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Elrog 300B vs Takatsuki 300B tubes

Has anyone heard the Elrog 300B tubes ? I read an article which mentioned that the Elrog 300B delivers 15% less power than a traditional 300B tubes. Can anyone confirm that it is audible ?

I am choosing between Elrog and Takatsuki 300B tubes. I would prefer the Elrog because it is cheaper and supposedly wonderful but if it really sounds less powerful then I have to rethink.
pani
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hi Cal,
As you noted I  did the amplifier cathode  resistor modification and I’m on my 3rd pair of the Elrogs. One tube has recently failed and the other is working fine. My conclusion is that the Elrog 300b despite its superb sound isn’t a good choice for the Coincident Frankenstein MK II. I’d recommend the Takatsuki and EML XLS as better companions. The EML XLS especially is an ultra robust workhorse tube that seems ideally suited for the Frankenstein’s particular demands. This tube is rugged, exceptionally reliable and sounds truly excellent with this amplifier.

In absolute terms the Elrog is a bit better sounding and has a "more" organic character. However the "bulletproof" EML XLS makes beautiful, dynamic and very engaging music without question. This is a top echelon 300b tube in my opinion. In the proper amplifier the Elrog is brilliant but it is seemingly too delicate for long term use in the Frankenstein. This is my conclusion and others may disagree.
Charles,
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
801 posts
 

charles1 dad:

A fun tweak- experiment I have been trying since yesterday is putting a Synergistic Research HFT (High Frequency Transducer)  on top of the rectifier tube in my  300SET amp. The change in the sound is not subtle and I think for the better. The amp has already been upgraded sonically with placing SR- ECT's (Electronic Circuit Transducers)  on the chasis.

nmmusician - first posted this HFT tweak. I think it is a good one to try.

David Pritchard

brownsfan
1,238 posts
 
Charles,
Sorry to hear about the persistent failure of Elrogs in your Franks.  Mine are still doing OK, but I am probably only getting 2-3 listening sessions in a typical month.  If the heat doesn't break soon, the listening may increase as the hiking decreases.  I do wonder if my use of the PS 10, using115 V and soft start up, will lead to acceptable service with the Elrogs.   However, if (when) they fail, I intend to go to the XLS tubes.  We have all been quite patient with Elrog, but the premature failure rate has been unacceptable. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Hello Bill, 
It's surly conceivable that your PS Audio 10 could provide a definite positive effect. I gave it my best shot but with the 3rd failure I recognize that enough is enough. Your fate may be different from mine. 
Good Luck, 
Charles, 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Bill,
 If you ever consider a back up pair 300bs  the XLS is a very good option.  George Lenz told me that some  older pairs of these tubes are approaching 40,000 hours of use per some of his long term customers.
I can believe that,  this is a very stout output power tube.
Charles,  
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