2. best-of
  3. 1285032999

Best 300B

Can anyone compare the new Genelex PX300B tube to either Svetlana 300B's, Western Electric 300B's, Sophia 300B mesh plates,newer KR300B tubes or Electro Harmonix 300B's.

From my experience the Svetlanas sound a lot like the Western Electric 300B reissues. New KR300b's are better than the older KR VV32B's, KR VV300B's or KR VV302B's and all the above are better than Electro Harmonix 300B's

My Sophia Mesh Plates sounded very good in my Manley Retros but after several listening sessions I put them back in their boxes because the bias kept changing at the recommended setting. Whenever I get around to it I'm going to compare them to others in one of my self biasing amps.

Thanks in advance,
Ron
128x128vv32bl
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Tvad,
Those ebay prices were tempting and I`ve read where others have purchase without any apparent problems. I remained conservative and bought the top tier versions from Grant Audio, more money but piece of mind ruled the day.
karelfd
476 posts
 
Tvad, be very careful! The tubes made for the local market are said to show unacceptable quality fluctuations (can't find the press coverage anymore but the measurements were flabbergasting). I was offered a "matched pair" for a nice price in Europe once, turned out the guy had actually bought a random lot ("matched", you bet) in Hongkong and was making a big profit on the sale, concealing their origin.
montejay
285 posts
 
Hi Charles,
You are correct. My mistake as I do have the carbon plates and not the SE's.
Having heard quite a few 300b's in the Franks (both mine and others)I strongly prefer the black bottles.
Regards,
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
807 posts
 
Well here's yet another 'nother vote for the Shuguang Black Treasure 300B's.

These black powder marvels transformed a modest Grant Fidelity 3400 SET integ into a giant killer. The thing produces all of 8 watts Class A yet it drove a pair of Martin Logan Vista's, a challenging load, with ease.
coltrane1's avatar
coltrane1
807 posts
 
Shuguang Black Treasures, I 3rd that emotion. Hands down the sexiest tube I've ever laid eyes on as well!
More to discover