Elrog 300B vs Takatsuki 300B tubes

I had initially ordered my first pair of the Elrog tubes through Trueaudio file.com. They were very professional and responsive, they had a backlog of orders and could not get the tubes right away, they kept me informed of the situation. After a three or four week period of waiting they contacted me and stated they weren't sure when these tubes would be available via the next shipment. They graciously refunded my payment for the tubes, I have nothing but good things to say about them and I wish them well. I did subsequently order my tubes through tubes usa.com and George Lentz was wonderful, fast and very responsive. When my original pair of these tubes failed, George was very attentive and supportive and was very
helpful in getting me the replacement tubes. Based on my encounters with
both of these companies I can recommend both for their service and professionalism. The Elrog in terms of sound quality is brilliant. As I and others have stated on this thread before, longevity and reliability will be determined over the following months and hopefully years.
Charles,

Well, here's a Japanese site that sells Takatsukis. It's about $1,400 USD for a pair. However, they're middlemen so the warrantee doesn't apply to sales outside Japan. If something goes wrong during manufacturer's warrantee, they claim they will take it back and get replacement. Don't know how reputable these guys are. BTW, no refunds even if the tubes are DOA.

http://www.pricejapan.com/front/e_good_info.php?code=1255&category=17

I bought my Takatsuki pair direct from Japan with the 2 year warranty intact. My source was audio@amtrans.co.jp
, this was done in 2011. I believe Gary(Gsm18439) used them as well to buy his pair. I don't know for sure if they're still a source presently.

I tried that email several days ago but no response. Do you know if they're still in business?

Got a little excited and didn't read your last sentence. I'm not getting my hopes up with the Amtrans guys.