagine... The 15w LEBEN will be like putting a 480w amp behind a 1980s 84dB speaker!!!
Should be a match made in heaven as the additional headroom will help control that huge woofer in the FORTE!
The LEBEN variable Output Transformer will also allow you to switch between 4/6/8 ohm windings for slightly different sound.

I predict you're gonna love it entirely!

 

Quote

 

 

[SONDEKNZ]

PS:  Sorry, never heard the FORTE, but we invested a day and AB-ed the RP-160M versus the HERESY III - at home in our system with everything else constant - and the former won by a country mile.  No contest!   -SONDEK

Edited February 28, 2019 by sondek

[Alex-Bridgit James]

Wow, really interesting. Thanks for your input. I've heard so much good stuff about the Heresy's so the RP-160M's must be impressive. I had the Cornwall iii's for a few weeks and they were phenomenal, but the Forte iii's had a bit more refinement. Horses for courses I suppose. But if there was ever a speaker to completely rock the party and give that sense of 'live', then the Cornwall would be hard to beat.

 

The Heresy and Cornwall's share the same mid and tweeter horns so have a slightly similar sound signature, but the Cornwall's 15" woofer is something else. Talk about moving a lot of air. 

 

How do you find the Leben phono stage and Auditorium 23 SUT? They're also considerations.

 

Cheers

 

[SONDEKNZ]

BIGAL

I had read all that good stuff about the HERESYs too, but we were super disappointed with the HERESY IIIs.

We were ready to pay big for them thinking they would be an end-game speaker for us... and kill the little RP-160Ms.  Nope!
Truthfully, we could not have lived with the HERESYs.  The RP-160Ms slaughtered them in every department!
Interestingly, with an RP-160M on one channel and a HERESY on the other, we could discern no difference in sensitivity/efficiency - and that was being driven by our FIRST WATT J2... (No slouch!)  This was very curious because the HERESYs are supposedly higher in sensitivity (99dB) and higher in Nominal Impedance (8-Ohm) than the RP-160ms (95dB/4-Ohm) - factors which suits the Single Ended FIRST WATT J2 and should have given the HERESYs a useful advantage.  Nope!

In short, either the HERESYs are badly overrated - or the RP-160Ms are badly under-rated in these respects.  We believe a good chunk of both.
I'm sure the FORTEs and the CORNWALLs are in a whole other league over and above the HERESYs.  Have to admit, we've never heard either.

On to the LEBEN PHONO and the AUD23 SUT.  We love them.  That said, they suit our LO MC SHELTER 501 II cartridge - and our sonic taste preferences.
Phonos, SUTs and Cartridges are very match dependent and taste-dependent.  So, I guess you'd have to suck it and see with your Micro Benz Ace.

Edited February 22, 2019 by sondek

[Alex-Bridgit James]

Cool. I'll delve a bit deeper with you tomorrow. Cheers mate. I also have the RF-7iii's in my ht set up and they are pretty awesome, but I must say, I prefer the Forte.

[SONDEKNZ]

There you go!

[SONDEKNZ]

BIGAL

 

REVIEW:  LEBEN CS300F Integrated Amplifier

 

I wanted to add some further thoughts around our little LEBEN CS300F...

 

The (few) professional reviews I have read about this LEBEN model have been overwhelmingly positive, despite the fact that they all provided caveats of one type or another around "...within its power limitations" etc., etc. 

 

These caveats arose only because none of those reviewers carefully matched the 15w LEBEN with a suitably efficient speaker.  Not one.  It seems that they just merrily hooked-up the CS300F to whatever transducers they had on the shelf at the time and gave it a go.   A HARBETH here, a TRENNER & FRIEDL there; let's try a FRITZ; an AUDIO-NOTE...  Talk about epic mismatches!  And they wondered why the little LEBEN occasionally ran out of steam?

 

Nevertheless - rather tellingly - all the reviewers adored the CS300F for what it does so well - despite being totally mismatched on every date.  All of which begs the question:  How does the CS300F sound when the speaker match is ideal?

 

As mentioned above, matched with your KLIPSCH FORTE, BIGAL, the LEBEN CS300F is a veritable powerhouse.  This is an ideal partnership.

 

I'm not exaggerating when I state that with the 15w CS300F driving your 99dB speakers, its identical to taking an 84dB speaker - like a pair of brand-new pair of TRENNER & FRIEDL ART 2 (85dB, actually) - and driving them with a 480w solid state amp.  Yes, the electrical "drive" calculation is more or less identical.  Would anyone dare call that a potentially under-powered partnership?  Would anyone really question whether there was enough power on tap?  Of course not.

