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Takayuki 300B vs Western Electric NEW Production 300B

Hi everyone,

Has anyone had the good fortune to audition or own both of these fine 300b tubes?

I am particular in the "New Production"  Western Electric 300b, which seems to be heading in the right direction, vs the Takayuki 300B, which mimics the original Western Electric, and many have stated is a very good 300b.

Both are approximately the same price, with the Western Electric coming with a 5 year warranty.

I'll be using a matched pair in my Vinnie Rossi L2iSE integrated preamp section. Just which brand?

Any comments would be appreciated in sound quality choices.

J.
xsparky

Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
No matter what, get a small supply before the gouge starts.. They have gone up 20% across the board on Name brands.. Surplus eastern block small valves, are still stable. There is a LOT of surplus, there is no shortage there.

300s were meant to last 100,000 PLUS hours not MINUS hours. I ran 2 pairs of WE for 5 years in the late 90s. They didn't wear very much.. In the 90s Western Electrics were 500.00 a pair used with 80% left in the tank..

I put at least 25,000 hours on them they were at 75% or better.

Transporting them and NOT packing them right.. BIG no no.. I like soft thick foam.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
willgolf in about 15 more years start looking for new valves.. That is the ONLY reason to use that valve.

Longevity!

I had 97-A Western Electric amps.. They were nice amps. No body knew what they were back then.

They came out of an old theater. I never had to buy a single valve in the 12 years I had them.

They last for EVER. What they really don’t like. Vibration.

Regards
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