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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZEN SARAH 300B >> Torii MkV or Sarah 300B?
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Message started by KarlU on 07/12/24 at 17:30:33

Title: Torii MkV or Sarah 300B?
Post by KarlU on 07/12/24 at 17:30:33

Old guy, originally introduced to tube gear learning to bias my Deluxe Reverb, and my father’s Eico ST70. Been lurking on the forum for a few years now, after discovering the Taboo III (& LCD-2 phones), then acquiring CSP3 & ZP3 (Rega P3 & Exact, with GrooveTracer). Had my Ohm Walsh 2’s for 40 years (still have 2 sets), until I found a pair of ERR’s. Use to run with a Nikko Alpha & Beta SS rig, but have been enjoying my Taboo driving the ERRs for about a year now, listening at ~75-85 dB (very happy)! On the list ~150 for a Torii MkV & ZRock3 and thinking the additional power and similarity to design of the Taboo makes sense. As I approach my final discussion with Sarah, now wondering about the Sarah amp (and 300b tubes), and whether 5-7 watts is enough headroom for the ERRs (as I’ll hopefully hang on for another 40 years, and keeping the Ohm speakers ~86dB)? I understand how room treatment & psychoacoustic differences (remember old guy) affect the sound, but thought I’d reach out for some insight, advice or opinions?

Title: Re: Torii MkV or Sarah 300B?
Post by CAJames on 07/12/24 at 19:07:48

I would say if you're happy with the Taboo driving the ERRs then you'd be fine with Sarah. Another poster, Dominick aka Dom, uses 2 UFO amps with his ERRs, so 5ish watts and he is also very happy. But if you want to drive mid-80s dB speakers that might be pushing it. Of course if you're going to be listening for another 40 years you're also committing to buying 300B tubes for that long, so that might be something else to consider.

But, I think the bottom line is you can't go wrong with either amp. The Torii will certainly give you more flexibility with speakers, but if you really want a 300B amp I'm sure you can make it work.

Title: Re: Torii MkV or Sarah 300B?
Post by KarlU on 07/12/24 at 21:24:35

Yes, understand and thanks! I am on a fixed income, and don't really like cat food, so not sure I could afford the tubes... I acquired the Taboo for phones and was running solid state (PassLabs etc.), tried Taboo with the ERRs and pushed aside (and sold) the transistors (but kept the Ohms), and never looked back. Amazed by the quality of the sound! I never thought I'd consider 20 watts a big amp... Thanks again! [smiley=icqlite20.png]