Building the Audio Note Kit 1 SET amp...

John,

Thank you for your post. I am very interested in this whole issue of different 300 B tubes, the effect they have on the sound and particularly the break-in time needed for the tube to show its true character in a given amp. Is there a general consensus for how long it takes for one of these tubes to fully break in? I'm also not surprised that there are things you like about the "cheap" stock Chinese tubes that come with the Kit 1. I am quite happy with how mine sound, but of course, I don't have anything to compare them to.

But the thing is I am sitting here as I type listening to the setup I would change thinking I don't want tonloosevthis sound. I hear all the things that gets attributed commonly to a great sounding system. Why spend more money? My wife would like less clutter but is not complaining.

Maybe just because it's fun to try new things that work differently.

We'll see. In the meantime I ain't suffering by any stretch. 😉

Rebbi,
the Black Treasure 300b tubes have an unusually long recommended break in of 300 hours. In my experience most 300bs are well broken-in by roughly 100 hours. Many sound very good straight out of the box and just improve from there.No rush for you as you're getting wonderful sound already. In your case upgrading to the AN copper foil capacitors is likely cheaper than a lot of 300b brands. You have several really fine options/paths available.

I agree with Charles. The stock tubes seemed to stabilize within a much shorter period of time. I'm not sure that it was even 100 hours, whereas these are still changing.
I don't know what Audio Note charges for the copper foil caps, but I'm sure that it isn't cheap, and likely for the same price or less he could get the Jupiters Charles, and they fit perfectly.
By the way Reb, I am glad to see you managed to get the upgraded copper plate. Small touch, but it's nice.

Hi John,
Yes, I also believe the Jupiter copper foils are an excellent capacitor alternative to consider. Rebbi mentioned the AN caps as these are the ones offered as an AN Kit upgrade if he wants to stay within the AN family. No doubt the Jupiter copper foil coupling caps are less expensive than the premium level 300b tubes. The possibilities with an amplifier such as this is considerable. When you factor in the potential future upgrades(if ever deemed necessary)transformers,caps,tubes, power cords etc. This amp can yield true world class sound for very reasonable cost. With this amplifier Rebbi has established a very strong foundation to build upon. If he stays put he still has a terrific SET amplifier. I can relate to his listening notes and appreciate what he's hearing with this amp in his system.
Charles.