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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZEN SARAH 300B >> Western Electric 300b tubes
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Message started by Craig B on 07/07/25 at 20:11:17

Title: Western Electric 300b tubes
Post by Craig B on 07/07/25 at 20:11:17

Hi All, I need some help please. I have had a Zen Sarah 300b for a while now, lucky man. I started with standard stock 300b tubes, which are very good but could not help reaching for a full Cryotone Tube set and some WE 300b tubes.

The WE 300b tubes when I used them seemed to a bit to much “v” curve for me so mostly I have been using the Cryontone 300b’s. Which are great. I recently received an email for WE about a discounted offer for new 300b tubes. This got me thinking about popping mine back in. I have to say I was impressed the “v” curve seemed to have levelled out to a fuller and richer sound.

My question is about tubes present on the Milliampreses meters. When I turn on the amp both meters settle just in green circa 65 to 70. As the tubes warm up one of meters slowly increases into the red 90+ (red). I have swapped the 300b’s and when I do the high reading moves to the other meter. I have also changed back to Cryotone tubes which both come up in the green 65 to 70 and stay at this level. I was wondering if this a problem I should worry about and reach out to WE. The WE have no more 500hrs on them max.

Title: Re: Western Electric 300b tubes
Post by MM on 07/07/25 at 21:42:40

Hi Craig. I have both the stock WE300b and B-grade WE300bs, both sets have 500+ hours on them. The stock set tends to run in the green to orange and the B-grade run in the orange, though one tends to cross over the line into the red once in a while, and I haven’t been able to determine what makes it do that only sometimes - other than that it’s a reject tube.

I don’t worry about it. Considering the cost of the WE’s there are plenty of other 300b’s that are more cost effective and just as enjoyable. I had to buy the WE’s to satisfy my curiosity but I’m quite happy with Black Treasures or Decware 300b’s.