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Best 845 tube out there?

I am running a pair of Cary CAD-211AE monoblocks with the standard no-name Chinese tubes shipped by Cary. Whilst I am happy with the sound, I think I should buy a pair of 845's to keep as backup in case something happens to these tubes.

Because I will need to buy FOUR of them, this rules out any tube that sells for stupid money (e.g. vintage RCA 845 tubes).

The only current production 845's I am aware of are:

- Shuguang 845 "standard"
- Shuguang 845B
- Shuguang 845C
- Shuguang PSVANE 845
- KR Audio 845

I have found reviews of the Shuguang 845B and 845C, but there is virtually no information out there on the new Shuguang "psvane" 845. Has anybody heard this valve, and is it a noticable improvement over the 845B and C? Also, what do people think of the KR?
amfibius
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Valvulator,
You're right, Absolare used the Elrog 845 for a while but have moved on from that tube. It seems to have developed a reputation for poor reliability despite its high price.
Brf,I'll let Jwm speak for himself but he has exceptional nuance, inner detail, resolution and wonderful organic sound with the W.E. replica tubes. They seem better as time passes.
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Tcsanta Thank you for your thoughts on the WE 845.
My birthday is on the horizen so I just might treat myself.
Or will it be the Sophia 845 MK3 that I may get to hear in my system.
Enjoy
jwm
918 posts
 
The WE845 is the best tube I heard in my system. It is clear, organic, warm, fast and dynamic. I hear no negatives with this tube. It is worth every penny considering original RCA's go for 800-1200 a pop. I would not give these up for and old RCA period. This tube will not hide flaws in your components. If bright and foward I would recommend checking your front end. I would love to hear the Elrod, but not in its state right now too unreliable. I wish EML or Takasuki made this tube.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Given the quality and sucess of their 300b beauties I'm sure EML or Takatsuki could develop a superb 845 as I well.
Charles,
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
Charles1dad Yes you would assume that EML and Takatsuki could develp a top notch 845.
However from what I have read Sophia Electric has an outstanding 300B and yet I cant find anything pro or con on their 845 MK3
Regards
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