SET Asylum: REVIEW: Dared VP-300B Amplifier (Tube) by msa

Model:	VP-300B
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1995.00
Description:	300B SET mono block amps
Manufacturer URL:	Dared
Manufacturer URL:	Dared

Review by msa on August 19, 2004 at 07:02:12
IP Address: 66.67.139.253

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for the VP-300B

I bought this pair of monoblock amps with a single external power supply for the on-line dealer's price of $700.00 excluding tubes (2003 model). After days of research about whether they would work with Thiel 1.6 speakers, I decided to "take the bull by the horns" and listen for myself. The Thiel speakers, which I like very much, are rated at 90db with an impedance of 4 ohms, but dropping only to 3 ohms at it's worst. Could a 7 watt amp drive this speaker to reasonable levels for acoustic music and jazz? In my room, 14 x 16 with 14 foot ceilings, the answer is a resounding, YES. The amps each have a volume control that works well as a balance control as I use a Wright Sound tubed preamp. For cd's the volume knobs are between the 10 and 12 o'clock positions. For cable "Music Choice", the amp volume knobs are at about 2 o'clock and the preamp is about 12. When turned to full volume, the sound is too loud - like a jack hammer at 10 feet. The sound is everything one expects from a 300B tube. The mid-range is spot on for human voices and single instruments like piano or sax. The highs are very extended and sweet. The acoustic bass instruments are accurate with clear vibrato from the cello and double bass. I have a Rel sub working below 45 hz. My current 300B is Valve Art's 300b-98c; better in this set-up than the EH golden grid. No one should be afraid of 7 watts and a 90 db speaker if the impedance curve is relatively flat and benign AND the amp is of this quality.

Product Weakness: A means of by-passing the amps' volume pots would be nice.
Product Strengths: 300B magic; good looks; excellent tonal balance; value

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Dared VP-300B
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Wright Sound WLA12A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Accuphase 75v
Speakers:	Thiel 1.6; Rel Strata III
Cables/Interconnects:	All Nordost Blue Heaven
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, chamber, orchestral
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 14 x to 14
Room Comments/Treatments:	no parallel walls
Time Period/Length of Audition:	one week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Chang Lightspeed 6400
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	A means of by-passing the amps' volume pots would be nice.
Product Strengths:	300B magic; good looks; excellent tonal balance; value