Western Electric 300B's

[pro_crip]

According to WE's website they're releasing new 300B tubes late may/early june. Are they yanking my chain or do I have something to look forward to? I really want a pair of them for my Paramounts and thanks to the settlement, I've got the funds to splurge. Thanks for any help.

Rich

 

[Grainger49]

The company who is manufacturing 300B tubes labeled as Western Electric has been in business for about 10 years.  They have gone to extreme measures to replicate the process that WE did when making the 300B.  The startup included a retired WE engineer who knew the process.  

From what you say there has been an interruption in the production.  But it is not a new thing.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

If I wanted to splurge on 300B's, I would look towards EML more than new WE's.

 

[Paul Joppa]

They've been going to re-start production after their move "in a couple months" for several years now, if what I hear on the Asylum SET forum is right. Best bet is to check there for a real-world update. Gordon Rankin has a close relationship with them and is usually authoritative when he says something about current-production WE tubes. My guess is, the economy took some wind out of their sails - but they still have the tooling etc. so I'd be surprised if production did not eventually resume.

 

[braubeat]

Anybody tried these? The reviews I have read say they are awesome. I wish I could afford some. $350 on ebay.
Michael

 

[Grainger49]

I have only heard them in a PP 300B amplifier in my home in Atlanta.  It drove my (old inefficient) speakers very well and sounded beautiful.  There were 4 300B tubes glowing! 

I haven't heard them in an SET amp.

 

[2wo]

Grainger, you live in Atlanta?

Why didn

 

[Grainger49]

I moved to Knoxville 4.5 years ago.  I was born, raised and lived in Atlanta for over 50 years.  That is where I sold audio gear.

 

[pro_crip]

Sorry Paul but even Gordon Rankin doesn't know http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=set&n=59443&highlight=western+electric+300b. Maybe I'll go with the EML, but I also heard good things about the TJ mesh plates and the JJ's and a million other brands.

 

[Rick58]

http://store.tubedepot.com/we-300b.html says late 2010 or 2011 for 'new' Westrex 300Bs ...

I purchased and like the Sophia mesh plates ... I never have heard WEs or others besides the EHs that came with the Paramounts (which sound excellent as well).

 

[chrisby]

Well, FWIW, Srajan at 6moons has listened to a few 300B types (including some of the true exotica), and rather likes the Shuguang Black Treasures

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/shuguang/treasureseries.html


At least the availability of these is a bit less uncertain.