300B Vacuum Tubes

The one and only original 300B Electron Tube
Upgrade your amplifier setup with the finest electron tube ever made. The type 300B is made by hand in the USA using the original Western Electric specifications from 1938.

The 300B is known around the world for its sound quality and powerful performance in both single-ended & push-pull amplifiers. Western Electric makes the original 300B with authenticity and precision. Listeners have trusted the same specs, materials, and testing standards for 85 years.

 
 

SPECIFICATIONS

Classification
Moderate power, filamentary triodes for Class-A service.

Application
Audio-frequency amplifier in positions where power outputs of approximately ten watts or less are required at relatively low plate voltages.

Dimensions
Dimensions, outline diagrams of the tubes and bases, and the arrangement of electrode connections to the base terminals are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Base and Mounting
These vacuum tubes employ medium, four-pin thrust type bases suitable for use in Western Electric 143B or similar sockets. The 300B tube has the bayonet pin so located that it may also be mounted in a Western Electric 100M, 115B, or similar socket.

The tubes may be mounted in either a vertical or horizontal position. If mounted In a horizontal position, the plane of the filament, which is indicated In Figure 2, should be vertical.

Average Direct Interelectrode Capacitances
Grid to plate 15 µµf.
Grid to filament 9 µµf.
Plate to filament 4.3 µµf.

Filament Rating
Filament voltage 5.0 volts, a.c. or d.c.
Nominal filament current 1.2 amperes

The filaments of these tubes are designed to operate on a voltage basis and should be operated at as near the rated voltage as possible. When alternating current is used for heating the filament, the grid and plate returns should be connected to a center tap on the secondary of the filament transformer.

 

» 91E Integrated Amplifier

 
 

 

91E Integrated Amplifier

The 91E is the result of years of research and effort by Western Electric engineers to provide listeners with the absolute finest in single-ended tube sound. Led by president Charles Whitener, the Western Electric team proudly continues the legacy of the Western Electric sound.

Features

• The Western Electric Type 91E is a Class A, single-ended (SE), integrated amplifier for high-fidelity audio reproduction.
• The 91E was made for the Western Electric 300B to provide end users the highest possible performance and quality.

Available in three (3) colors


 

In the box
91E Integrated Amplifier
Remote control
Pin-Straightener (9-pin)
2x 300B Electron Tubes (Power)
2x ECC81 Electron Tubes (Pre-amplifier, pre-installed)
8 Ω Output Transformer Block (pre-installed)
Power Cord
Spanner tool (for removal and/or replacement of 300B’s)
BT antenna
End User Guide

Steered Current Source Technology (SCS)
Experience double the traditional output power with advanced, single-ended (SE) circuit design. This new level of performance is reached by using a fully linear, steered current source (US Patent 10256776) controlled exclusively by the tube’s output voltage. The excess of common large output transformers and associated hysteresis is eliminated, and as a result, lush detail in the midrange and masterfully articulated upper and lower frequencies are revealed.

Stepped Logarithmic Attenuator
A stepped logarithmic attenuator is used to mimic the response of human hearing. The attenuator consists of only discrete resistors in a ladder configuration that are switched in and out of circuit to produce a logarithmic attenuation of the output signal.

Interchangeable Transformer Block
The standard 8-ohm transformer block can be interchanged with the optional 4-ohm or 16-ohm version. This feature is unique to the 91E Integrated Amplifier and allows users to match speaker impedance for improved fidelity. Single impedance transformers maintain lower winding capacitance normally vitiated with multiple tap transformers.

LCD Display
A bright and easy to read color display shows the selected input, attenuator level, and VU meter. The display also shows settings which can be adjusted by the included remote control. The display is dimmable.

Remote Control
The included infrared remote control allows for quick adjustment of amplifier settings such as input levels, balance, and display dimming.

Six Audio Inputs
Up to six (6) source devices can be connected during amplifier operation.

Auto-Bias
Microprocessors automatically bias the 300B tube pair each time the amplifier is powered on. No manual adjustment is necessary.

BT Compatibility
BT compatible audio input is available for wireless convenience.

