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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
rareace
113 posts
 
@lsmith42 Looking forward to your comparison.
-Alex
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
550 posts
 
I talked to a guy who has both the TAK’s and the new WE’s in a VInnie Rossi L2i. He didn’t come off any detailed comparison other than to say  if forced to pick between the WE and the TAKs, he’d pick the WE, that it’s everything a 300b should be… Other than that, I think I read elsewhere that the WE’s have tighter bass than the TAK’s. 
dgcurtis36
23 posts
 
Hey Xsparky. I too have an L2i-SE and am thinking about trying out some different 300B’s. I keep bouncing around between the Takatsuki, Elrog and new issue WE’s and was wondering what you settled on, if anything. 
Thanks
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor
48 posts
 
lsmith42 any word on your WE / Takatsuki comparison? 
jsch9876
6 posts
 

Hello, I have both.   Tak’s are more detailed and neutral.  Seduce you with their air and grace.  Tad more dynamic than the WE’s with slightly better imaging. WE’s are sweeter, more midrange focused, still very smooth and great tonal saturation.  Cannot lose with either.  I’ve had both for months and still don’t know which I like better.  I think the tak’s are a little more true and reference grade whereas the WE could be considered a more enjoyable (sugar coated) listen. 

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