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

@antigrunge, you're not complicating it at all, sound quality of these tubes has to always be taken in context of entire system. What may sound great in one system may not in another. Even with the reliability factor, context matters, one amp may run tube much harder than another. In post I linked to, most of the amps with tube failures were Line Magnetic. Does Line Magnetic run the tubes harder than others? This is the reason I can't seem to move on 300B tube, reports of reliability and sound quality may or may not apply to my setup. I just know the decision close at hand, heard my Shuguang black treasure with so many variables and evolving system resolution, they are somewhat lacking in natural timbre, everything else really pretty good.

@antigrunge2.
"In the world of tubes, trial and error is indispensible"

@sns
"@antigrunge, you’re not complicating it at all, sound quality of these tubes has to always be taken in context of entire system. What may sound great in one system may not in another. Even with the reliability factor, context matters, one amp may run tube much harder than another."

The truth and nothing but the truth.
Charles

I have approximately 35 hours on the 16 WE tubes.  They are not fully biased yet but are currently at about 85%.  I was told to break them in slowly and that is what I am doing.  I will take up to full bias in a couple of days.

Early impressions compared to the Gold Lion.  Better bass response and separation of musical instruments.  I am hearing more of the light cymbals on drums, a more distinct pang of the piano,  better clarity, and definition.  Of course, I also have the Yellow QSA fuses in also to further enhance my overall experience.  

It was a major investment, but given that I listen to music 4 hours a day, it was worth it.  

@willgolf, 
Good to read that the Western Electric 300bs are working out for you.  Premium tubes for a premium amplifier. 
Charles