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Sophia Electric™ S.E.T. Princess™ 300B Mesh Plate Tubes for 300B Amplifiers |
Reviewed by Hi Fi+ (Issue 48, page 88)
Reviewed by Tone Audio (Issue 5, page 71)
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Note: S.E.T. Princess 300B tube models are proprietary products of Sophia Electric Inc. Due to popularity of these Princess 300B products, there are many look alike (or early ST model) in the market trying to get a share of success from those who can be easily switched.
Sophia Electric S.E.T. Princess 300B mesh plate tube is the upper class model of the current 300B line (globe shape is still in production). This new tube is using the same 300B plate(as the globe 300B) with stronger plate structure learned from making the original princess tubes. It is a true 300B tube. It will work with all 300B amplifiers (Western Electric 300B direct replacement).
The glass enclosure was from the Princess 206 tube for its unmatched sonic beauty. The shape of glass enclosure does make a major difference. Just thinking of violin's shape, if it gets changed to triangle, the sound character of violin will change for sure.
Sophia Electric engineers have conducted many hours of audition and comparison. In the end the current shape of Princess tube glass enclosure is the most preferred choice sonically. It has more volume and more curved than the old ST. It is not the old ST came back rather it is a carefully crafted, researched new 300B model. The result is a 300B mesh plate tube with super clarity, low distortion and out of this world mid range fullness and liquidity. High frequency extension and sweetness is the first thing you would hear.
True 300B standard:
This is a true 300B tube that is 100% interchangeable with the popular Sophia Electric globe shaped 300B mesh plate tubes and Western Electric 300B tubes, as well as current production Chinese/Russian 300B tubes (with WE 300B standard).
Distribution and availability:
It is important to note that the S.E.T. Princess 300B mesh plate tube is proprietary product of Sophia Electric and exclusively available through Sophia Electric and their select Authorized Retailers.
Pricing:
Option 1: $450 per premium matched pair with one year warranty (Ceramic base).
Option 2: $399.99 per premium matched pair with one year warranty (Black base).
Option 3: $399.99 per premium matched pair with 30 days warranty (Ceramic base).
Option 4: $350 per premium matched pair with 30 days warranty (Black base).
Shipping:
Postal international express with insurance: $40 for up to two pairs.
Postal US express with insurance: $30 for the first pair, $3 for each additional pair.
TNT domestic overnight express with insurance: $27 for the first pair, $3 for each additional pair.
Postal domestic priority mail/FedEx ground with insurance: $15 for the first pair, $3 for each additional pair.