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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> The future of USA made tubes
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Message started by Analogue1 on 12/29/22 at 18:07:31

Title: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Analogue1 on 12/29/22 at 18:07:31

With Western Electric producing the 300B tube that the new Sarah amp is voiced for, what else may we see with new made in the USA tubes? How good will they be? It's most possible WE will have the only USA factory for making tubes. If anyone knows of another company please share any info.

Steve writes in his Sarah amp description..."When we heard Western Electric was considering producing several common guitar amp tubes, many of which Decware amplifiers actually use, we knew the best way to fast track that effort was money."...

In her Stereophile Re-Tales #22 column (June 16, 2022), Julie Mullins writes..."Among those "others" is Western Electric and Charlie Whitener, the company's president and owner."... "The company was planning to expand and diversify tube production even before the Russian invasion, Whitener told me in a recent phone conversation. "We've had a lot of requests for other tubes, so we've put a project together to do that some time ago," he said. "We've been tooling up for producing other types of tubes for over a year." ...
"In 2020, they moved the company from Lee's Summit, Missouri, near Kansas City, to a brand-new factory in Rossville, Georgia. The new factory has infrastructure and capacity, Whitener told me, but they're still working on the tooling for specific parts. Soon, they plan to add 12AX7, 12AT7, 12AU7, 6550, and 6L6 tubes to the WE lineup..."

I for one would be super interested in some WE6550 tubes for my Decware SE34. New stock USA made tubes for a USA handmade amp sounds enticing.

Julie's column at:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/re-tales-22-it-time-tube-surge

John

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by CAJames on 12/29/22 at 18:48:01

This is JMO, but I wouldn't hold your breath for more WE tubes. The 300B tube is big and simple and so (for a vacuum tube) easy to make. Going to an octal dual triode like 6SN7 is basically jumping ahead one generation of tube technology. And going to a miniature 9 pin tube like a 12A[T|U|X]7 is another generation after that. I've been following the WE reboot since the 90's and lets just say the path to reliable production for the 300B was not a smooth one. Perhaps they have already climbed the learning curve and can (relatively) quickly add some new models, but I don't think it is the most likely scenario. Again, JMO/FWIW and all that.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Lon on 12/29/22 at 18:50:25

I agree that it is likely to take some time. There has been no real update since the company's design to manufacture more tube types was announced. Even in the speediest of circumstances with unlimited spending and resources this is an undertaking that will take considerable time.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Mannytheseacow on 12/29/22 at 19:07:18

Similar thoughts/comments posted in the 300b development thread, reply #701
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1649817393/700#700

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Kahuna Jack on 12/29/22 at 21:34:59

there's also plenty of nos tubes in the world still in collections , alot of those collections belong to the 'elderly' folks ...... meaning they will sooner or later be re released into the wild and available and with the entire world 'internet educated' ? i doubt those collections will be tossed away in the garbage.

that doesn't help us old timers but the youth shouldn't feel the need to panic

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Analogue1 on 12/29/22 at 23:18:43

there's also plenty of nos tubes in the world still in collections

Yes we are fortunate to have nos and good used vintage tubes available.
Many feel they're better than new current production tubes.
I would enjoy the hobby less without the availabity of old Mullard, Telefunken, RCA, and so on and I like to think my amps sound better with some of those 50-80 yr old tubes.

WE audio gear and their 300B tubes have a mystique associated with them. Some feel WE gear is the best ever produced and prices reflect that. I would like some WE gear/tubes so I could hear (or not) what I may be missing.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Earthbound on 12/31/22 at 13:45:58

I’ve recently received an Aric Audio Custom 300b amp and am really enjoying the new sound. I also have an el24 push pull amp. I didn’t think I would be a tube roller but have quickly discovered why people do. The 300b came with Gold Lions, Sylvania chrome top 6v6’s and Hytron 6sn7’s. Having read so much about Takatsuki’s and WE’s I knew it was just a matter of time before I purchased the higher end. I opted for the WE’s due to the 5 years warranty. I wish I had more experience to properly explain why the WE’s are “better”. Clarity and a very easy, natural tone stand out the most for me. The GL’s have more bass but the WE’s shine in all other areas.
Since my initial purchase, I’ve purchased Linlai 6sn7, smooth but not as revealing as the Hytron. But, new production and a nice option. I just ordered some RCA’s From the 40’s, Tung Sol 40’s, Sylvania’s 50’s and Amperex 40’s. The Amperex in the ModWright dac has changed my impression of what tubes are capable of.
Sorry, long winded. I’m sure sure you will be pleased with the WE’s. They’re my go to for listening and the GL’s go in for rocking during weekend chores!
I’m sure plenty of Sarah owners will be purchasing the WE’s and people with better ears will explain why they are wonderful.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Tony on 12/31/22 at 16:26:15

Hi Earthbound,

Thanks for your review. I am currently in a long Decware line for a 300b, and in the mean time reading/learning what I can. The WE and Takatsukis 300b tubes have both received excellent reviews. Some of the other tubes you referred to are new to me, so good to hear about your experience with them. It sounds like you have a remarkable system. Nice.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by CAJames on 12/31/22 at 16:42:13

Quote:

Posted by: Earthbound Posted on: Today at 13:45:58

...I opted for the WE’s due to the 5 years warranty.

I'm curious if you (or anyone) has read the WE warranty. My understanding is that it is prorated, like a tire warranty. So if your tube blows up after 4 years and 11 months you get 1/60 of the cost of a tube, not a new tube. Which is of course better than nothing. But that is only based on other message board posts. Obviously, ideally this should never be an issue because a high end 300B ought to last more than 5 years regardless.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Earthbound on 12/31/22 at 16:44:59

I heard the same CAJames. I just emailed WE regarding receipt of my warranty cards. Once I hear back, I will ask and clarify that for sure and report back.

Title: Re: The future of USA made tubes
Post by Earthbound on 12/31/22 at 16:49:01

Thanks Tony. It is a really sweet amp and I’m fortunate to stumble upon it during my long Decware wait. I saved 1 position and will still purchase a Decware product. Perhaps the csp3 headphone amp/pre amp is in my future bedroom system! I guess things happen and we can only make the best of any situation. Enjoy the New Year! :)