 

In this type of scenario, the CS300F becomes a vicious beast, straining to be unleashed!  With headroom aplenty, inquiries as to the available power become totally irrelevant.  The only question that remains is:  What does this amp / speaker partnership sound like?

 

Almost to the same extent - our KLIPSCH RP-160M is 3dB less efficient than your FORTE - this is the matching environment that our CS300F operates within, in our home.  This environment is precisely how the LEBEN should be reviewed.

Under these idyllic conditions, I can tell you that the CS300F is no "pipe and slippers" polite little number.  Quite the opposite is true, in fact.  The LEBEN is big and ballsy; and busting to breakout!

 

The CS300F can rock out with the best of them.  Demanding genres such as Hard Rock, Metal, Electronica and Dubstep are smashed out with alarming attack.  Bass is full, tight and deeply extended and there's absolutely no polite, syrupy, treble roll-off.  Tops are crystal clear and extended.  Fenders crunch, analog synth textures grind, cymbals crash and shimmer; and it's all held together in total chaotic coherence.

 

Then in a blink - with a speedy change of program - the CS300F can gently immerse the listener in a pool of intimate and palpable lushness.  SET-like, the CS300F delivers quiet music for quiet times, beautifully.  The little LEBEN is a quick-change artist, delivering whatever it is that your source is serving up. 

Believe it!  The CS300F is a nasty, thrashing brute one minute, a fluffy, purring little kitty the next; and everything in-between.

 

Orchestral warhorses with Tchaikovsky in full cry?  Bring it on!  Classical, Chamber, Trios, Quartets and the like?  Superbly rendered.  Jazz?  Oh yes, Jazz!  The CS300F loves Jazz and you can truly hear which artists have "got it" and which ones ain't.  Reggae, Prog Rock, Military, Folk, it's Saul Goodman!  Whatever the genre, with the little LEBEN, music is portrayed with all the sparkle, colour and vividness of a live event.

 

There are several worthy sonic constants (read constants - not constraints!) that permanently reside in the CS300F sonic palate.  These include: -

 

Stunning dynamics!  Even at low-level listening, the CS300F is fully loaded with the safety-catch off.  Yes, the jump-factor can be quite startling.  Massive dynamic shadings send transient snaps firing out of the speakers, like sonic missiles.

Truth of timber is ever present.  Vocals sound like flesh and blood.  These are real people!  Likewise, musical instruments.  This is where pianos sound like pianos with felt hammers striking wires under tension.  Where the (typically elusive) leading-edges of piano notes are portrayed in stark relief.  Drum kits sound like hard wooden sticks striking taught animal skins - not like the sound of Dr. Martin shoes kicking-in some flimsy dunny-door.  Fretless bass lines really carry that boogie factor.  Brass instruments deliver that spitty, crackly, metallic blat that used to have kids like me following the Sally Bands around the streets each mid-December evening.  These are real instruments and the CS300F never lets you forget it.

 

Imaging and soundstage are stable and sonic cues, a revelation.  Granted these aspects strongly depend on the capability of the partnering source and speakers, but when the fit is right, the CS300F will show you precisely where everything was lurking on recording day.  Often, this will include apparent venue cues that extend way beyond the confines of your own listening space.  Whilst many of these spatial effects are now "created" in the studio (well after the band has headed off for a beer and a smoke) early stereo recordings (such as the legendary RIVERSIDE Jazz catalog, where they just recorded what happened and put it straight onto the vinyl lathe) prove beyond doubt that such spatial aspects do exist on simple, unprocessed recordings.  If it's there in the mix - no matter how it got there - the CS300F will expose it, as created; intended or otherwise.

 

I could go on and on - I've already gone on and on - but I'd like to leave you with one final set of thoughts. 

 

Earlier, I likened the LEBEN CS300F / KLIPSCH FORTE combination to driving a pair of brand-new TRENNER & FRIEDL ART2 speakers with a 480w solid-state amp.  However, there is one aspect of this comparison scenario that (I believe) the CS300F will trump, that no solid-state amp (that I've heard, including Nelson Pass' FIRST WATT marvels) can ever match.  And that is the utterly unique "tube" sound.  To my ears, tube sound is totally distinct due to the following three attributes.

 

Firstly, almost all tube amps deliver an accurately dense harmonic saturation of the (critical) mid-range and upper bass, which causes music to sound natural.  Best revealed in the human voice, you know it when you hear it.  It's the sound of flesh; living, breathing, swallowing and singing - complete with all the rich resinous tones that make the human voice, flutes, clarinets, French horns, trombones, cellos, violins and guitars so unbearably beautiful.  The LEBEN CS300F conveys this midrange harmonic saturation in just the right dose, at least the right dose for our tastes.

