300B replacement

Use a bias meter.

I'm currently using a pair of the Sophia Princess Carbon Plate 300Bs in my SET amps, and the sound is phenomenal. The Sophia tubes are notably better than the current production model Western Electric 300Bs in my SET system.

Philjolet, have you been able to compare the Princess Carbon Plate 300Bs with your Princess Mesh Plate tubes? I would like to hear that comparison in my own system, but I have not yet sprung for a pair of the Mesh Plate tubes for myself. Maybe some time later this year...

How about sending in the good used tube to a select vendor to test it and perhaps get a better match before buying a second tube.

Sophia are great tubes. Have not listened to the Western.

It's my understanding that the WE 300B may have come with a spec sheet. With that knowledge, WE can at least come close to matching some of the parameters. It may even be feasible to send them your present tube for matching, why not give 'em a call? SET's are one thing, but on my VAC 30/30 push pull, matching is very important for overall performance for the individual channel, noise among other things. Good luck

Cincy_bob writes:

I'm currently using a pair of the Sophia Princess Carbon Plate 300Bs in my SET amps, and the sound is phenomenal. The Sophia tubes are notably better than the current production model Western Electric 300Bs in my SET system.

Thanks for your post.

I ran Full Music meshies (not the Princess) for 5 years (went through two pairs) and replaced them last year with new production WE 300Bs, and I think they sound a bit better than the meshies.

Do the Princess style 300Bs have the same operating requirements to normal 300Bs?

Regards,