Integrated amplifiers — Audio Note Meishu Line 300B Tonmeister

The Meishu Line 300B Tonmeister is the line-level version of the Meishu Tonmeister, a stereo integrated amplifier from Audio Note (UK) with a single-ended output stage using a pair of 300B directly heated triodes. Operation is pure Class A, and feedback is not used. The company classes it at Level 3 of its hierarchy. As a line model it carries no internal phono stage, which leaves record playback to a separate outboard preamplifier.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is roughly 8 W per channel, and the figure is the same into 4 and 8 ohm loads. Separate speaker outputs are fitted for 4 ohm and 8 ohm loudspeakers. Four single-ended line inputs sit on the rear panel together with a tape loop. Line input impedance is 100k ohm and sensitivity is 240 mV for full output, while the two channels match to within 0.3 dB either way. The chassis measures 220 mm high, 460 mm wide and 530 mm deep and weighs 29.5 kg. Mains versions exist for 100-120 V and 220-240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, and maximum power consumption is 200 W.

Engineering and use context

Valve rectification comes from a 5U4G, the output stage uses the two 300B triodes, a 5687 acts as driver, and an ECC82 position takes a CV4068 in the Silver Signature models. The current preamp stage differs from the older Meishu, which relied on a 6SN7. Here half an ECC82 feeds half a 5687, which is then capacitor coupled to the 300B, a layout derived from circuitry developed for the 211 Jinro line integrated amplifier. The power supply combines one mains transformer, the rectifier valve and a choke. The output transformers were custom designed for this amplifier. Inside, the parts list includes custom resistors, foil capacitors made by the company itself and custom-made electrolytic capacitors. Since the single-ended output stage operates in Class A, the amplifier draws its full current whether or not a signal is present, which explains the high consumption against the modest output.

Pairing

With its modest power, the amplifier suits high-sensitivity loudspeakers, and the choice between the two output taps lets each speaker connect to the winding that corresponds to its rated load. The input sensitivity means that common line-level components like a CD player, streamer or tuner reach full power without extra gain.

Alternatives

The Audio Note Meishu Phono Tonmeister uses the same 300B circuit and chassis but adds a valve moving magnet phono stage.