Software & Firmware Updates via Ethernet Connection and USB

Specifications

Weight 49lbs / 22.2 kg
Dimensions 18.9 x 15 x 11.1” / 48 x 38 x 28cm
Chassis Machined Aluminum
Colors Nickel, Champagne, Black
Operating Voltage 100V / 115V / 230V / 50-60Hz
Power Consumption (Operation / Standby) 160W / 0.3W
Mains Fuse 2A slow-blow
Electron Tube Complement One Matched Pair Western Electric 300B, 2x ECC81
Phono MM Sensitivity (10W / 4Ω) 0.75mV
Phono MC Sensitivity (10W / 4Ω) 70μV
CD Sensitivity (10W / 4Ω) 0.27V
CD Input Impedance 20 kOhms
Phono MM Input Impedance 47 kOhms | | 100 pF
Phono MC Input Impedance 1000 kOhms (adjust via Phono Load plugs)
SNR MM (10W / 4Ω, input 5mV) 83 dB(A)
SNR MC (10W / 4Ω, input 0.5mV) 73 dB(A)
SNR CD (10W / 4Ω, input 0.5V) 101 dB(A)
CD Frequency Response 15 Hz - 32 kHz (-3 dB)
Phono Frequency Response 30 Hz - 20 kHz (RIAA within +/- 0.5 dB)
Output Power / 4 Ω / THD 10% 2 x 20 watts
Output Power / 4 Ω / THD 5% 2 x 16 watts
Output Power / 4 Ω / THD 3% 2 x 14 watts
Output Power / 8 Ω / THD 10% 2 x 20 watts
Output Power / 8 Ω / THD 5% 2 x 16 watts
Output Power / 8 Ω / THD 3% 2 x 14 watts
BT Standard v4.2
BT Codecs BC, MP3, AAC, Fastream, APTX
BT Sample Rate (adaptive) Up to 96kHz / 16-bit
BT frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
BT SNR 96dB

 

» 97A Monoblocks

 
 
 

97A Monoblock Amplifiers

Created for Those of Taste and Distinction.

The Western Electric® 97A Monoblocks are created for those of taste and distinction with the means to fulfill their audio dreams. For well-heeled audiophiles who, like other connoisseurs, want to take what’s there and make it better. For tube aficionados whose eyes brighten when speaking of the fabled Western Electric 300B, presenting the magnificent 97A Monoblocks Amplifiers.

Effortless Power Delivery
Demonstrating the WE 97A Monoblocks around the world, people quickly fell silent as the music began. The sheer quality and transparency of sound, the focus, the presence and imaging palpability, the depth and width of the recording’s soundstage are all extraordinarily rendered. The smooth, low distortion and effortless power delivery, the deep, controlled bass, the delectable WE 300B midrange, and seductive highs deeply engage the listener; it’s easier to fall into the music’s embrace when it’s so enticingly rich and natural.

Plush and Enveloping Sound
Regarding the WE 97A Monoblocks’ fast, detailed, yet altogether plush and enveloping sound, no less a personage than the late, lamented Harry Pearson of The Absolute Sound wrote: “With no loss of focus or euphonic second harmonic, we can actually hear ‘behind’ images in the sound-field occasioned by the retrieval of extremely subtle ambient cues, the kind you take for granted when you’re listening to unamplified music.”

A Satisfying and Engaging Musical Experience
The WE 97A’s specifications are beyond reproach with 80 watts per channel RMS and eight WE 300Bs per side, as well as three 6SN7GTBs and a single 6SL7. You’ll love the 3D-like air and separation between performers with a side-to-side, top-to-bottom coherency that transcends the mechanics of playback.

You can try listening to the WE 97A Monoblocks in a casual way but it’s not easy, they draw you into the performance; you hear it, you feel it, the emotion washes over you, an all-enveloping musical experience, so very satisfying.

Features

FRONT PANEL
Selector
Power On / Off
Power Meter LED
Low / Medium / High

BACK PANEL
Power
120 volts
Fuse Holder
Fuse
15 amps / 32 volts 313
Inputs
Single-Ended RCA
Balanced XLR
Toggle Switch / Single-Ended or Balanced
Outputs
Speaker Connections: Common / 4 ohms / 8 ohms
Point to Point Wiring
MIL-W-16878 PFTE stranded silver-plated copper wire

Specifications

Rated Power Output
80 watts RMS per channel

Input Sensitivity
0.50 volts for full output

Input Impedance
500k ohms

Frequency Response
+/- 1 dB from 10Hz to 100kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion
10 watts output: < 0.05% 50 watts output: < 0.15% 80 watts output: <.90% Signal to Noise Ratio
-100 dB below 80 watts

Damping Factor
16

Power Consumption
400 watts (true RMS)

Output Impedance
4 / 8 ohms

Tube Component (per channel)
8 x 300B / 3 x 6SN7GTB / 1 x 6SL7

Dimensions (per channel)
435mm W x 825mm D x 275mm H
(17.1in W x 32.5in D x 10.8in)

Net Weight (per channel)
165 lbs.

» 116C RIAA Phono Pre

 
 
 

116C RIAA Phono Pre-Amplifier

A Suave Companion for all LP-Loving Aficionados.

The 116C Phono Pre-Amplifier is designed and assembled in the USA from mostly domestic parts as all our amplifier products. It’s a suave companion for all LP-loving aficionados. The feature set is extensive: MM (moving-magnet) and MC (moving-coil) inputs feature easily adjustable impedance settings to match any cartridge.

