YAMAHA B-3 on the way...to me!

[Cosmin2000]

Yup ... but why would you¿

I just want to have the correct information, no more, no less. I hope my B-3 will work forever. But, who can tell?!

P.S.: I am enjoying the sound of the B-3 as I type this message. I'm in heaven, couldn't be more happy by this purchase decision.

 

[Cosmin2000]

clinic-audio, thanks for your detailed explanations regarding the autheticity of those alleged V-FETs. I think it worth a try, to buy a set of four, or a set of two, analize them, measure them and, if genuine, buy more.

 

[MannyE]

Was the B-3 ever sold commercially anywhere outside of Japan? Perhaps as a 'special order only' option, to dealers, etc.?

(Funny though whenever I think 'B-3', I just mentally finish with 'Hammond'. LOL)

Me too!

 

[Vint Age]

clinic-audio, thanks for your detailed explanations regarding the autheticity of those alleged V-FETs. I think it worth a try, to buy a set of four, or a set of two, analize them, measure them and, if genuine, buy more.

To my thinking your problem will be with matching (ranking) the J (N channel) to the K (P channel) devices; Yamaha hand select the V-FET's they used in a given B-3 and in the B-2 where you have to match them in pairs and then to each other, J's to K's, so you'll need to buy a reasonable quantity of each type to have any hope of success should you have a V-FET failure.

 

[Cosmin2000]

Ok, after several listening sessions all I can say is just I cannot be more happier with the B-3, I think this is the best purchase I made so far in audio, alongside with the NS-1000M speakers. Pure bliss! I just wonder how I could be so ignorant and postponed for such a long time this acqusition. B-3 is a such a special amplifier to that extent that now I'm addicted and I want another one. I'm working on this...
I just wonder how will sound on NS-1000Ms, coupled with Trio L-07CII preamp. Heavenly I guess!

 

[Mark B]

That's great Cosmin!

 

[Vint Age]

Ok, after several listening sessions all I can say is just I cannot be more happier

Ah yes, V-FETs and Beryllium in acoustic suspension, truly a match made in my sonic heaven!

 

[Saint Johnny]

. VFET amps are just pleasantly different with slightly better detailing and more spatial sound (perfect).

I just collect(ed) any VFET amp out there, and mountains of desirable Sony stuff

It seems I may have contracted this syndrome as well. Thanks!

 

[rottalpha]

"V-FETs and Beryllium in acoustic suspension"

Nasty addiction I tell ya. Perfect audio-drug. There is no going back once you had a "taste".

 

[yesshows77]

That B-3 is awesome! Cannot wait to get my hands on either a Yamaha or Sony VFET amp. I finally got my Yamaha B-4 power amp fixed (Japan Market dual mono version of the M-4) and she is now singing sweetly once again. I've tried it briefly in class A mode, but have not noticed any difference in sound when driving Dahlquist DQ-10's.

 

[Vint Age]

"V-FETs and Beryllium in acoustic suspension"

Nasty addiction I tell ya. Perfect audio-drug. There is no going back once you had a "taste".

YES


INDEED!

 

[Saint Johnny]

YES
View attachment 1044368 View attachment 1044369

INDEED!

Hello Vint Age,
Do you perhaps have an HQ scan of this brochure?

 

[Saint Johnny]

That B-3 is awesome! Cannot wait to get my hands on either a Yamaha or Sony VFET amp.

And so it begins, another one turns to the Dark Side. Ah, I remember it well. When I heard my first VFET, why it seemed like only yesterday...

 

[yesshows77]

My current B-2 power amp sounds excellent...only out of one channel (sadly). The VFET outputs are dead on one side.

 

[Vint Age]

The VFET outputs are dead on one side.

Not wanting to thread jack but here's a thought that I haven't explored completely; I wonder if this would work given that the B-3 is so very similar by design? If you're confident that only the V-FET's are dead on the one side and the rest of the circuitry is fine, you could remove the dead ones and then transplant one pair of V-FET's from the working side to the non working side and you'd have a B-1.75 ...

 

[Cosmin2000]

The Chinese seller from which I have bought the B-3 says he has another B-3, but without the original V-FETS. He modified the amp so now is based on some RCA transistors (IRF...). Are these good replacements?
Of course, the price is lowered with like 20% comparing with the one I bought. I told him that I am not interested for the moment, because I do not know for sure what other modifications he operated to this unit. What do you think?
http://r.jwtpp.com/h.DdR6OU?sm=d8a4bb

 

[rottalpha]

The Chinese seller from which I have bought the B-3 says he own another B-3, but without the original V-FETS. He modified the amp so now is based on some RCA transistors (IRF...).Are these good replacements?
Of course, the price is lowered with like 20% comparing with the one I bought. I told him that I am not interested for the moment, because I do not know for sure what other modifications he operated to this unit. What do you think?
http://r.jwtpp.com/h.DdR6OU?sm=d8a4bb

Would you drive a Ferrari with a Chevy engine?

 

[Vint Age]

What do you think?

 

[clinic-audio]

My current B-2 power amp sounds excellent...only out of one channel (sadly). The VFET outputs are dead on one side.

Sad news , why don't you refix it ?

 

[Vint Age]

Sad news , why don't you refix it ?

Not everyone has a pocket full of V-FET's.