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using Magnequest Transformers I go back and forth between TJ/Sophia 300Bs mesh and Ken Rad or sylvania 6sn7s.
I have not heard the WEs or the JJs on my system, and I am thnking of trying out new output tubes, I assume most manufacturers like Fi, (and I've read that Wavelength) voice the amps w/ WE 300Bs.
Trying to give output tubes a little more circuit context, not just absolutely subjective better or best
Follow Ups:
To be honest I got the biggest improvement by upgrading the rectifier. The NOS National Union 5U4Gs that I bought at tube depot were a screaming bargain considering that they improved the sound of both the driver and the output tube.That said, I think the best overall combo I have tried yet is NOS Sylvania 6SN7 and JJ 300B. I really like the Western Electric 300B but I have to admit that the JJ is better balanced and has more control over my speakers. It needs a good 500 hours of break in though.
After 2 years with the EH gold 300B's in PP 22watt, The Tungsol Gta's or even the gtb's click well in my system. I run direct with no pre & it is very good. every time I roll all my 6sn7 's in this amp, the Tungsol's win out. The great thing is the gtb's bieng as good as they are.
the 6SN7 stinks as a driver.
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Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"
I am not familiar with the 12B4 so I can't comment.A tube I've recently become fond of is the 2C26. I'd like to try it as a driver. Makes a very nice pre tube.
I'm also of the opinion it's not the best driver tube. 6SN7 sound wonderful as first gain/pre tubes but there are better tubes to serve as output tube drivers.
I was about to DIY one of those.
I have no experience with his circuit. Admittedly, there's a lot of 6SN7 -> 300B I haven't heard/tried so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I started with 6SN7 as driver, then 76, but now my favorite is 417A and its 5842 cousin.
I'm just curious, is your opinion based on listening? What tube do you find to be a better driver for the 300b?Thanks...Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"
Just about anything is better. I have used a C3m in various configurations and now use a 26 with the 300B. I use a 46 to drive a 2A3. The 6SN7 is anemic and changing drivers was like increasing power output.
I have used 'n7s and 'l7 as drivers, and found that better alternatives exist, although either of the two mentioned tubes sounded pretty good, and most people who heard them liked them a lot. Presently, on my SE amps, I am using 12at7 srpp to drive 2a3's, and an el84 to drive 300B. The el84 does a superb job, but you have to make sure your supply is well filtered as it has poor ripple rejection. Having said all this, however, I am using a differential pair of parallelled 6sn7 running at 13ma per tube to drive pp 2a3 output stage, and they sound and measure very good. I am using EH 6sn7. Much of this is highly subjective, and bottom line is, if you like the sound of a 6sn7 driving a 300b, then it is indeed a good driver. The only way you will know is to do what some of us have done, and try it for yourself.
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