Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

Hi Phaelon,
1200 USD could very well be enough. The RP could be the equal of the Takatsuki for all I know. This stuff is so subjective and it depends on what amp,system and of course who`s pair of ears are involved. Phaelon with your NAF amps things could certainly differ. All I can state at this stage is the Coincident Frankenstein-Takatsuki combination is ridiculously superb.

Fla,
I should have the RP tubes in about a week.

Hi Charles, I think it’s great when someone, who has a system as outstanding as yours, and really loves it, stays open minded and finds a way to take it to an even higher level - much higher level - it sounds like. As for myself, there’s no ego involved here, I like having options and would find it exciting if you confirmed what Maxmad said.

Thanks for taking the challenge, making the effort and sharing.

Phaelon,
Thanks for your kind comments.The funny thing is this,I was so content with the BT tubes in my system.That 6 Moons review with those heart felt comments by the Polish Sonic Society members really stuck with me. A few of them use the old stock WE 300b in their personal amplifiers yet were so moved by the Takatsuki`s performance. Now I understand completely.

Charles, don't toot the horn quite yet, as the RPs have not stepped in the ring.
This match may be like Ali vs Frazier all over again!

While i have only compared the TJMesh against Takatsuki on my Wavac Ec300b, the difference is night and day. What makes the Takatsukis such a treat is the completeness of harmonic overtones combined with stunning impulse and decay. While my EATs have the slam, they don't have the Takatsuki's harmonics nor the decay. The TJs are fun on rock but ultimately too loose to be in contention. Can I also suggest that any comparisons are done with proper tube dampers, since the ringing characteristics differ with again the TJs being most affected