Favorite 300B: Sophia vs KR

12-17-10: Rgurney
Sakahara - I've read online that the 'grading' system is hype designed to inflate and justify the higher prices of the "A" tubes.

I've read that, too, but authored from Chinese tube sellers.

From what I've read on their website, Grant Fidelity tests and matches their Shuguang Treasure tubes to much tighter tolerances than does the Shuguang factory, and thus far I have no reason to doubt them. This may not be a factor in most tube amps, but in some amps like Audio Note parallel SET amps, tight matching is essential. You can read here about the necessity of careful tube matching in Audio Note Kegon and Nero amplifiers.

"Thanks for the Shuguang Treasure source. Much lower prices"

Much lower is right. It makes me wonder if the tubes they're selling are intended for export. I've read that Chinese export tubes are held to much more stringent standards.

EML 300B vs Shuguang Treasure 300B.

Comments from those who've compared these two in their system?

Charles1dad: The TRON/Horning combo was incredible. My favorite and best I've heard in 20 yrs of high-end audio. I'm not trying to replace the Horning speakers (that would be extremely difficult). I am simply downgrading due to financial woes. Considering a few options. I'll let you know (check out my other thread).

Sakahara,
Sorry to hear that, these are very tough times for many right now. I surely hope your situation improves soon.
Sincerely,