Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

Swampwalker & Markus - Let me know if you end up trying the Takatsuki's in your VAC REN amps. Audiogoner "Wavetrader" tried Sophia carbonplates (not RP) in his 70/70 and, if I remember correctly he had at least three of them fail over a 2 year period... so the Sophia RP's might not be a good option for VAC REN amps. Given their local availability, I would have been very tempted to try the RP's if I'd know they would hold up in the VAC REN circuit.

I know I'm taking a bit gamble trying KR 300B's, but Audiogoner "Waltersalas" has been using them in a 70/70 for a few years with no failures. The quad I'm getting are said to be gently used, and I'm getting them at a used price @ 60% of retail, so I figure it's worth a try, vs. spending $2600 on Takatsuki's that have no track record in regards to longevity with the VAC REN amps.

Brent & Kevin @ VAC did recommend Shuggie Black Treasures from a sound quality perspective, but did not know how well they's hold up over the long run. But @ $600 a pair, there's not too much risk, relatively speaking when it comes to premium 300B's.

Terrific post, Gwalt. Thanks so much.

Regards,

Hi Gwalt,
I`m glad you posted your impresiions, as you say different ears, amplifiers and system. Ultimately we reached the same conclusion, both are very premium 300b tubes but the Takatsuki is just a bit better yet in this 'uber' range. You`re right, I also could be happy(indeed) with either.Based on my experience, they both justify their steep price if you`re after superior 300b sound.

Well that`s the verdict so far with the Coincident Frankenstein MK II and the Border Patrol amplifiers.I wonder if the close ranking would change with depending on the amplifier in use? The Takatsuki allows a phenomenal emotional connection with music in my system.
Regards,

Charles1dad, Gwalt and all others who participated in the 300b comparisons, THANK YOU!!! We all have a lot of fun on Audiogon with some of our rather silly debates, but this is Audiogon at its best - members generously providing needed information that is not being adequately provided by the audio establishment. Tubes can rarely be auditioned, and with some tubes now costing as much or more than the components themselves, this kind of thread is vital. At least two things have been established here: There are some very high quality 300bs on the market that perform to standards in the classic Western Electric tradition. Also tubes don’t operate in a vacuum (no pun intended), they work with a circuit that has a substantial influence on how the tube sounds. As others experiment with these and other 300bs in their particular applications, I hope they will continue what Charles1dad started here and post their findings. Bravo!!!

I am in complete concurrence with Phaelon!
The talent to listen, compare nuances, and put to words in a very easily understanding manner... Very excellent job, guys!!!
I am currently using my backup pair of RP's. Rachelle Ferrell just sang "With Every Breath I Take" ( with Terrence Blanchard"s muted trumpet) "FOR ME".
My butt got kicked very nicely!!. WOW