 

Secondly, by virtue of their inherent design, all tube amps - even lesser designs - deliver a continuous flow of signal.  The sound of this flow is very hard to describe - but easy to hear in the music generated.  It's the reason why Grandad's old valve radiogram sounded so magical, all those years ago!  Tubes allow the signal to gain (voltage, amplitude – as the design requires) as electrons magically leap through a heated vacuum, in a constant, unbroken flow.  There is no switching on and off.  There is no frequency.  There is just a continuous flow of signal.  The beautifully unbroken music flow that results, clearly reveals this miraculous gain process, to my ears and (evidently) to the ears of every staunch tube amp enthusiast.  Every other amplifier technology (excepting transformer-only amps.  Another story, another time...) uses ultra-high-speed switching (on and off hundreds of times per millisecond) to achieve their required gain.  In those amplifier designs, the precious music signal is sliced and diced in the same way that digital processes sample only a portion of the full sinewave of analog recordings, in order to transfer the music onto CDs.  Sadly, the human ear can hear the difference.  This switching is not good.  Tube amps don't do this.  Tube amps are good; and the LEBEN CS300F is one of the best.

 

Thirdly and finally, tube amplifiers tend to present the sound of spatiality differently to other amplifier topologies.  Whilst alternative designs can match or occasionally surpass tube amps in the left to right rendering of space, tube amps go the extra mile in the realistic portrayal of front to rear soundstage.  This creates space - or at least, the sound of space.  With good tube amps, recording venues can sound absolutely cavernous and everything sounds just a little bit more stereo; a bit more 3D.  Everything is just a bit more palpable and in focus.  With the LEBEN CS300F, you just want to reach out and touch it, the illusion so darned complete.

 

Be sure to give the little LEBEN CS300F a good, long listen.  I suspect it might be an end-game amplifier for you, as it was for us.

 

In any event, enjoy the journey - and please post thoughts on your experiences.
 

Edited February 28, 2019 by sondek
Realised I needed to be more specific about LEBEN model.

[Alex-Bridgit James]

Sondek, this is, without doubt, the most entertaining, comprehensive review I've read in a long, long time, maybe ever. I was grinning ear to ear. Your way with words draws the reader in. Seriously, what's your profession? Surely it has something to do with writing...author maybe? 

 

Anyway, after reading that, I am definitely wanting, at the very least, an audition. The only question I have, and was asking the folks at Turned on Audio was, is the CS300 or CS600 the better match? I have read though, that some prefer the little CS300, mentioning it has a bit more sparkle at the top end while the CS600 has a slightly darker mood to it.  The idea of sparkle bodes well with me though, so once again, it's a tick in the CS300's box. Not to mention with the price difference, a Leben phono and Auditorum 23 SUT is on the cards. 

 

Do you have experience/opinions on the different characteristics between the CS330F and CS300XS? 

 

Thanks again for your input. Love it :-)

 

Alex

[glennb99]

Great information Sondek!  I'm a big fan of the boys at ToA in Onehunga although I haven't purchased anything for a few years.  My system is just lovely and my next investments will be around some LP12 upgrades (as part of my pre-retirement spend!). However, your comments on the phono stage have me thinking I might audition something with valves!

Cheers, Glenn

[SONDEKNZ]

BIGAL

 

Many thanks for the kind words on my review of our little LEBEN CS300F.

 

In my day job, I'm Director of Sales for an ANZ software company - and yes, I've been a business writer for many years.  Nevertheless it is always pleasing to hear encouragement.  Thank you so much.  Appreciated.

 

I too have heard the rumours about listeners preferring the little LEBEN CS300 (and its variants) over its bigger sibling.  And yes, I too am lead to understand that the CS300 is just a little more light on its feet and open in the tops.  That has certainly been what my ears have heard on my visits to Neil and Paul over the years. 

 

The top frequencies are the area of sonic priority for us, that helped win us over with the LEBEN CS300F.  Prior to the LEBEN, we ran Nelson Pass' superb FIRST WATT J2, which is renowned for having the best top end of any amp in the FIRST WATT stable.  So, there were big shoes to fill.  The little LEBEN met this challenge head-on, surpassing the J2 in the tops and delivering more besides.

The CS300 also runs EL84 tubes (or variants thereof) which I am persuaded are the most musical and well balanced tubes on the planet.  Think of the many world class amps that have run these tubes:  LEAK Stereo 20, VTL Tiny Triodes, MANLEY Mahi Mahi and Stingray, MUSIC REFERENCE RM10, DECWARE SE84UFO, the (DIY) RH84 circuit, et al.  Having run SET 300B monoblocks for many years myself; and 6550s, etc., etc., my winning view on the EL84 tube family has only been reinforced as a result of our time spent with the little LEBEN.

