Takayuki 300B vs Western Electric NEW Production 300B

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. 

Adding to that: WE’s has bigger bass, TA is more lean and sculpted. WE projects vocals through the midrange, the Tak’s are tilted up and deliver them more through the treble region. Soundstage size is similar, but as mentioned above Tak’s have more laser beam imaging, WE imaging has less negative space separating the instruments and is more liquid.

if you have a hot tweeter then the Tak’s should be ruled out. WE’s are more forgiving in the treble. Both have top notch purity. I think I prefer the WE’s as the Tak’s can kinda wear you down after some time.

I decided to test the tubes in my 300B PSET amps today since I haven't done it for nine months or so. I am using a quad set of Western Electric reissue tubes. I've had them installed in my monoblock amps since early Dec 2021. According to my Roon app, I listen to them for a bit over 50 hours/week on average, so these tubes now have over 8000 hours on them. 

All four tested at 103-104% Emission and 84-86% GM on my Amplitrex AT1000 tube tester. I think that's pretty impressive for power tubes. They still sound great as well.