StradiTube.. review incoming (any requests?)

[Treehaus Audiolab]

Ive had the Elrog 300B in one of my amps a very long time ago, so my memory for comparison isnt going to be the best. The Elrog sounds very much like a transmitter tube (211,845, 801A). Very linear, but kind of dry and a little too analytic for my own tastes. Not as much midrange magic or a touch of low end warmth. The S300B from Stradi is probably closer to the Elrog 300B (more like a Super45/VT-52), but I would take the S300B as well over Elrog (for my ears, anyway)

Very excited about this tube line, particularly the 300B offerings. The Stradi 300B looks to be a best of both worlds 300B design, where you don’t have to choose between classic 300B magic and linear frequency response and excellent top and bottom extension. Both sonic characters are found within the same tube.

Has anyone compared the Stradi 300B to the Elrog ER300B? These two seem like the most comparable models within the two lines. At current exchange rates- the Elrog ER300B is about $270 more than the Stradi.

 

[fbhifi]

Ive had the Elrog 300B in one of my amps a very long time ago, so my memory for comparison isnt going to be the best. The Elrog sounds very much like a transmitter tube (211,845, 801A). Very linear, but kind of dry and a little too analytic for my own tastes. Not as much midrange magic or a touch of low end warmth. The S300B from Stradi is probably closer to the Elrog 300B (more like a Super45/VT-52), but I would take the S300B as well over Elrog (for my ears, anyway)

Thanks for your comments. I’m not surprised that the you feel the Stradi S300B is closest to the ER300B rather than the Stradi 300B. I think Elrog is very much in their own orbit compared to the typical 300B sound profile.

Let me confirm your preferences- Stradi 300B > Stradi S300B > Elrog 300B. With the Elrog ER300B Mo likely further away from your preferred 300B sound profile?

 

[Treehaus Audiolab]

Thanks for your comments. I’m not surprised that the you feel the Stradi S300B is closest to the ER300B rather than the Stradi 300B. I think Elrog is very much in their own orbit compared to the typical 300B sound profile.

Let me confirm your preferences- Stradi 300B > Stradi S300B > Elrog 300B. With the Elrog ER300B Mo likely further away from your preferred 300B sound profile?

I haven't heard the Mo version of the Elrog, so I cant comment there. I have to say, it would also depend on the amplifier. The amplifiers we make, for example, are not a very traditional 300B sound (more neutral, less midrange bloom and bloat). So, for me, the Stradi 300B is doing everything I liked about the WE300B, just more of it (transparency and musical liquidity with good extension). I really like the sound of the S300B here too, but its probably a bit too lean and exacting. In a more traditional 300B circuit, I may like it more.

If I had to rank all the 300B I have here.. Stradi 300B > WE300B (new) > Tie between Takatsuki 300B and Stradi S300B > Elrog 300B

I am not really a fan of transmitter tube sound profiles for power tubes, but this is with my particular amplifiers and speakers, so your results may vary compared to my rankings here.

 

[Massimo66]

I haven't heard the Mo version of the Elrog, so I cant comment there. I have to say, it would also depend on the amplifier. The amplifiers we make, for example, are not a very traditional 300B sound (more neutral, less midrange bloom and bloat). So, for me, the Stradi 300B is doing everything I liked about the WE300B, just more of it (transparency and musical liquidity with good extension). I really like the sound of the S300B here too, but its probably a bit too lean and exacting. In a more traditional 300B circuit, I may like it more.

If I had to rank all the 300B I have here.. Stradi 300B > WE300B (new) > Tie between Takatsuki 300B and Stradi S300B > Elrog 300B

I am not really a fan of transmitter tube sound profiles for power tubes, but this is with my particular amplifiers and speakers, so your results may vary compared to my rankings here.

