Which is the BEST 300B?

Dear Dr. Jon Wong,

I'm in the process of changing my 300B tubes.My single-ended amp is using a pair of SOVTEK 300B.Considering both cost and performance, could you please advise what choices do I've for replacement? Some friends advised me to look into SVETLANA. How's it compared with WE300B? How about KR 300B?

If possible, kindly indicate where can I buy them and price level?

Many thanks.

Best Regards

Roy CHEN

Hello Roy,

I just came across some reviews from the Japanese magazines on the 300B. There were also some reports from friends in China as well. 300B has a very different sound depending on the circuit the amplifier was built from. The original WE design is considered the best (but some tubes cannot be easily found). I have heard a few 300B examples on the same Shindo lab amp and here are my opinion:

The original WE300B is still unmatched in its delicate, musical and almost heavenly sound. However, the WE300B is too much over priced now. I doubt you can find one good pair of virgins! If you can get hold of one pair, you are a lucky man and you are wealthy!

You may be surprised that Sovtek may not the be the best sounding 300B. From the samples I heard, to me, it is slight less refined and less delicate. It is even a bit harsh to me.

I suppose China is making better 300B than Russia at the moment! There were some 300B variants I heard that sounded so much similar to the orginal , good condition WE300B. These are almost identical in structure but better material 300B. 300B even have a grapite version from Beijing, that are extremely good sounding. I am not sure if they are in mass production, or limited production. This is different from the excellent Golden Dragon tubes, which are made in China, funded by PM Compunents, England. I do not know where to get the graphite super version.

SVETLANA tubes are selected for excellent specifications. I am not sure where are their 300B made. Certainly, they are good buys and you can buy them direct from the States.

In Singapore, you can pay Larry Hi Fi (opposite Furama Hotel) a visit and listen to the 300B they put on display (most likely Golden Dragon?). Hong Kong is still the best place to source for tubes. For further advise and purchase, please give them an e-amil:

lorenz@netvigator.com or ykaudio@netvigator.com

( Say Joe Lee of Singapore recommend them to you...)

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