Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

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!

Charles1dad,

How many hours would you say you have on each pair?

To all re this thread: Wow. 6 pages/over 300 replies...no negativity. I'm seeing that as the exception not the rule. Nicely done.

I always enjoy Charles1dad's posts. They are fair, balanced and "wide" minded. Now I've added a few more peeps to my list.

I must echo the comments of Charles and GWalt - although I do not have their analytic ability. First, my SET amplifier is made by the same company that made the PSET amplifier used in the HiFidelity of Poland review. Second, I listen mostly to classical (from soloist and chamber to full orchestra and chorus), jazz, and female vocals and only occasionally to classic rock. Both the Sophia RPs and the Takatsukis better the Shuguang BT by a lot. Comparing the RPs and the Takatsukis, however, shows the latter to be a bit more refined and to have an eerie liquidity to the overall sound. The RPs were a bit more bold and in-your-face. In my amplifier and with the music that I prefer. . . the difference was a bit more than the 97 to 95 points suggested by Charles. At the same price, I would buy the Takatsukis. Amtrans was a pleasure; the tubes arrived in a matter of days. However, Paypal charges a premium for the yen to dollar conversion; and the new price of the Takatsukis will be 140,000 yen . . . or 1680USD bumped up to 1730USD by Paypal. Conversely, the RPs can sometimes be found listed on Audiogon. Finally, it will be interesting to hear the WE tribute tube made by Psvane and sold by Grant Fidelity.