Western Electric 300B's on loan

[80B]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Looks like some of the original equipment -- tooling and such will be in use at the new facility.

"Furthering our commitment to manufacturing excellence, we are installing new hydrogen reduction ovens, automated cathode cleaning lines, new laser welding systems, a state-of-the-art water deionization plant, and an updated testing system with improved accuracy. However, the 300B will still be manufactured from its original tooling and assembly specification standards.

Although we’ve invested in a modernized production line, many of its aspects will of course remain true to tradition. For example, the core material, the so-called “secret sauce” embedded in each cathode is derived from an original Hawthorne Works 1963 melt. Western Electric’s attention to each delicate detail and historic promise of quality place the WE 300B in a category of its own."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTVe...ature=youtu.be

Best Sirs,

Bob

Bob, thanks for that youtube video. I also watched the one that came up afterwards, describing some of the history of vacuum tubes, their operation and manufacturing, from 1940. Not only was it interesting for the education, but the narrator, Lowell Thomas, was the guy who popularized Lawrence of Arabia as an American journalist in WWI. As a young boy, I met Lowell Thomas when he was doing a book tour in the 70s.

In the video, it was interesting to see that much of the manufacturing work was done by women, especially since this was before the US got dragged into WW II.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Sure does & even though I've never been in a tube manufacturing facility, I understand it's quite hazardous.



My take on WE's Georgia manufacturing - it's a big deal to WE and with their 80th anniversary on top of it, I seriously doubt and that's underlined, that their 2018 300B will be anywhere close to a step backwards from yesteryear.



I'm speculating it will be as sonically identical as can be humanly and production capable or better, but; no way will it be received as inferior.



I just wished they'd make some 12v tubes -- wow, that'd be amazing -- USA made from a well known, established tube manufacturer. I'd be one of their first in line.



Sometimes though wishes comes true.



Best Sirs,



Bob

I agree Bob.
They have too much fame to come out with a tube of less quality than what they always made.
They are "condamned" to excellence.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by bart

I can start looking for an amp!

Bart - Might want to wait and see what WE offers for amps. Supposed have a few new ones at some point. Will your guy (Halgorythme) build a 300B amp?

[bart]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Bart - Might want to wait and see what WE offers for amps. Supposed have a few new ones at some point. Will your guy (Halgorythme) build a 300B amp?

Glenn, he does!

http://www.halgorythme.com

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by bart

Glenn, he does!



http://www.halgorythme.com

Bart,
The 1605 amps that you are using could be transformed by Cedric into 300B ones : but you will need 6 pairs of WE tubes for your 3 amps. [emoji15]

[bart]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Bart,
The 1605 amps that you are using could be transformed by Cedric into 300B ones : but you will need 6 pairs of WE tubes for your 3 amps. [emoji15]

Jérôme, I'm very happy with my Emission Labs sound now.
But as my daughters are slowly leaving the house, a couple of rooms might become available for a second system...

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by bart

Jérôme, I'm very happy with my Emission Labs sound now.

But as my daughters are slowly leaving the house, a couple of rooms might become available for a second system...

Oh I see ! That's super cool to have multiple flavors at home.
The Halgorythme 1605 amps are awesome. You are flying business. I can understand easily why you do not "need" anything more.
However, when less power is required by the speakers, I can testify that the 300B Western Electric would be head and shoulders above the Emission Labs tubes. You would be in the first class cabin.

[80B]

Originally Posted by bart

Glenn, he does!

http://www.halgorythme.com

Bart, what a terrific product lineup! You must really enjoy that gear. And it definitely makes sense to make use of an otherwise underused-room. I'm sure your daughters may come back more often (my son graduates from university in May, so I know the feeling) with a nice warm 300B system to serenade them...

[bart]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Oh I see ! That's super cool to have multiple flavors at home.
The Halgorythme 1605 amps are awesome. You are flying business. I can understand easily why you do not "need" anything more.
However, when less power is required by the speakers, I can testify that the 300B Western Electric would be head and shoulders above the Emission Labs tubes. You would be in the first class cabin.

Jérôme, exactly.
My research for very sensitive speakers, with the same transparency as my Vivids, can start.
Oh my, this hobby never stops.

[bart]

Originally Posted by 80B

Bart, what a terrific product lineup! You must really enjoy that gear. And it definitely makes sense to make use of an otherwise underused-room. I'm sure your daughters may come back more often (my son graduates from university in May, so I know the feeling) with a nice warm 300B system to serenade them...

Yes Paul!
And the beauty of it is that I live only half an hour from the producer of the amps.
I can try out all of his new creations.
He's made some very interesting things lately, from 2x4W integrateds, to 2x12W power amps that sound super.
He has a waiting list of 6-9 months, so he must be doing something good.