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Are WE 300B Tubes Worth $600-$700 a set

Everyone knows that Western Electric is perhaps the most expensive 300B tubes but are they really worth it or are they a rip at that price ? Other brands go for 1/2 to 2/3 less money so why are WE's worth so much more ( even with the "free" cherry box)? What are your comments and favorite alternative brands ?
stokjoc
kkirkpac099
85 posts
 
Consider that WE 300B's are rated for 40,000 (fourty thousand)hours! My ARC VT-100 requires retubing every 4000 or so (@ $750 installed with factory 6550's). Now what was your question?
hiwaves
43 posts
 
Check back issues of either The Absolute Sound or Stereophile during the past 12 months. They did a comparison of WE 300b with other mfg. WE did not do very well - over priced and lacked sonic qualities. You do not always get what you pay for.
jmulcronefc4e
1 posts
 
Actually, the Stereophile review rated the WE in a class of its own; far above any other tube. I think the issue is summer of 1999.
hiwaves
43 posts
 
300B Tubes Compared (Nov. 1999 Stereophile) Conclusions; " In view of the results....the JJ Electronics 300B looks like a real bargain." ($199 pair). The first two WE 300Bs were disappointing (burned in at the factory for 200 hours) $700 - 900pair. WE sent another pair of NEW tubes (no burn in) which were better. "But if you want the best there is only the WE" Take that with a grain of salt
roger
27 posts
 
the we tube is pretty good if you have a single ended amp and don't expect much bass or a real open top end. I use the vac ren 30-30 and have had we and golden dragon and the winner is the kr 300b,not cheap but real good from top to bottom
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