Elrog 300b vs we300b

@sns

I was not questioning the reliability of the re-issue Western Electric 300b, I’v not read/heard of problems. I was just wondering how this specific 300b has more ability to drive Susvara headphones (per larsman) more successfully than another 300b. What would be responsible for this to occur?

I have not spoken with Israel Blume about lowering tube heater voltage. I do suspect it runs relatively high in his Frankenstein 300b SET amplifier. I think this amp nay push the 300b harder than some other 300b amplifiers. I did not consider it may possibly be true with regard to the Coincident Statement line stage. I will say I’ve gotten pretty long tube life with the 101D tubes in this line stage. About 6 or 7 years using the Psvane W.E.Replica fairly heavily.

If lessening the heater voltage does not affect the superb sound quality of either Coincident component, then it seems a good move. The EML mesh plate I had failed very early in the Frankenstein (Amp’s rated heat dissipation too high for the more delicate genuine mesh filament). No issue whatsoever with the solid plate EML XLS (Exceptionally rugged 300b).

Charles

Charles, it may be due to the rugged build quality of the 'real' WE's, Makes sense a rugged tube run harder would have greater drive as it may be running in it's sweet spot vs. less rugged which may be on knife edge of performance envelope. If this case, both durability and sound may be affected.

Don't want to go too far off topic here, but Israel told me Psvane 101D tube quality and reliability has gone down greatly in last two years, he no longer sells any 101D tubes. He sold me pair of Linlai, used but tested well, I'm starting to become very concerned with future availability of 101D tubes, only two manufacturers and used very rarely in audio equipment. I don't know if this deterioration in 101D quality is impacting Chinese 300B tubes, well over 250 hours on Psvane Acme, still going strong and getting better all the time.

As for sound quality with diminished heater voltage, we shall see, just finished the install, went with 1% tolerance Ohmite wire wound vs 5% tol. generic.

@sns 

Don't want to go too far off topic here, but Israel told me Psvane 101D tube quality and reliability has gone down greatly in last two years, he no longer sells any 101D tubes. He sold me pair of Linlai, used but tested well, I'm starting to become very concerned with future availability of 101D tubes, only two manufacturers and used very rarely in audio equipment. 

Well, I hope my current Psvane W.E 101D. serve me as well as my 1st pair did. The 101D based Statement line stage has performed brilliantly for me the 13 years I've owned it. During that time, I have had zero interest in replacing it with something else (Unless I went integrated amplifier for lower component box count). So, here's hoping that the Chinese get their act together with tube quality control. Be nice if EML made a 101D. 😀

@sns let us know how the change works out for you.

Charles

Just had a failure of 1 of my 300b psvane on my Frankenstein mk3’s.  Very low hours so disappointed.

now to find a replacement.

sonically would appreciate a comparison of Eml xls vs WE reissue.

also wondering if anyone has heard these?

Steve deckert from decware  saying positive things about them

@johnnycopy

Thst is disappointing. I have no experience with the new production Western Electric 300b but owner feedback has been very positive. They also have a 5 year warranty which inspires confidence.

I have used the EML XLS in my Frankensteins MK II for about 7 or 8 years by now and they are excellent! Very rugged construction and undeniably reliable. They sound splendid in this amplifier. I believe that you will be very safe with either of these two tubes.

Charles