Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

I use duende criatura on both rectifiers and output tubes. Other than reduced ringing benefits include a significantly tightened bass as well as increased air around individual instruments in a deepened soundstage. Well worth it.

Antigrunge,
Thanks for your reply,I may try some in the near future.

Montejay,
That`s a very good question you raise.As I`ve said before I was very satisfied with the sound of the BT tubes.I had the fortune of listening to a pair of Western Electric 300b (re issused version 1990s vintage) in the Frankenstein amp today(thanks to a very kind loan). While okay,I preferred the sound of the BT by a comfortable margin,It`s more natural,lively and involving.

I do believe there`s synergy at work here, some 300bs just perform better in certain amplifiers. The BT just mates ideally with the Frankenstein. Other amps are voiced with the WE and will sound superb with them no doubt. If I had to go back to the BT I 'could' still enjoy this tube.
Montejay,having heard the Takatsuki-TA in the Frankenstein I must tell you it is in a class above in every way.This tube is simply special. Would this apply to all amps? I certainly could`nt say with any authority. The BT is IMO a 'very' good - near excellent tube,the Takasuki relatively speaking is a stunning tube across the board.

The problem is of course we don`t share the same pair of ears,you could disagree with my impressions. Given the high cost of the japanese tube, well it`s a genuine bargain for what it has done in my system. As you know the Franks are so darn transparent and resolved, you`ll hear even the smallest nuance of difference with each tube quite easily. Montejay, with you Pure Refernce speaker you will clearly hear it all without question.
Best Regards,

Charles1Dad is too kind. The WE 300B remake was so disappointing. It was very foward and two dimensional. It was some of the worst sound I heard at his house. Charles, may be right this tube may sound good in another amp, but not in his. We in the future may be listening to EAT Euro Audio Team 32B, KR300B, and EML 300XLS tubes, if our kind friend will let them go for evaluation.

Jeff,
I `ll admit to being a bit measured when describing what I hear when making comparisions.I`m cognizant of the fact that it`s only my opinion and limited to one amplifier(Coincident Frankenstein) in use. The reality is that 300b tubes vary significantly in sound and then factor in the many different 300b amps available suddenly you find quite a few variables to account for.

I described the WE tube as just OK as it was so outclassed (clearly )by the Takasuki, I just did`nt feel the need to beat it up.
Others will contend the WE re-issue 300b is one of the very best available (its certainly been reviewed with those conclusions many times). One thing I know regarding high end audio, opinions will be all over the map and mine is but one among many.

You guys mention a break-in period for the tubes. I was curious what changes in sound as the tubes go through their break-in?

Thanks,

Scott