So re the WE 101D metal base versus the PSVane 101D metal base replica's, definitely a very different sound. Tried the psvane tonight for the first time, and so have to warn they're not burned in. I had them run for a few hours before listening, but I'm sure they'll need more. The psvanes are definitely more detailed in the highs (more extended) and there's more bass and deeper - more technically perfect for sure. Much more "modern" or closer-to-solid-state type of sound (not judging this as better or worse). However the ease and natural presentation of the original WE's is my personal preference, and the soundstage and greater depth to the presentation is seductive (and the sound has a meatier, more emotionally impactful sound). The psvanes in my system sound more like hi fi playback, audiophile award winners, but the old WE's brings a different "life" to the music. Not as perfect, but extremely engaging and pushes me to my right brain and away from analysis. All just my experience with this particular pair of tubes given their age and as has been pointed out, may or may not be predictable or extendable to another pair. I'll test them with the Amplitrex here at some point here to get a sense for their output and how well matched they are.