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

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. 

I concur with jsch9876 excactly. The WE are sweeter in the midrange and the bass is fuller in the lower mids and upper bass. the treble isn't as extended.

The Taks are faster, with a more punchy bass and open treble both are great depends what you are looking for.

If your system is on the warmer side the Taks and the WE if you need a little more fullness. Both very clear and pure sounding!