PADA-300B MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

PADA-300B MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

Experience the perfect blend of Japanese engineering, 300B tube warmth and exceptional craftsmanship with the Aurorasound PADA-300B.

Design Philosophy

Most conventional hybrid amplifiers employ vacuum tubes in the input stage purely to add a touch of "tube flavor" to a solid-state power section. The PADA-300B takes a radically different, engineering-first approach. By utilizing high-performance transistors in the front-end, the PADA-300B achieves ultra-low distortion, superior signal-to-noise ratio, and wide bandwidth. The signal is then fed through a custom-engineered inter-stage transformer to drive the classic 300B output tubes. This crucial component perfectly balances voltage and signal levels between the two technologies. The result is a masterclass in modern audio engineering: the pristine accuracy and dynamic control of solid-state electronics seamlessly married with the effortless warmth and rich harmonic character of 300B triodes.

Noise Prevention and Control

Leveraging the inherent linearity of 300B triodes and world-class Lundahl transformers, the PADA-300B achieves outstanding performance without the need for negative feedback. While many modern amplifiers resort to inexpensive DC filament supplies to reduce hum, this compromise leads to uneven electron emission and premature tube wear due to filament resistance. The PADA-300B takes no shortcuts, utilizing a pure AC-driven filament design—universally recognized as the finest method for maximizing 300B performance. Residual AC hum is effectively eliminated through a balanced push-pull circuit design and fine-tuned using a simple, accurate center-adjustment potentiometer. The result is pure, uncompromised tube sound with exceptional reliability and silent operation.

Self Biasing

The PADA-300B employs self-bias methodology for operating the tubes, providing long-term stability. The user can change to different brands of 300B tubes by simply plugging them in - no need to re-adjust bias current with a monitoring meter. Self-biasing circuits usually use electrolytic capacitors due to need of large capacitance and small footprints. The PADA-300B, however, uses highly reliable precision polypropylene film capacitors, taking advantage of their superior high frequency response and longer lifetime in high temperatures.

Front-End Circuitry

At the core of the PADA-300B’s front-end are legendary Japanese transistors from NEC and Toshiba, created during the golden age of analog audio (1970–1980). Designed specifically for ultra-high-end audio applications, these discrete components deliver a level of musicality and performance unmatched by modern chip-sized transistors. Though discontinued in the digital era, Aurorasound has secured a substantial reserve of pristine, New-Old-Stock (NOS) transistors. By incorporating these rare, audiophile-grade components across our entire lineup, Aurorasound ensures timeless sound quality with exceptional precision.

Power Supply

Designed with isolated regulators for the front-end and output stages, the PADA-300B delivers uncompromised power purity. The front-end employs the high-precision regulator from the acclaimed Aurorasound VIDA. The output stage combines ultra-low-noise Silicon Carbide Schottky diodes with premium film capacitors in place of standard electrolytics, ensuring superior high-frequency performance and extended operational lifespan under high temperatures.

Output Stage

In general, when music plays in fortissimo (very loud) or sequential percussive phrases, common output stages consume a large amount of current power, causing the front-end to suffer. However, PADA-300B system of independent regulators prevents this from happening, managing dynamics extremely well.

Chassis

Built as a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, the PADA-300B enclosure features 25mm-thick solid oiled rosewood handcrafted in Shizuoka Prefecture. Traditionally chosen for acoustic guitar construction due to its superior structural rigidity and resonance control, rosewood lends the same acoustic stability to this amplifier. A 4mm-thick solid aluminum top plate completes the design, offering a fully anti-magnetic chassis to protect sensitive internal components.

TUBE

TAKATSUKI TA-300B

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Input :- RCA / XLR Balanced

Input Impedance :- 56kΩ

Output Power :- 28W @ 8Ω

Signal Sensitivity :- 400mV (RCA) / 800mV (XLR)

Frequency Response :- 20Hz–45kHz (+0dB/-3dB)

THD+N :- 0.08% (A-weighted)

Residual Noise :- Less than 0.09mV (A-weighted)

Functions :- RCA/XLR Selector, MUTE Switch

Vacuum Tubes :- PSVANE WE-300B