"New" Western Electric wire

I like the various EML Meshplate tubes too, particularly for the enormous and enveloping soundstage they manage to deliver.  But, the EMLs don't seem to have the extraordinary lifespan of the WE tubes.  I know people who run their amps every day that have the same WE 300bs that they bought more than 20 years ago. 

Hi @larryi,
Have you compared EML Meshplate 300B tubes to regular EML 300B?
I think about time when I have to replace my EML Meshplate 300B. 
Are regular EML 300B good enough?
Regards,
Alex.

"New" Western Electric has no relation to old WE, other than a name.  Everything produced is from current sources, not NOS.  New WE is essentially the former new WE from about 20-25yrs ago (before bankruptcy).  At that time, the new company owned and restored original WE tube making equipment, and employed workers who had retired from the original WE.  These people are no longer with us, and the equipment is now 20yrs older.   My opinion is their products are overpriced, and that was what was whispered 20-35yrs ago...   However there will be a market for their products just because of the name and (purchased) legacy.

Alex,

I have not heard the regular EML300B in a side-by-side comparison with the meshplate version.  What I have heard in a side-by-side comparison is the meshplate 2a3 and the regular plate 2a3 (I owned both versions of 2a3 tube).  I have also heard a very good Kron 300B tube used in a pushpull amp; I like that tube for its dynamics and its tight sounding bass.  I have not heard the other top contenders such as the Takatsuki 300B or the Elrog 300B.