ELEKIT TU-8900 2A3/300B (Stereophile Review Available NOW - July 2023 Edition)

Now I hopefully have done allmost all soldering. Waiting for the upgraded TDK pot and trying to decide if I should upgrade CuTF to V-cap or Audio Note Silver. Both where recommended by Victor (and boy what a super quick reply!) Is there anyone who have tried both and what is the difference? I might wait and save up some money for the AN if there is a significant improvement vs V-vap. Anyway Inprepared by soldering the original high enough to easily be cut away. Thanks for that idea forum member!

Victor: what’s your thoughts about this? I thought I might ask here instead of by mail since I expect interest from several builders.

Br
Peter

I have tried a couple of caps there and ended up with Duelund Cu/Sn instead of VCap. But old age means that I don't remember exactly the reason. Should've written these things down... Anyway, I do have a few interesting ones, as well as a Jupiter Copper 0.1uF and AN Copper 0.1uF installed in other amps/dacs that can be borrowed. But unfortunately don't have any AN Silver. If someone sends me a pair of AN Silver I can do a big comparison. 😉 That'd be fun!

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I will not recommend to install the cap same as this photo. It is not safe.
The about photo has a 1997 version of 300B... I suggest you to use a current production WE300B to test with VCAP CuTF.
I only recommend VCAP CuTF or Audio Nore Silver for TU-8900. The version reviewed by Herb is based on AN silver caps and 46 pcs of AN Resistors.
 
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1997 production is the worse version and very short life in production.
Which one sound better.. sometime you need to look at what type of music.
Western Electric has a wider band width. It is good for all types of music.
Cossor/Linlai WE300B's bands width is narrower. It is extremely good with vocal music.. It you are listening to vocal, it is much better than Western Electric
If you are listening to wider range of music, Western Electric 300B is better. I an talking about current producrion Western Electric 300B.
 
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Nobody tried those?
I’m really happy with the Cossor 2a3 but I’m thinking about selling the Cossor 300B to get the EmissionLab 2a3. Even if the 300b looks so so nice 😆. I really prefer the 2a3!
I think you would be hard pressed to find an audible difference between most 2A3 tubes, but the 5 year warranty on those EmissionLabs are tempting. I'm currently using the LInlai Global Elite 2A3 and they are quite nice. Much more accurate and natural than the Cossor 300B I tried.
 
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I will not recommend to install the cap same as this photo. It is not safe.
The about photo has a 1997 version of 300B... I suggest you to use a current production WE300B to test with VCAP CuTF.
I only recommend VCAP CuTF or Audio Nore Silver for TU-8900. The version reviewed by Herb is based on AN silver caps and 46 pcs of AN Resistors.
I suspect Victor meant to say the way the caps are installed is not safe. Pretty sure I concur with that.
 
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First test of my just built Elekit 8900. Initial relief that everything works as expected is soon replaced by a strong astonishment over its sound! It’s incredible. My Luxman LX380 is used as a preamp with the Elekit. The music is transparent (audio lingo that previously sounded, well, mostly like talk…). Bas is much stronger so I had to adjust my Avantgarde by lowering the bas. After changing bas level it’s quick and airy with a firm bas. Lundahl transformers, vintage RTF ECC82, NOS Sylvania spring top 2A3 from 1945.

Amp was set up with feedback and after a quick listening session I think I’ll leave there to start wjtj
 

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Well, I think so at least. I find I like the sound of Telefunken 12AU7 better than Sylvania 12BH7 but the Sylvania's aren't bad by any means. However, it is a matter of nuance and personal preference and not, in my opinion a make it or break it difference.

Steve Z