While that is steep, other sonically equal DAC’s will cost even more
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That’s a nice amp and there are several low wattage full Class A amps that sound phenomenal.
However, the FR30’s eat amps for lunch, and most of these amps would be stressed even at moderate listening levels.
My fantasy amp and speaker combo has Class A on top of a system that uses powered subwoofers that do the heavy lifting. But for now, control of a full ranger like the FR 30 needs the horses.
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Pressure is too harsh a word, encourage might be a better one. Speaking of horsepower, going from the m1200’s 600w per mono to anything less might be a step back. That’s my advice.
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Donald is a big boy and will probably get both units for evaluation via manufacturer and local dealer. His system, his decision. We pundits must rest.
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Great minds think alike 
Bah! There is nothing fun about that statement!!!
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The new Devialet Astra is also exciting. They were pioneering the hybrid class A/D approach.
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Although the published spec claims that the FR30s require a minimum of 100 watts, the specs also show that the 88dB, 4 ohm speakers dip to just 3.6 ohms, making them appear to be rather easy to drive.
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I’m finally at a point in three systems where I don’t covet an upgrade!
That effort will go towards fine-tuning with tube choices and tube searches will continue. I really want to find a few more 12AU7 tubes that are identical to a coveted Sunbeam labeled made in Holland 12AU7 that has become an integral part of my main system’s sound. . . there’s a special magic to it that I really haven’t been able to find in another tube, even ones that seem to be from the same factory and time and internal structure. The search continues!
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I don’t know if you’ve heard them but a favorite (if you can find them) of mine was the Holland made Amperex 7316. However, they are, if they can be sourced, expensive.
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I haven’t heard them Joe. I’ve used lots of 12AU7 variants, with great success especially Amperex Holland 6085 and 7062 with pinched waists. . . . I’ll keep an eye and ear out for possible 7316 opportunities.
I have a handful of other Holland 12AU7 tubes that seem identical in structure to this Sunbeam, but don’t sound quite the same. So. . . it’s a hard search as there’s little differentation that helps. And I’ve found no other Sunbeam labeled 12AU7s.
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The Sunbeam are a new one to me. Maybe with some luck you’ll be able to find them…you never know.
Ouch. That would hurt if you sold. Could be worse, though- at least you have USD$. Aussie dollar is 0.62 of yours! Sigh. A few years ago, one Aussie dollar got to USD$1.10.
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Me as well.
Were they made at the Amprex plant? Years?
I have a lot of 12AU7 variants, and would love to try these elusive tubes. @lonson if you come across a source for these, with more than one pair, gimme a heads up, I’ll take them!
Not sure of Sunbeams sound signature but can recommend the Semens 5814, triple mica as my favorite all around performer, closely followed by the Telefunken G73R (best top end if ever had in my system)
No info on the Sunbeam other than “Made in Holland,” no date codes.
I have not been a fan of Siemens or Telefunken house sound to be honest. In my main system I have two spots for 12AU7 type: the input on my SEWE300B amp and the one tube in my Decware ZROCK2. Best choices for me so far have been an Amperex 5814A (USA) in the amp and the Sunbeam in my ZROCK2 (vice versa is very good, but not the same!)
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Fair enough.
I also love the Radio Technique 12AU7, France, 50’s: smooth and warm-ish
One of my G73R unfortunately failed, I still have a single in a drawer, I can’t use (need pair for my line stage) I can send you to try, if you like? It adds a weight and body to the sound, unlike other Tele’s I have tried, including the 802’s
PM me if you want to try it
Best,
JP
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Thanks JP.–very grateful for a generous offer to try that out. I have about 60 12AU7 type tubes I’ve been rolling over the years. . . I’m down to a “specific” sound that I need and so I’ll pass at this point and keep an eye out for something that might be just like the Sunbeam, elusive and inderterminate as that may be!
I’m going to cash out my remaining investment at the end of the year to pay off my wife’s credit card debt and for a few other things and I may splurge on a few tubes then if I still have a few dollars remaining. . . I’d love to have a spare pair of RTC E188CC tubes that are the ideal driver tubes for the 300B in my SEWE300B. They are expensive. . .but worth it, they smoke a few dozen other pairs I’ve had.
All good, offer stands if you ever want to try…
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It turns out you may have a good point. I casually showed a picture of BHK 600 amp to my wife. She said M1200 is the perfect size and sounds great too. Why do I need to bring back the ugly big box again. I didn’t even tell her there’re two of them actually 
I will save D333 big box later, but I need to find a better time (maybe during a dinner in Japan).
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