2. amps-preamps
  3. 1407602721

Neutral and open sounding 300B tubes

Friends,
I am looking for a pair of traditional 300B tubes. My wavac came with a stock pair of 300B tubes which are of the cheapest variety. I bought a pair of Emission Labs 300B XLS and it was a totally different flavor, more dynamic, more bandwidth but a little less colour and touch which 300B are normally known for. I am thinking of trying another pair of 300B tubes which is of traditional variety but is not very coloured. Clean, neutral and open sounding without loosing too much of the 300B magic. My budget is $1000 for a pair. So that definitely eliminates original WE300B and Takatsuki (Japan) 300B. Probably I am left with only the Chinese options, Shuguang, Sophia Electric and TJ full music. Looking for some suggestions here.

I listen to all kinds of music so please suggest good all-rounders.
pani
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
Pani,
I suspect that certain tubes lock in or mate better with a particular amplifier. The EML XLS and Takatsuki are excellent in my amplifier.
You may want to try the Psvane black glass or their W.E. Replica 300b. Also consider the Sophia Royal Princess and the EML mesh plate .
Charles,
brf
1,715 posts
 
The Psvane Treasure mk2 are a very nice natural tube. Another alternative would be the Shuguang Treasure 300B-Z which are on sale at Partsconnexion for 1/3 off at $300/pair.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,233 posts
 
The Shuguang Black Treasure was my workhorse tube for well over two years, it's very reliable and good sounding. In my system it was simply out performed by the Takatsuki, both EML tubes and the Sophia RP. Outcomes "could" be different with the Wavac's voicing which is probably different from my amplifier.
More to discover