Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

CS-200P

reviews

[ { "title": "Leben CS-200P tube amplifier", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/37/37/1736856000000/4586OF1gaaX_r7qQ-QrH4w/hIgBSsyUF1vjXoDlmdWkih0eq0_AoiKgxUmpDwzU2Ps-0x2jQm-D4KZaSAz-JIqu9OB9hb1O2kzIzqO7sOJmSVOHJVNGsGwbX5aUz1YuWJsCXl_tshCpfW5Gp0kANdQYaDXKJPPvSkJ-FqqEOYZUGAU0Z9rw9hj7fiNOB2iYDFA/cwZyE06wrA1W_7tCZr3gvZ6-aD52rY_TdJx4uBreIyg", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Nlg4tYXeVs", "source": "Steven K", "datePublished": "12/27/2008" } ]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Tubes Equipped: 6V6GT (Electro Harmonix) x 4, 12DT8 (AMPEREX)
  • Output Power: MAX 12W x 2(8 Ohms)
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50KHz (-3 dB)
  • Distortion: 0.9% (10W) 1KHz
  • Input Impedance: 100K Ohms
  • Input Sensitivity: 650mV
  • Output Impedance: 6 Ohms or 8 Ohms (Preset)
  • Power Consumption: 65W
  • Weight: 9 Kgs
  • Dimensions: 360(W) X 295(D) X 140(H) mm
6V6GT BEAM OUTPUT TUBE 6V6 is welknown by its high-efficiency, high-sensitivity and superior distortion characteristics, and most suitable for a compact hi-fi amplifier with a high capability.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • The brand's amplifiers are often described as having a "tube-like" sound, characterized by warmth, richness, and a relaxed presentation, yet still delivering clarity and detail.
  • Leben products, designed with careful consideration of total musical balance, are intended for "music lovers" and prioritize listener relaxation and enjoyment.
  • Leben integrated amplifiers have an uncanny ability to work with a diverse range of speakers.

RS-30EQ PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

  • Positioning: A dedicated phono preamplifier with a CR-type equalizer focused on precise tone control.
  • Description: Uses a high-quality Orient-Core power transformer and GE 12AT7A tubes to achieve a stable, low-noise equalization setup. Compared to other models, its simple design and lower power consumption make it a good choice for smaller rooms and budgets, with functionality tailored for accurate phono playback.

CS-300F PRE-MAIN AMPLIFIER

  • Positioning: A compact tube pre-main amplifier designed for clear audio signal preparation.
  • Description: Uses GE JAN-6197 and a premium Japanese 17EW8 driver tube to deliver clean amplification in a small, efficient unit. Relative to the RS-30EQ, it offers additional pre-main functionality while maintaining a straightforward tube sound, suiting users with modest space and budget constraints.

CS-600 PRE-MAIN AMPLIFIER

  • Positioning: A versatile tube pre-main amplifier featuring dual tube options and extended controls.
  • Description: Provides selectable output tubes (6L6GC or EL34) and multiple input options along with a power amp bypass to tailor the sound and impedance for various setups. Compared to the CS-300F, its extra functions and tube switching give users more flexibility and technical refinement.

CS-1000P STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

  • Positioning: A high-power tube stereo amplifier built for large audio systems.
  • Description: Uses pentode circuit designs with KT120 tubes and a newly developed Orient-Core output transformer for wide frequency response and robust amplification. When compared to pre-main units like the CS-600, its advanced circuitry and higher power output accommodate larger rooms and higher-end setups.

RS-28CX PREMIUM PREAMPLIFIER

  • Positioning: A flagship premium tube preamplifier aimed at achieving refined signal quality.
  • Description: Features a CR-type equalizer with GE 12AT7 tubes, an independent power supply, and a dual triode 6CG7 SRPP design that ensures a clean, high-voltage output. In contrast to the CS-1000P, its superior build and technical sophistication address the needs of users with the highest performance demands.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
2
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
276
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
10
Founding Year
1995

Our take on the brand

Leben is a hifi brand known for its hand-built amplifiers that use rare vacuum tubes like the NOS GE JAN 6197 and 17EW8, which create a distinctive sound signature. Their amplifiers require unusually long run-in times of up to 600 hours and offer unique tube-swapping flexibility, allowing users to fine-tune their sound to their preferences.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

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Leben

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Feliks Audio
ECHO 2
943
943
/
7
Reviews
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Unique and engaging musical experience, even with some hard-to-drive headphones
  • Natural, fluid, musical sound with a bit of warmth, superb soundstage, and resolution
  • Exceptional detail for the price category and low distortion
  • Great build quality and a pleasing aesthetic, being hand-built
  • Also works as a preamplifier for stereo setups

Product Considerations

  • Not designed for planar magnetic headphones or for low impedance headphones
  • May sound brighter, with lower bass quantity and precision, with low impedance headphones
  • Tubes are consumables and will burn out after a couple thousand hours of use
  • The power switch is located on the back, which some may find inconvenient

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SPL Audio Phonitor 2 amp—Echo 2 provides a more refined experience
  • Vs Hagerman Tuba—Echo 2 has better driving power and clarity for high impedance headphones
  • Vs Audio-gd Master 19—Echo 2 has a more natural tonality and deeper soundstage for high impedance headphones
  • Vs Violectric HPA V340—Echo 2 has a more magical musicality and a smoother presentation for high impedance headphones
  • Vs Burson Soloist 3X Performance—Echo MKII leans towards a slightly more relaxed sound, while Soloist leans into a more forward aggressive one, and the Soloist has stronger treble extension

Takeaway: The Feliks Audio Echo 2/MKII is a great tube amplifier for those who appreciate engaging and emotionally rich listening sessions, especially with high-impedance dynamic headphones. This hand-built amplifier offers a unique musicality and adds warmth and depth to music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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