Product Strengths

• Impressive bass response, dynamics, and power for a 12-Watt single-ended tube amplifier
• Dense, tactile, and sweet harmonic color with a clean and clear sound
• Robust build quality with point-to-point hand wiring and exceptional parts
• Easy biasing with a switch for KT88 to KT120/150 mode
• Proprietary transformers that contribute to a flatter response and deeper low bass

Product Considerations

• Careful speaker matching is required, ideally with speakers that have at least 94dB/W efficiency and a stable speaker load
• Must be turned off for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30, before turning it back on, or the rectifier tube could blow
• The correct tube type must be selected on the back of the amp, otherwise performance could be lackluster or tubes could be damaged
• The XLR input involves a slight reduction in detail due to using an input transformer to convert the incoming balanced signal to single-ended

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Bryce eliminates the shortcomings of ampsandsound Nautilus when used as a speaker amplifier, adding dynamics, bass, and an extended top end
• The Bryce monoblocks are more romantic in execution, with single-ended construction—compared to the push-pull output of ampsandsound Zion

Takeaway: The Bryce Monos are high-quality amplifiers with a surprisingly powerful and detailed sound, providing an engaging listening experience. They are great for audiophiles looking for a tube amp that delivers both emotional connection and technical performance.

Product Strengths

• Simplicity mixed with extreme refinement delivers something special that is unforgettable
• Amazing bass control, even over speakers with notoriously floppy bass
• Solid-state quiet, with no noise or hum present even with ears pressed up to the speakers
• Calmly pulls one into the presentation, taking one further into the music
• Excels with music featuring a lot of inner detail or acoustic instruments, resolving textures and attacks with precision
• Sheer physical quality, both inside and out, is the best of the best

Product Considerations

• If new to the 300B tube, note these tubes have no central locator pins like other power tubes, one can put these tubes in their sockets wrong and blow the amplifier up
• Requires no setup other than installing the tubes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Attention to detail is not seen on a McIntosh
• Only the BAT REX Power Amplifier delivers bass grip and resolution at the same level

Takeaway: The ampsandsound Black Pearl amplifier offers a unique and immersive listening experience with exceptional detail and bass control. It is a destination product worth the investment for those who truly appreciate high-quality audio.

Product Strengths

• Pure sound, free of coloration while retaining musical detail, allows a graceful and effortless listening experience
• Natural and tangible sound due to accurate reproduction of details, creates a believable presentation
• Solid and controlled bass performance, unusual for a 300B single-ended triode amplifier
• Excellent sense of touch and tactile sound, making instruments like plucked strings and bowed violins sound very convincing
• Wide and deep soundstage with good 'air', providing a transparent and 'hear-through' sound, especially with complex music

Product Considerations

• Careful matching with partnering equipment is required, especially speakers with high efficiency
• Relatively low overall gain requires a source with a high output voltage
• Output transformer links need to be correctly set for speaker impedance, requiring dealer assistance
• Some reviewers found the top end sounding a bit rolled off before use of appropriate high efficiency speakers and source gain settings
• Changing the EL803S driver valves requires carefully matched pairs supplied by Thöress

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Shindo Haut-Brion/Corton-Charlemagne, Thöress has more treble extension and transparency, Shindo has better upper-bass/lower-midrange substance and body—and more drive

Takeaway: The Thöress SE-300B offers a supremely musical and detailed listening experience with a focus on accuracy and sonic purity. When paired with the right speakers, this amplifier could be an excellent choice to bring out the best in music.

Product Strengths

• The EHT combines tubes and transistors to mate the most desirable characteristics of both
• Amplifiers provide fullness and density, even at low listening volumes
• The EHT creates a natural sound with incredible saturation
• They are fully short-circuit proof at the outputs without any sound-degrading protection
• A switch-on delay is omitted because switching on/off develops no disturbing noise or dangerous signal in this circuit

Product Considerations

• Sound is focused on timbre rather than detail
• Their sound is soft rather than focused, rather warm than open, and rather close to us than presented in a perspective
• The devices are quite large, as they measure 434 x 184 x 434 mm (W x H x D) and weigh 14 kg each

Takeaway: The Thöress EHT monoblocks offer a holistic view of the musical material and its reinterpretation that can be very enjoyable for long listening sessions. They create events in their own acoustic environment, which is completely transferred to the listening room, creating a beautiful, organic, comprehensive, and internally properly arranged sound for those who value tonality above all else.

Product Strengths

• Delivers an incredibly rich, flavorful midrange and a sweet, relaxed treble
• Has a more sophisticated presentation than the utilitarian bent-metal chassis sported by most integrated tube amps on the market, and the smooth lines of the chassis help the amp stand out from the crowd
• Has a clever tube cage design with a clear Plexiglass front panel that delivers an unobstructed view of the tubes and is easy to install and remove
• Is seriously quiet, and there was effectively zero noise through any of the speakers

Product Considerations

• Can sound wildly different, depending on the impedance of the speakers
• The four slightly squishy feet underneath the amp may cause stains
• The power switch is on the rear of the chassis, which may be problematic if installing the amp in a cabinet with limited access
• Needs a good 20 minutes to warm up, and on initial startup, the amp sounded a bit thin, bright, and constipated, but after one album, it opened right up
• Limited power output (15Wpc) may not be sufficient for all speakers or listening preferences, especially when wanting to play music very loud

Takeaway: The Fezz Audio Lybra 300B is a well-designed tube amplifier that delivers a rich and flavorful sound. It can bring out the best in your speakers, offering clarity and great sound.