 

Then there's the very low cost of re-tubing the little LEBEN CS300F...

 

In summary, I assume that the only buyers who opt for the bigger, way more expensive - and less cute - LEBEN CS600, are the ones who simply cannot drive their favourite speakers with less than 30w.  (That's definitely not you, BIGAL - if you are set to stick with the FORTE).

 

Having said all this, I need to state that I have never had quality time with CS600 in our system at home, so the above is not a definitive view.  But based upon what I have heard and read, I suspect I am right.

 

One last point to consider:  The little LEBEN CS300F sells here in NZD for what the Americans pay in USD.  Same number.  While the NZD trades at around 68-cents US, one word come to mind here:  Bargain! 

 

Enough said.  Go get one!

Edited February 28, 2019 by sondek

[SONDEKNZ]

GLENNB99

As you've probably guessed from my moniker, I too am an avid LINN SONDEK fan - and user.  But I do confess that I had to completely trick-out the LP12 before I was happy as in its stock form I found it lacked snap and focus.  Remove the ridiculous Trampolin, new support for the plinth;  new DC motor and controller; low-noise Mains Transformer, relocated DC Motor placement; judicious dampening; costly platter mat, improved RCAs, etc., etc. and now we would never part with it.

 

A lot of time and effort to invest, but frankly, I fail to see how others live with non-suspended turntables, what with all the footfall problems and the like.  But that's just me.

 

Something to consider in the phono stage arena, is that the cartridge voltages are absolutely miniscule; even with a high output Moving Magnet type cartridge, but especially if you are running a low output Moving Coil type cartridge.

 

At these very low voltages, every treatment of the precious analog signal is multiplied by a factor of 100, versus normal linestage voltages. (CD, Streaming, etc.)  This means that every little thing counts - bigtime.

 

I'm convinced that this is why LEBEN Principal, Taku Hyodo, chose to add (expensive) tubed rectification to the LEBEN RS30EQ Phono Stage.  It just sounds right.  Very right.

 

For us and in our system, the LEBEN RS30EQ Phono Stage - partnered with the AUD23 SUT - delivers a flesh-on-bone palpability that we found is almost unavailable in the solid-state world, excepting some very big ticket items.  Again, the LEBEN RS30EQ Phono Stage stands on its own merits and becomes a firm bargain in this sense.

 

Add the value that TURNED ON AUDIO brings to the table - with their special pricing - and the LEBEN RS30EQ Phono Stage is an outright winner, in our opinion.  The fact that it mates cosmetically with the sumptuous LEBEN Integrated amps is yet a further bonus.

 

If we ever moved-on from the LEBEN CS300F - which would only ever be to drive more power hungry speakers - we would definitely keep the LEBEN RS30EQ Phono Stage.  It's that good.

 

I hope this helps.

Edited February 28, 2019 by sondek

[Alex-Bridgit James]

Sondek,

 

In terms of the Leben CS300F, RS30EQ and Auditorium 23, to coin a movie phrase, "You had me at hello." I'll be getting into contact with Turned on Audio to get the ball rolling. Apparently, there is a local guy with a Leben CS300 so an audition, for insurance sake, may be possible.

 

To be honest, for me, how things look and sit with the rest of my equipment and room is almost as important as how it performs. I think the Leben gear nails it on both counts.

 

The only thing that concerns me is I'll have an outstanding second amp, the Lfd Le V waiting in the wings, and I mean this thing is amazing. If it wasn't for the call of tubes, I wouldn't even consider moving this on. It's not an amp I'd sell lightly either, it's that good. First world problems aye :-)

 

Once again, thanks for your candour.

 

Alex

[SONDEKNZ]

Hey BIGAL

 

It's a pleasure to try to assist with your journey.

 

I totally agree that with any new component purchase - with the exceptions of phono cartridges (it's usually just not possible) - an audition is an absolute must!

 

I too have read and heard great things about Dr. Brewer's LFD machines, but have yet to sample them with my own ears.

 

In all respect, it sounds like you have only great options at your disposal - including doing absolutely nothing.  Nice.

 

I'm keen to hear how you progress and the decisions you make at each juncture; and I'm sure other forum members will be keen to learn from your experiences too.

 

We look forward to hearing more...

Edited February 23, 2019 by sondek

[Guest]

i know a guy in pn who has a cs600.

it sounded merely ok.