Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

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

Phaelon and Ischronism,
I and I`m sure Gwalt appreciate your comments.This comparing of upper level 300b has been most enjoyable.It confirms that a good quality-serious purpose 300b amplifier deserves(and responds) to better tubes. Buy the best tube that fits within your individual budget,you`ll be rewarded.

It`s really something to experience the transformation the RP and Takatsuki can allow if your amp/system are up to the task.Both of them are good right out of the box within just a few hours and they are continuing to improve with additional hours.

As far as I`m concerned a good quality amp with 'great' 300b tube combination mated with proper speaker just brings out the pure emotion,nuance and tactile realism of every recording I`ve listened to.I can`t imagine a return to solid state amplifiers again. They did`nt come close to this type of involvement(at least for me). There`s just something so holistic, complete and right with these two wonderful tubes. Expensive, yes are they worth it absolutely!