LinLai WE 300B or the LinLai Global Elite Permaloy 300B tubes ?

@sns,
My Coincident Frankensteins MK II purchased in 2009 came with Electro Harmonix 300b, a very solid/decent sounding tube.

I replaced them with the Shuguang Black Treasure 300b. An immediately recognized improvement across the entire sonic spectrum. As you note very reliable and trouble free tube. Used them for about 3 years. When re-tested they were roughly 75% compared to brand new test measurements. Frankensteins were a bit hard on them (But near 7 hours 5- 6 days a week x 3 years). So yes heavy use.

Moved up to the Takasuki and simply better in every conceivable way. One failed after 2 years and replaced by Takasuki with no hassle at all.

Purchased EML XLS after 3 failures with the early generation Elrogs (Fortunately replaced under warranty).

Purchased the EML and zero problems going on over 6 years. Sonically superior to the very good Black Treasure (Dynamics both macro/micro, more extended frequency at either end, more resolution and inner detail) .
Also fuller body and richer tone, essentially more fleshed out (Like Takatsuki and Elrog).

In my opinion the more expensive EML XLS is definitely worth it compared to the Black Treasure. A higher tier 300b that competes with Takatsuki and the Elrog. Although the EML fits the "modern " sound category it has an organic aura, definitely not dry or sterile. I’d say that the Takasuki is more organic however the EML is organic enough😊, very natural sounding. In my system the emotionally engaging quality is absolutely present.

EML has a thick glass envelope and just feels solid and very well constructed when holding it in your hands. Bigger and heavier than the excellent Takatsuki. You can stick with the Black Treasure 300b and know you have a good quality tube. EML XLS is better at a higher cost.
Charles

Hi Charles,

I understand it must have been frustrating back then to experience all these failures. But that is more than 5 years ago and the tubes are now being manufactured under my lead longer than they had been in the old company. Would we still have the same issues we would not have survived that long. Maybe it is time to stop repeating that experience form the past.I think the last 5 years have proven that our tubes are not prone to failures anymore.

Best regards

Thomas

@vinylsavor wrote,
"Maybe it is time to stop repeating that experience form the past.I think the last 5 years have proven that our tubes are not prone to failures anymore." 

Well I can only testify to what my real experiences were with the Elrog 300b. Beautiful sound but fragile.   I clearly pointed out that mine were the first/early generation tubes and I offered no opinion of the current production Elrogs.

If under your 5 year ownership of Elrog you have resolved the reliability/early tube failure issues then that is wonderful and encouraging to know. I wish you continued sucess. 
Charles 

I have an Ancient Audio custom 300b SET. It uses two 300b and two ECC88. I tried BlackTreasure, Sophia Royal Princess, Takatsuki, and KR Globes - in that order - each representing an improvement in sound quality. I loved the Takatsuki (simply sublime), but experienced reliability issues; and unlike Charles' experience, I was less than happy with the company - especially considering the cost. The KR Globes kept most of the Takatsuki sound quality, but were more dynamic. I would love to try the AudioNote 4300e (made by Psvane, I believe) or the WE reissues, but otherwise plan to stay will the KR Globes. Most recently, I upgraded the ECC88 to Telefunken and was surprised by the improvement. 

@gsm18439,
Interesting how your Takatsuki to KR audio 300b experience  parallels my Takatsuki to EML. As much As I enjoyed and respect the Takasuki there was no looking back once I got the EML XLS. And as you note with your KR I did gain in dynamic performance (Even though the Takasuki  itself dynamic). The high End eastern European 300b is just built in a heavy duty manner.
Charles