What would you say is the better sounding SET amp?

"the 300B tendency to be overly lush and wooly sounding"

I think this is typical 300B experience for a lot of people, including myself, but I now attribute that primarily to circuit desing and implemetation instead of the tube.

My first 300B amp experience was with a Cary 300SEI, the epitome of "lush". But, I quickly realized that it sounded slow and bloated with exaggerated midrange and a flabby low frequencies. Most amps I heard after that were variations on that theme to a lesser degree.

Then, I got Welborne Labs DRD 300B(now Terraplane) monoblocks. They have none of those negatives. I would describe the sound as crystal clear, almost pure, without any exaggeration. The midrange is beautifully balanced withing the rest of the musical spectrum. The amps also reach down deep to dig out bass clean bass lines. ANd the high end extension is fantastic.

So, I'd agree with others that there implentation is a much bigger factor than output tube.

Having said that, my current favorite is both the Art Audio PX-25 and DRD 300B in my system. I loved Welborne's 45 Terraplanes driving Cogent field coils at the VTV show.

I've never had a chance to hear 2A3's, 50's, 205's, or VT52's. They are all on my list.

This is an interesting thread. I've sort of forgotten about a number of amps that posters here have brought up. I too, like the Art Audio PX-25 -- a nice and lively amp that sounds rich, without being bloated. I also like the Viva Solista.

On the crazy expensive front, the Audionote Gaku-On (211?)sound pretty good too.

Bahah mumbug, who are you trying to kid!
A properly designed and implimented 300B with decent tubes, can go toe to toe with the best amps in the world! To underestimate the completeness of the 300B tube is a mistake!!!!!

eg
http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Amplifiers.html
overhauled GTA's
Wavelength Cardinal X1
Audio Note 300B
Wytechlabs Sapphire
Wavac MD300b
Carey 805
Welborn Labs diy

enjoy