Elrog 300B vs Takatsuki 300B tubes

Dmarkov,

Yes, my entire system is plugged into the P10 and it indicates that I am using 54% of it's capacity.

Could running the 300b's at the upper end like that, shorten tube life?

I use a PS Audio, P-10 power regenerator for exactly the same reason. The power in my area can range from 117v to 123v depending on the time of day. The P-10 shows you the voltage coming in and the regenerated voltage going to your equipment. It took me a long time to figure out why my system sounded so much different during particular times of day but once I did, it was a game changer.
It's great to know that the Elrogs will be okay in my Franks. Thanks guys!!

I am in no way affiliated with PS Audio but I am truely impressed with the P-10 power regenerator in my system. It does not lower dynamics, shows you incoming power numbers, power regenerated to your system numbers, total harmonic distortion removed and percentage of the capacity of the machine your system is using as well as a surge protector. Linear power supply. I've A/B'd straight to the wall and the PS unit seems to win. I think that when you have tubes that run this close to the top, this machine or one like it is necessary.

I have addressed the over voltages and under voltages of my incoming power by using a PS Audio P-10 regenerator. I think it's a great thing. In my area, the power was measuring anywhere from 116v to 124v. I'm not associated with PS Audio in any way but the P-10 really works well.

I've had my Franks about three years and used Shuguang Black Treasures, Takatsuki's and now the second generation Elrog' 300b's without even a hickup. They are spectacular.

charles1dad,

I haven't discussed the cathode resistor change with George but it does sound like a feasable fix. Problem for me would be that in my neck of the woods there aren't any tech's that would understand, unfortunately. I honestly thought that the engineers at Elrog had fixed this problem. It's that old saying about assuming something.  

Hello fellow Elrog friends,
I was anxious to try the new Elrog 300B's  in my Frankenstien amps but after reading on this forum about  the failures, I decided to wait awhile until all the bugs were worked out. After the new tubes were reissued, I decided to give them a try. Incredable sound, I now knew what everyone was talking about. Sadly, last night after 184.5 hours on the tubes, one of them dropped out with a bang. There was no system damage but I would be surprised if there was another tube that could sound as good as these Elrogs. I put my Takatsuki's back in and I'm working with George to see what he can do but my 6 month warranty has expired so it's a toss up. Keeping my fingers crossed.  

team212,

As you can see from my above post, the reliability issue for the Elrogs is still troublling. 

How many hours so far Charles1dad?

That's great Charles1dad. Mine failed at 184.5. I think the resistor mod has all the ear marks of being worth while.