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Are WE 300B Tubes Worth $600-$700 a set

Everyone knows that Western Electric is perhaps the most expensive 300B tubes but are they really worth it or are they a rip at that price ? Other brands go for 1/2 to 2/3 less money so why are WE's worth so much more ( even with the "free" cherry box)? What are your comments and favorite alternative brands ?
stokjoc
asa
626 posts
 
Yes, but box only comes with matched pairs. Everything financial is relative, but it really depends on your ears and your system. Tell us what system you want to drop them into and your listening biases & people will be able to give you better responses.
kkirkpac099
85 posts
 
Consider that WE 300B's are rated for 40,000 (fourty thousand)hours! My ARC VT-100 requires retubing every 4000 or so (@ $750 installed with factory 6550's). Now what was your question?
hiwaves
43 posts
 
Check back issues of either The Absolute Sound or Stereophile during the past 12 months. They did a comparison of WE 300b with other mfg. WE did not do very well - over priced and lacked sonic qualities. You do not always get what you pay for.
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