2019 300B tubes that are worth the money?


OK, I'm not a super rich audiophile that has unlimited money to blow.  I have a pair of Cary 300 CAD300-SE monoblocks i bought used that currently have a pair of TJ/Full music tubes in them.  I am, overall, very happy with the sound.  So does anyone have a strong opinion that any of the $1000 a pair current production 300b tubes are really worth the money over my $300 pair?  Would my money be better spend on a needle upgrade for my turntable?  :-)
128x128argonsteele
Hi Gary,
Did the KR balloon 300b replace your Takatsuki or are they an alternative change of pace pair?
Charles 

Add me to the list of audiophiles warning of reliability concerns with Sophia 300B tubes. Mine failed <3 months in Sophia’s monoblock amps. Their customer service was disappointing. In sonic comparison to my set of vintage WE 300B tubes (1930’s manufacture), the Sophia’s were good but not great. Original WE are a bit thin in the bass, but the midrange is magical with Voxatix speakers, Rhythmic subs,  and Colibri cartridge. Sophia’s bass was stronger but not enough to recommend them with their reliability issues and unique approach to accountability. My amps are one off monblocks built in So. Korea,

I agree, avoid Sophia, also had a bad experience with them.

@argonsteele Thanks for the tip and review of the PSVane WE 300B replicas. I'm going to try a pair; can't go wrong at that price.

I sell a decent number of Sophia tubes.  In that time, I have had one 274B fail.  It was under warranty and replaced within a few days.  The only thing they asked (KR and Emission Labs ask the same) is that the tube be returned so they can test it.  

I have had exactly one tube fail from each of the three companies I mostly sell (KR, Sophia and Emission Labs) and all three replacements occurred quickly and without issue.  

I have not seen Sophia have a higher failure rate than the European counterparts but, I also have never sold any of the tubes that they used to source from TJ Full Music.  They have shifted suppliers and I believe the net result is a much lower failure rate.  

JJ's are pretty good value for money - I much preferred them to Genelex Gold Lions at about the same price. I decided to go for broke, though, and ordered a set of new Western Electric 300B's made at their new plant in Georgia; should be showing up in a couple of days!