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Re: Speaking of generalizations, I think we have both touched some truths.

Hi Mark, reading this thread has put my head in a spin.

So what you are asking, not what necessarily people have responded with, is which of the 71a, 45 and 300b has which qualities, and once you know the answer to that question you will go ahead and work with the output tube of choice operating it to the best of your ability?

I haven't heard the 71a, but Jonathan Noble likes it even better than the globe 45, and I like his opinion always. But then you are seriously restricting available power.

The 45 I find more natural transition from it's lovely mids to a better high frequency realism as compared to 300b which too has lovely yet not believable midrange and compressed less believeable high frequency, once one has the benefit of hearing tubes that do that so much better such as the PX4 the 45 and the Svetlana SV811-10. One soon tires of the 300b. Not saying it can't be worked with or doesn't have it's place, but other tubes give you the realism of presentation with little external support. I did like the Western Electric 300b though and wouldn't bother with any other from my limited experience but all I've heard are VV, JJ, and Golden Dragon to compare against it.

However if you are in need of the power I would have to say you should consider the Western Electric 300b.

Now I seem to remember from other posts that you are against high voltages so you are limiting your choice to these tubes that are readily available. Don't forget the PX4 and PX25 with the proviso that you'll have to pay good money and future problems securing replacements are guaranteed. The advantages of these types are that like the 45 over the 300b they continue that lovely midrange into the higher registers.

Some say they are better at base too. As I don't have good base reproduction from my Lowthers I can't comment, all the above tubes can support the pathetic base of my Lowthers (50hz).


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