Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR



Which do you prefer; S.E.T. Princess 300B Carbon Plate or KR 300B WE Clone?

I've only experienced NOS 40's/50's WE so my expectations are pretty high. Which do you think captures the essence of the WE most closely? I'm trying to keep the cost down as much as possible so EAT is not an option, as much as I was blown away by their KT88. I considered current WE but they're not in production until Spring 2011.

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sakahara
"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.
Auntjenof2

Pity you are selling the beautiful AVVT's as well, cos after 100 hours they will open up very nicely and will sound much better.
Maxmad, everyone that has seen those tubes are stunned by
the looks and build quality. Sadly I may be getting out of 300b tubes
and selling my beloved Franks. Yesterday I demo'd an el34 prototype
amp from Jack Elliano of Electra Print transformer fame. The
circuit was codesigned by Jack and Ralph Karsten. Mindblowingly
good, all the magic of the Franks with better bass, instrument separation,
clarity, with less distortion. Puts out 10 watts. I believe Ralph has one
configured for 300b, maybe he can chime in. Sorry to get off topic,
just wanted to share an Aha moment.
George
Auntjenof2,
Congratulations with this new custom amplifier. This is why no component(regardless of price or reputation) can be called the 'best'.Personally I`ve yet to hear an amplifier that I`d prefer over my Frankenstein(so far). The addition of the Takatsuki tubes just sealed the deal for me. But there are without question very talented amp builders out there(thank goodness) and there`ll always be great/better/different choices to be made. I wish you the very best.
Regards,