Item: Audio Space Reference 3.1 300B Integrated Amplifier with MM Phono stage/ Power Amplifier
Location: Victoria
Price: $3250
Item Condition: Excellent
Reason for selling: Considering different setup for second system
Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only
Extra Info:
Looking for EOI on my Audio Space Reference 3.1 300B amplifier. This is an integrated amp but can be used as a power amp as well. This was for awhile my main system, and if not for space consideration, would continue to be my main system. It is an impressive piece of kit.
When it first came out, it caused a ripple as there was quite a bit of disbelief that something this good and original could originate from Hong Kong. The designer, Peter Lau, was voted by top audiophile reviewers in Japan as one of the top 10 most influential living tube amplifier designer.
There were quite a few very strong review of this unit, e.g.:
Much to my surprise, especially in view of its modest asking price, the Ref 3.1 turned out to be a major find, a virtual sonic jackpot in not one but several system contexts.....It should be obvious by now that I’m wildly enthusiastic about this integrated amp. The Audio Space Reference 3.1 (300B) offers a path toward enlightenment—of being one with the music. Outfitted with a vintage pair of 6SN7 or even inexpensive 7N7 triodes, its musical pleasures would be captivating at any price point. Considering its asking price, it earns my nomination for a Product of the Year award.
Dick Olsher, The Absolute Sound (http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/tas-194-audio-space-reference-31-300b-integrated-amplifier/)
I loved this amp. In fact I loved this Audio Space Reference 3.1 so much that I’m going to buy one.
Chris Croft, Australia Hifi (http://i.nextmedia.com.au/avhub/australian-hifi_reviews_2013_2013-09_audio_space_ref_3p1_amp_review_test_lores.pdf)
Overall, I find the Reference 3.1 to be a well-thought out and well-built unit, packed with all the features you would need to enjoy your music collection. It has ample power to drive moderately difficult loads to adequately loud levels. Frequency response is much better than single-ended units of similar cost and size. Distortion is vanishingly low on most music, only becoming noticeable at the absolute limits of its output power, something you are unlikely to encounter on a regular basis. Dimensionality is excellent, as good as or better than most integrated amps I’ve tested. And, transparency is what you would expect of a 300B amp: excellent! If you like triode amps, but object to the power compression and coloration like I do, this amp deserves consideration. It’s an easy recommendation.
Phillips Holme, Dagogo (http://184.168.208.58/View-Article.asp?bShowUnpublished=&hArticle=1077&PageOfArticle=1)
I have changed the stock tubes (which were strongly recommended except for the 300B) - so it now has JJ 300B, PSVane 6SN7s and NOS Telefunken Smooth Plate 12AX7.
The sound is very smooth and fast; the bass (always a weak point of tube amp) tight .
("The bass surprised me by being far tighter than I usually hear with valve amplifiers " Chris Croft)
Although only 21W, it drives my 4ohm, 86DB Bryston Mini-T with greater ease than my 100W Naim Uniti 2.
Specification:
Output Impedance 4, 8, 16 Ω Output Power 21Wx2 (TRIODE) Class A P-P Input Impedance 100K Ω (LINE IN) / 47K Ω (MM PHONO IN) Input Sensitivity 200mV (LINE IN) 3-5mV (MM PHONO IN) S/N Ratio (LINE) >80dB (HUM NOISE <3mV) / (PHONO)>65dB Vacuum Tubes 300Bx4, 6N8Px2 & 12AX7x4 Weight N.W.: 28.7kg / G.W.: 34.6kg Dimension (DxWxH) 475mm x 405mm x 215mm
Coming up to 1 year old. Would have done about 200 hours. Have original boxes but as it is 35kg, would hesitate to post. Retail is >$6k. Tubes additional >$800. Happy to demo.
Pictures: stock picture for the moment. Pics coming soon.
" over the last few weeks...
