Layer Audio Design has introduced the GEN-300B integrated amplifier, built around a single-ended Class A tube topology and designed for use with both headphones and high-sensitivity loudspeakers. Its fully discrete signal path employs two 6N8P driver tubes, a pair of directly heated 300B output triodes, and a 5AR4 rectifier tube. The rated output power is up to 10 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load, while separate 4- and 8-ohm speaker outputs are provided.
One of the key features of the Layer GEN-300B is its headphone amplification implementation. The front-panel headphone output is connected to the main tube amplification stage through a transformer and does not rely on a separate solid-state circuit. For demanding planar magnetic headphones, Layer Audio Design also offers the COPULA adapter, which allows models fitted with a 4-pin XLR connector to be connected directly to the amplifier’s speaker terminals.
The design uses custom-made Japanese transformers, Amtrans film capacitors, and Cardas internal wiring. Connectivity is deliberately kept simple, with an RCA line input and a direct power-amplifier input for use with an external preamplifier. The GEN-300B can also be equipped with an optional Bluetooth module that, according to the manufacturer, is electrically isolated from the analog circuitry. The amplifier does not include a built-in DAC or network streaming functionality.
The base price of the Layer GEN-300B tube amplifier is $1,499, while additional options, including different finishes, headphone-output configurations, Bluetooth, and Cuprum vibration-isolation feet, can raise the price to $1,939. With an output of 10 watts per channel, the amplifier is primarily intended for use with high-sensitivity loudspeakers, although its transformer-coupled headphone output broadens its range of applications. At the same time, the manufacturer has yet to publish several important specifications, including frequency response, THD, signal-to-noise ratio, headphone output power and output impedance, as well as input sensitivity.
Specifications
Model name
GEN-300B
Type
Tube Integrated Amplifier
Analog inputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog inputs (single-ended)
N/A
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
D/A conversion
N/A
Phono MM/MC current-sensing input impedance (Ω)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
10
Output power (4Ω) (W)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (%)
N/A
Damping factor
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
210 x 335 x 265
Weight (kg)
16
Official link
