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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Western Electric 300B " B Stock " tubes for sale
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Message started by Kahuna Jack on 05/07/25 at 06:05:40

Title: Western Electric 300B " B Stock " tubes for sale
Post by Kahuna Jack on 05/07/25 at 06:05:40

Tube Depot is selling Western Electric "B Stock" 300b tubes at $199 each with no warranty.

“B-Stock” Western Electric 300Bs are functional but do not meet quality standards" as stated on Tube Depots description.

I find it odd that such a prestigious company would want to fill the streets with compromised tubes even if only directed at hobbyist. It's also a rather curious peak into the possible QC issues they are having. I hope its not a sneak peak into then possibly of them ending this run of tube. Pure speculation of course but why would you want less than perfect quality tubes in the hands of public when everyone has such high expectations of this long coveted product.

Title: Re: Western Electric 300B " B Stock " tubes for sale
Post by Bottlehead on 05/07/25 at 06:12:23

I got the same email, and wondered the same thing, KJ.

Randy

Title: Re: Western Electric 300B " B Stock " tubes
Post by CAJames on 05/07/25 at 15:38:33

Quote:

Posted by: Kahuna Jack Posted on: Yesterday at 22:05:40
Tube Depot is selling Western Electric "B Stock" 300b tubes at $199 each with no warranty.

“B-Stock” Western Electric 300Bs are functional but do not meet quality standards" as stated on Tube Depots description.

I find it odd that such a prestigious company would want to fill the streets with compromised tubes even if only directed at hobbyist...

I also saw this, but it isn't anything new. Back during the golden age of tube technology RCA, Sylvania etc. would sell their B stock to so called relabelers who then resell them under different brands. Tandy (aka Radio Shack) was an example and somewhat infamous as I recall for sketchy tube quality among my guitar playing friends back in the day. They were cheap, but you got what you paid for.

The only difference is WE is selling the tubes under their own brand.

Title: Re: Western Electric 300B " B Stock " tubes for sale
Post by Kahuna Jack on 05/08/25 at 01:56:43

Well hopefully they will get clearly marked as B Stock to avoid them getting salt n' peppered in with the top shelf tubes.

Ive come across those Realistic "Lifetime" tubes with gold pins in past ( might even have a couple in my catch all drawer) but have zero experience running them in anything.

Title: Re: Western Electric 300B " B Stock " tubes
Post by CAJames on 05/08/25 at 02:34:48

Yes, Realistic tubes not Tandy. Got some wires crossed in the brain. I have a Realistic GZ34 that clearly comes from the Mullard Japan factory. It is OK.