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Canary M-500 Monos- which 300B tube-

Guys just ordered the new black series M-500 from Canary that take 4 -300b per side- canary said they like the EH tube but wanted to get different opinions was thinking of the EML 300b XLS or the Sophia Royal Princess- any thought would be appreciated-
bopper
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bopper,
I've used all three of the tubes you listed in my amplifier but have no experience with your Canary. The EML XLS and the Sophia RP are much superior to the EH 300b in my SET amplifier.The EH could be a better match in your particular push pull amplifier than it was with mine. The EH is also much less expensive and you'll need 4 pairs for your mono blocks.
Charles,
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
I use the EH 300B in my Canary Ref 2- with 8 pairs the economy had to be considered. I like them quite a bit. I have no experience with the other tubes you mention.

Good Listening

Peter
bopper OP
14 posts
 
thanks guys- I contacted Canary they rec. the EH 300b-But it seems from what I read that they are not in the same league as the EML or SE= I was also told that the Sophia Electric do not Bias well with this amp for some reason and the Psvane also came highly recommended= thks
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bopper,
Keep in mind that EML makes a standard 300b, a mesh plate 300b and the XLS version 300b. I haven't heard the standard 300b but I understand that it is very good. I can personally vouch for the Mesh and XLS versions. The EML aren't inexpensive but their performance justifies the higher cost. The standard EML 300b could possibly be the best value of their choices when multiple pairs are needed as in your case.
Charles,
cfchew
13 posts
 
I have a pair of the M500's. They are my favorite amps that I've ever had. What works really well with them are the Sophia carbon plate 300Bs. I also used a full set of EML 300B XLS which are also very good tubes but the Sophias have more lively sound and I like them better. Both of these choices are already around 600 a pair and you will need 4 pairs, so consider the cost. I think the tubes should last a good amount of time however because the bias is relatively conservative on the Canarys. I also had a VAC Renaissance 30/30 where I was trying these same tubes and it liked the EML better, although the VAC is harder on your 300B tubes.

Most likely the Royal Princess and the Takatsuki are probably going to be too costly to be worth it.
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