Icon Audio Stereo 300 MkII valve amplifier uses the 300B valve, one of the best sounding (if not the best sounding) valve ever made. The 300B features very low distortion, is very linear and still delivers a healthy 30W per channel (into 8 Ohms). These valves arent easy to make and don't come cheap, but help to make this Stereo 300 MkII one of the best sounding valve amplifiers we've ever heard.

Directly Heated Triodes are considered by many to be the pinnacle of audio quality. Icon Audio have used all their skills in order to build an amplifier that gets the best out of this venerable tube. With 30 + 30W of power available from 20 Hz to 20kHz, it can be matched with a range of loudspeakers and should please even the most demanding listener.

300B Valve

Western Electric designed the 300B to give a high quality, good output in cinema sound. In doing so they created a valve which in audio quality has never been bettered. Although primitive by today’s standards it has very low distortion and has very linear properties which make ideal for the finest amplifiers. Because of this more care is need in designing the associated circuitry in order to remain sympathetic to its genre (don’t expect to see 300Bs in a budget or guitar amp).

Cascode Mode

The all-important HD drive circuit for the 300B output valve is achieved by using the superb 6SN7 valves in “Cascode” mode. 6SN7s date from 1940 so fit in well the overall sonics. Icon Audio feel the 6SN7 (CV181) has a more relaxed presentation than their miniature cousins, these larger driver valves are the best in their class for their musical sound and longer life. Try new David Shaw types or choose from TJ/Full Music, SG Treasure, Psvane, Vintage USA/Russian types.

Sensitivity

Good sensitivity from the built in “passive” pre-amp ensures good results from virtually any type of input. Input sensitivity is varied by changing the feedback this enables use of the amplifier without any feedback or using low sensitivity ideal for use with a separate pre-amplifier.

Easy Bias Metre

The “easy bias” meter enables simple checking that the 300Bs are at optimum performance, the meter also gives an indication of the output power. Very useful when you may need to know if you are likely to approach the maximum available power.

Compatibility

Partnering loudspeakers and source equipment needs to be done carefully. If there is a downside to 300B amplifiers it is that they are more revealing and will not “mask” deficiencies as much as other amplifiers.

Valve Upgrade

The standard valves give excellent performance. But for those who may wish to use “premium” or the new Western Electric 300Bs and want to maximise the life of these valves, therefore on request Icon Audio can supply the amplifier with a lower HT which will give a maximum of 21w per channel output.