Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

Charles1dad I agree with my NOS 45's you never know the history and only test how high the microbos/ma rating goes on your tester and if they are quiet with no shorts etc. I am only relating my experience with 45's (not 300b tubes) purchased on EBAY @ $100-$150 per pair on a simple made tube in a simple circuit from sellers with stellar feedback and experience with tubes. I had put a lot of hours on the ones that sounded soft in the end and got my $100 out of them. Current production 45's I tried were quickly sold off in favor of NOS.
I think you have a lot more to risk in the NOS 300b tube with WE prices (not for me) and lack of any warranty and totally agree on that. For me I guess I would like to hear more from someone who has the extra long 300b tube life chime in with their experiences. I had two long time manufacturers tell me the same thing. Anyone out there with over 10,000 hours on a 300b tube that would care to share? I would love to know what to expect for the price we are paying for the tubes.

Does anyone else have experience with the new Psvane WE replica?
I am trying to decide between those, the RP's, and the Takatsukis.
I use the same amp as Charles1dad so I am sure I would enjoy the
Takatsukis, but I am a sucker for luscious warm midrange which has
me interested in the WE replica. Not sure if the RP's would be too hifi
sounding for my taste. Right now I am using the Psvane 300b-t which I
love and the AVVT 32b-sl. The AVVT is great for rock but it is a little
lacking in midrange magic to my ears. Any opininons appreciated.
George

Auntjenof2,
The RP in the Frankenstein is`nt remotely 'hifi' at all.Both will provide beautiful organic warmth that`s utterly natural. Neither tube will provide an over emphasized(colored) warm character,just pure and natural tone-body.If you want added lush and warm presentation, the RP and Takatasuki will disappoint you. I `ve no comment on the Psvane W.E. replica.

"Any opininons appreciated.”

Since you put it that way, I’ll give you my two cents worth. Unlike Charles1dad, I can’t make tube comparisons, but I’d like to comment on your concerns about the Royal Princess's. While I don’t have your same amplifier, I do have an amp that I think is very capable of discerning the subtle differences between tubes, and IMO, the RPs are not audiophile in the pejorative sense. I consider myself a music lover and I’m very sensitive to that audiophile sound that I believe you’re speaking of. Regarding "luscious warm midrange”, I suppose that’s subjective, but I will stick my neck out and say that you will not find the RPs cold and analytical. I’m not advising you, I’m just offering my opinions.

Thanks for the responses, makes me feel better about the RPs.
Spoke to Rachel at Grant Fidelity. She says in critical listening the
Psvane WEs are better than my Psvane 300b-t.