Hi, I'm very interested in the comparison you make between the Stradi 300 B and the Tagatsuki. At the moment I have some KR 300Bs on my Allnic L 1000 Signature preamp but just yesterday a friend brought me some Tagatsuki 300Bs and in my setup the comparison is merciless. The Taga is much more linear and the bass has greater intelligibility and speed and everything becomes positively smoother. To be honest, the KR has a greater dynamic capacity but at my house the dynamics and slam are not lacking at all. I'm about to pull the trigger on the Tagatsuki 300Bs, but reading what you write about the Stradi 300B, you've intrigued me. I've already ordered a 5AU4G from them to use on the power supply of my Allnic 7000 where I'm currently running a KR and a Gec (my preference goes to the Gec)

 

[fbhifi]

Hi, I'm very interested in the comparison you make between the Stradi 300 B and the Tagatsuki. At the moment I have some KR 300Bs on my Allnic L 1000 Signature preamp but just yesterday a friend brought me some Tagatsuki 300Bs and in my setup the comparison is merciless. The Taga is much more linear and the bass has greater intelligibility and speed and everything becomes positively smoother. To be honest, the KR has a greater dynamic capacity but at my house the dynamics and slam are not lacking at all. I'm about to pull the trigger on the Tagatsuki 300Bs, but reading what you write about the Stradi 300B, you've intrigued me. I've already ordered a 5AU4G from them to use on the power supply of my Allnic 7000 where I'm currently running a KR and a Gec (my preference goes to the Gec)

How do you find the TAK300B on high frequencies? I’ve read several reports that they can be a little hot/strident in the treble region.

 

[Treehaus Audiolab]

Hi, I'm very interested in the comparison you make between the Stradi 300 B and the Tagatsuki. At the moment I have some KR 300Bs on my Allnic L 1000 Signature preamp but just yesterday a friend brought me some Tagatsuki 300Bs and in my setup the comparison is merciless. The Taga is much more linear and the bass has greater intelligibility and speed and everything becomes positively smoother. To be honest, the KR has a greater dynamic capacity but at my house the dynamics and slam are not lacking at all. I'm about to pull the trigger on the Tagatsuki 300Bs, but reading what you write about the Stradi 300B, you've intrigued me. I've already ordered a 5AU4G from them to use on the power supply of my Allnic 7000 where I'm currently running a KR and a Gec (my preference goes to the Gec)

See TKK’s post on page 2 about the stradi tubes in his DAC; it might give you a better feel for what to expect considering it’s a more comparable use.

Given you have an allnic reaching out to stradi might also be beneficial as they have a lot of first hand experience with the brand

 

[Massimo66]

See TKK’s post on page 2 about the stradi tubes in his DAC; it might give you a better feel for what to expect considering it’s a more comparable use.

Given you have an allnic reaching out to stradi might also be beneficial as they have a lot of first hand experience with the brand

Grazie e Thank you

 

[AudioAbe]

I have been so impressed with the Stradi tubes that I have now replaced the RS242s, HL2s and the 5U4G in my Allnic DHT H-8000. The latter had already been rolled for the KRs, and I would say the Stadi was pretty similar in sound, but the RS242s in particular have been a revelation. I prefer them to the Telefunkens that I was using previously - which have a sweeter, warmer sound - whereas the Stradis are just so alive! Dynamic, linear and demonstrative, but not at all analytical or fatiguing. The HL2s are very slightly more microphonic than the Allnic stock ones (I was sent 5 pairs to try and to choose the least microphonic ones), but they are a perfect match for the RS242.

I couldn’t be happier.

John at Stradi has been extremely helpful throughout, and just an absolute pleasure to deal with.

Really very impressed all round.

 

[sjs]

How do you find the TAK300B on high frequencies? I’ve read several reports that they can be a little hot/strident in the treble region.

That is certainly not my experience. Clean, extended and with a really delightful level of detail and filigree. Possibly a little polite and demure compared to new WE 300B, but a very nice sound.
If you want more meat on the bones, a richer sound and less fine detail then go WE.

 

[ketcham]

If anyone has a testing poorly or nonfunctional Western Electric 422a rectifier tube to donate - please contact me. John at Stradi is considering producing a modern replica. Email at info@kevalinaudio.com

Thank you.

 

[Steiny]

Great thread! Appreciate all the shared input regarding the Stradi Tubes. It is very helpful receiving detailed reviews on boutique tube brands that don’t have much feedback on line. Just ordered a 5U4G tube for my Supratek Cabernet preamp. Look forward to it’s arrival.

