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Anybody tube rolled 845's?

I have a pair of Cary CAD-211AE monoblocks, so I need four 845 tubes. I already have tubes supplied by Cary but these are made in China. I am curious to try different tubes but given the cost of 845's and the fact I need four of them this could prove to be a very expensive exercise!

I am curious to try to KR Audio and the Cetron ones. Both of these are quite a bit cheaper than the RCA 845 (which I understand is the best).

Anyone like to share their experience? Also please state what amp you have and what effect the change had on your system.
amfibius
sns
3,567 posts
 
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the TJ Fullmusic 845's. Beautiful sounding in my Art Audio Carissa Signature. I had the KR's previously, a certain unrelenting and analytical presentation in my setup. I also had issues with reliability as one failed and a replacement was on its way out when I replaced with the Fullmusics, absolutely no reliability issues with these. I have not tried the Shuguangs, however, Joe Fratus at Art Audio stated I would prefer the Fullmusics.
jeffreyds
115 posts
 
Another vote for 845Bs. I use them in a pair of Cary 805Cs. I've only compared them to the other Chinese 845s (845A and 845C). To me, they are richer, fuller, and more musical than the standard Chinese 845s. Depending on the rest of your system, you might prefer the 845Cs. These are more detailed with deeper, tighter bass, but are also much brighter sounding. If the rest of your system is dark and warm sounding, these might be the way to go.

By the way, you don't state what 300B tubes you are using, but if they aren't Western Electric, I'd make that upgrade first before upgrading the 845s.
amfibius OP
282 posts
 
Thanks for your responses everyone. Jeffreyds, I have tried tube rolling the 300B's in my system using some borrowed valves and it hasn't made as much of a difference as changing the input tubes or the output tubes. For the time being, changing the 300B's on my amp is on hold because I have found that the output tube makes more of a difference.
smeyers
181 posts
 
I don't have the Cary Amp, but thought I'd mention Sophia Electric as another possibility. I've been using their 300B 2.5v tubes in my Wright Sound Mono 10 amps for a couple of years with very good results. Very reliable and great sound from top to bottom (needed about 100 hours on them though before they opened up). They have 45 tubes as well.
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