Takatsuki 300B $255 !!

@wsrrsw 

Well I certainly don't dislike the Taks by any means. They don't do a single thing wrong. I just find some other 300B's to have a bit more character or panache, if you will. I think the upper ranges are magnificently done with them, but perhaps at a cost in the lower frequencies so they lack that 300B fullness at times. I might just need more time with them or perhaps they just don't agree with any of my preamp tube or headphone choices so far. There are a lot of combinations to be tried at this point.

I've had my eye on the Linlai Elite. I've had good experiences with other tubes from them. It's crazy that there are more 300B tube options than any other tube currently in production. It's a jungle our there. Thanks for the link. Looks like a good thread to read through.

@williesaid I can suss you are headphone user or are in regards to the 300B. That’s not in my wheelhouse except for the universality of the driver tubes, the 6SN7s, headphones, cabeling, etc. adding to mix of your delivered sound. i’d guess the drivers might be rolled to great effect..

@williesaid @wsrrsw 

It's subjective, system matching, preferences etc. I am a lover of resolution and detail over warmth, I love my Weiss DAC for that reason, so I think I will go for Tak's as my 300B tube upgrade. I'm old enough to know me, and if I don't and go with EML or something else I will always wonder what I might be missing. 

Here is another lesser-known review with many of tubes mentioned above- but you need to subtitle- there is a graphic at the end so you might just want to skip there. Just one person's opinion of course. Would have been so much better if WE's were included. 

300B tube review (German)

@mclinnguy thanks! I'll check it out.

@williesaid You are welcome.

I think the upper ranges are magnificently done with them, but perhaps at a cost in the lower frequencies so they lack that 300B fullness at times.

If you want to trade your Tak’s for my Gold Lions let me know- should give you exactly what you are looking for

Just reread this review, and based on this quote perhaps the Elrogs would suit?

It (Tak’s) had less tonal density and heft compared to the Elrog, and careful matching is required to avoid excessive brightness.