 

[khashmi]

So I have a love/hate relationship with the Stradi 5U4G. It is by far, the best rectifier I’ve used. I love everything about it — until it decides to arc on me. It has now happened twice. When the first one failed after a month, John sent me a new one (from a new production batch) and asked me to send the old one back in his mesh packaging (Stradi is very particular about that, which is fine by me). And just yesterday, even the second one failed after a month and change. John has asked for pictures to gauge the condition of the tube and I sent him several. When he investigated the first one, he said the following:

Upon inspection, we found that the stem inside the tube was seriously broken.
Typically, a broken stem indicates that the tube has been used beyond its recommended operating point, such as when high voltage is applied. We have sold thousands of tubes and have never experienced a broken stem due to a manufacturing problem.
I currently assume that the stem glass of the tube broke due to some temporary shocks, including electrical shock, and that continued use finally resulted in tube failure.

I have used other 5U4Gs in my Decware Sarah 300B amp with no issues.

Let’s see what happens now.

 

[Steiny]

Khashmi, Sorry to hear about your Stradi tube issues. I bought a Stradi 5U4G for my Supratek Preamp due to your and Groovy’s recommendations along with a crushed in shipping EML 5U4G. I have had the Stradi for over a month now and it has performed fantastic without issue. It is the best sounding rectifier I have used in my system and it seems to keep improving. It even sounds better than a Spach Tech Lab Super rectifier I previously owned. My preamp is pretty easy on rectifiers so . Hope it all gets solved with a good ending.

 

[AudioHR]

So I have a love/hate relationship with the Stradi 5U4G. It is by far, the best rectifier I’ve used. I love everything about it — until it decides to arc on me. It has now happened twice. When the first one failed after a month, John sent me a new one (from a new production batch) and asked me to send the old one back in his mesh packaging (Stradi is very particular about that, which is fine by me). And just yesterday, even the second one failed after a month and change. John has asked for pictures to gauge the condition of the tube and I sent him several. When he investigated the first one, he said the following:

Upon inspection, we found that the stem inside the tube was seriously broken.
Typically, a broken stem indicates that the tube has been used beyond its recommended operating point, such as when high voltage is applied. We have sold thousands of tubes and have never experienced a broken stem due to a manufacturing problem.
I currently assume that the stem glass of the tube broke due to some temporary shocks, including electrical shock, and that continued use finally resulted in tube failure.

I have used other 5U4Gs in my Decware Sarah 300B amp with no issues.

Let’s see what happens now.

Interested to hear about what happens next!

We all know tubes are tubes but a reliable manufacturer who deserves your confidence makes it worthwhile sticking with them.

 

[aLLeARS]

So I have a love/hate relationship with the Stradi 5U4G. It is by far, the best rectifier I’ve used. I love everything about it — until it decides to arc on me. It has now happened twice. When the first one failed after a month, John sent me a new one (from a new production batch) and asked me to send the old one back in his mesh packaging (Stradi is very particular about that, which is fine by me). And just yesterday, even the second one failed after a month and change. John has asked for pictures to gauge the condition of the tube and I sent him several. When he investigated the first one, he said the following:

Upon inspection, we found that the stem inside the tube was seriously broken.
Typically, a broken stem indicates that the tube has been used beyond its recommended operating point, such as when high voltage is applied. We have sold thousands of tubes and have never experienced a broken stem due to a manufacturing problem.
I currently assume that the stem glass of the tube broke due to some temporary shocks, including electrical shock, and that continued use finally resulted in tube failure.

I have used other 5U4Gs in my Decware Sarah 300B amp with no issues.

Let’s see what happens now.

I had a similar experience with the Stradi 5u4g. I bought a pair for my TriodeLab SET 45 monoblocks. They look like they are made extremely well and they sound great. After about a month of use, one of them started arcing. I contacted John and he was great about the return process. Stradi arranged for pickup and paid for the return shipping. Apon inspection of the bad tube I was given the same explanation about a broken stem. He replaced them with a new pair and I had them back within two weeks. The new pair have been in operation for about three weeks and sound great. Fingers crossed that there was just a bad batch, and the new ones will last as long as a NOS pair. Only time will tell. John at Stradi Tube is great to work with and stands behind his product. Which speaks well for his company. If this new pair holds up, I would be interested in trying their 45’s.