Separate Power Supply
Four carefully-selected 12AX7s drive the 116C Pre-Amp section with the tube-rectified power supply in a separate chassis, the 20B. Tube rectification – converting incoming AC into DC for the circuitry – sounds better than solid-state power supplies, and separating the 20B power supply from the small-signal 116C also pays dividends with lower noise, lower distortion, and greater transparency. The 20B Power Supply features one each 5AR4, 6V6, and 6SL7 for the kind of sound you’ve been yearning for.

Incredible Imaging and Separation
Taking full advantage of vinyl’s presence, nuance, and dynamics, the 116C sounds magnificent. The soundstage is palpable, big and airy, full of life, with simply incredible imaging and separation between performers in their own cushions of air making it much easier to feel that special emotional connection to music.

Ultimate Refinement
The refinement is overwhelming; you can feel as well as hear music as the sound envelopes your mind and body. A truly transcendental experience you’ll enjoy over and over.
 

Features

116C FRONT PANEL
Inputs (RCA)
MM / MC
MC Input Impedance
100k, 150k, 200k, 300k, 400k, 600k
LED Indicators
MM MC

116C BACK PANEL
Inputs (RCA)
MC / MM
Outputs (RCA)
Power In
120V AC
Power Out
230V DC to 116C Pre-Amplifier

20B FRONT PANEL
Power
On / Off
LED
Power Indicator

20B BACK PANEL
Power In
120V AC
Power Out
230V DC to Power the 116C Pre-Amplifier (l/c on power)

Specifications

Moving Magnet Input Impedance
47k ohms

Moving Coil Input Impedance
6-step user adjustable
100 ohms
150 ohms
200 ohms
300 ohms
400 ohms
600 ohms

Gain at 1kHz
MM Input: 42 dB
MC Input: 63 dB

Frequency Response
50k Load: +/- 0.5dB from 20Hz to 22kHz
10k Load: +/- 0.5dB from 30Hz to 22kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion
50k Load: < 0.03% at 1kHz, 2 volts output 10k Load: < 0.05% at 1kHz, 2 volts output Maximum Output for < 1% THD
50k Load: 17V RMS
10k Load: 8V RMS

Signal to Noise Ratio
MM Input: 85 dB at 1kHz, 2 volts output
MC Input: 80 dB at 1kHz, 2 volts output

Power Consumption
49 watts

Tube Complement
Type 116C RIAA: Pre-Amp 4 x 12AX7
Type 20B Rectifier: 1-5AR4 / 1-6V6 / 1-6SL7

Dimensions
Type 116C RIAA: 8.0” W x 13.5 D x 4.5” H
Type 20B Rectifier: 8.0” W x 13.0 D x 4.5” H

Weight
Type 116C RIAA: 10 lbs (3.26kg)
Type 20B Rectifier: 20 lbs (5.32kg)

Specifications are subject to change without notice. Weight and dimensions are approximate.

» 203C CD Player

 
 
 

203C CD Player

The WE 203C is carefully-engineered and crafted, a player whose sole mission in life is to make you happy by letting your CDs sound their absolute best.

Built the Western Electric Way
Most audiophiles have a CD player in their system for the many recordings no longer available on vinyl. You’ll want a no-fuss, high-quality player that’s built with solid integrity, the Western Electric® way. The WE 203C is carefully-engineered and crafted for many years of reliable use, a player you can rely on to let your CD collection sing.

Western Electric Sound
The WE 203C is a glorious-sounding component weighing an extraordinary and very non-resonant 40lbs. Its Analog Devices AD1955, a Multibit Sigma Delta DAC, features what they call Directed Scrambling specified as the least sensitive to jitter. And of course, a full complement of tubes are specified for that WE sound.

The 203C reaches beyond what many consider the limitations of CD and presents music in a flowing, colorful, natural way, with weight, impact, presence, deep bass, a gorgeous midrange and beguiling high frequencies. Analog outputs include RCA single-ended and balanced XLRs. Digital outputs include RCA, AES/EBU, and Optical. The 203C is designed and assembled in the USA from mostly dometic parts.
 

Features

FRONT PANEL
Power
On / Off
CD Drawer
Phillips
CD Controls
Load / Eject
Pause
Play
Fast Forward
Fast Backward

BACK PANEL
Power
120V AC
Analog Outputs
Single-ended: RCA
Balanced XLR
Digital Outputs
AES/EBU
Optical
RCA
Chip Set
Audio Decoder
DAC
Input Op Amp
VACUUM TUBES
6922

Specifications

Frequency Response
<20Hz-20KHz +/- 0.2 dB Total Harmonic Distortion
1kHz < 0.002% Signal-To-Noise Ratio
> 118dB

Dynamic Range
> 120dB

Channel Separation
90dB (1Hz)

Maximum Output Voltage
2.5V RMS

Power Consumption
30 watts

Tube Complement – Analog Output Stage
2 x 6922

Remote Control
Yes

Dimensions
483mm W x 419mm D x 120.65mm H
(19in W x 16.5in D x 4.75in H)

Net Weight
40 lbs

» 300B Vacuum Tubes