Don't know what's wong with me

Philefreak, Audio component preference is purely a Baskins Robbins proposition. So many amps within a particular niche(in this case SET) then factor in the multiple speaker options. Eventually most of us find our ideal flavor. Many possible end results. I'm glad you discovered your preferred flavor. I'm happy with my flavor as well.
Charles,

Don't feel bad or beat yourself up, Philefreak.

Most of us have to go through such a journey in order to realize what's the best option for us. I agree with you on the 45, but sort of settled on the 2A3, which comes relatively close in sonics, with more usable power.

Many claim the 211 and 845 are the pinnacle, SET amps with power to drive real world loudspeakers. Sorry, but they don't get close to the (listed as good, better, best) 300B, 2A3, and 45 sound, in my opinion.

An 845 amp built to only push that tube to 50-60% of it's rating does in fact equal a 300B or 2a3 etc....

It always depends on the tube amp's design. Sounds comes from both the tube and the circuit design employed.

Grannyring,
Yes, the circuit is certainly a determining factor regarding the final sound. There are enough variables involved that make blanket statements about output tube character a bit tricky. Different amps which use the same output tube can sound very different from each other. Then consider the brand of output tube and their own characteristics. Hard wired or circuit board? Direct coupled,capacitor or interstage transformer? which brand? Choke filtered? AC or DC heated? Power supply caps, electrolytic,film or oil? Copper or silver wired? Who's the amplifier builder? Many variables play a role.
Charles,

Even the power cord you have on the amp. So many factors. I loved those Triode Corp of Japan 845 mono amps at Expona.