Bill,
I can't address the technical differences,only the subjective listening. Mikirob actually summed it up superbly! The 300b is simply more natural sounding and thus more realistic. Tone,timbre,harmonic nuance and musical fluidity are superior IMHO. Can a good el34 amp sound very good? Absolutely yes, and better than a mediocore 300b amp. If implemented to a high level I'll choose the 300b option. It inherently is more authentic,richer yet more open with better resolution and transparency. This is what the higher cost tube gets you. These are just my listening impressions over the years.
I can't address the technical differences,only the subjective listening. Mikirob actually summed it up superbly! The 300b is simply more natural sounding and thus more realistic. Tone,timbre,harmonic nuance and musical fluidity are superior IMHO. Can a good el34 amp sound very good? Absolutely yes, and better than a mediocore 300b amp. If implemented to a high level I'll choose the 300b option. It inherently is more authentic,richer yet more open with better resolution and transparency. This is what the higher cost tube gets you. These are just my listening impressions over the years.