my experience with Western Electric 300bs in my VAC 70/70 was just OK, nothing special. I think it really depends on the circuit that is using the 300b. The VAC is not the ordinary 300b amp. I've tried Western Electric, Golden Dragon and JJs, and the JJs were by far the best. A nice big solid sound, with plenty of detail and energy. I got a matched OCTET at eurotubes.com for under $700! definitely worth it!