845 vs 300b which do you prefer better?
- Thread starter Bluefish
- Start date
Natural Sound
Active member
I'm guessing it depends a lot on the circuit. I have heard both and prefer the 300B. But it's not a fair comparison because the 845 amp was a cheap Chinese integrated amp. The 300B amp was a much more refined high end model (I forget the names).
The 300B like the 2A3 were designed for audio. The 845 was designed as a radio transmitting tube that can also be used for audio. But we've seen television tubes that do an admirable job with audio so that last point may be moot.
The 300B like the 2A3 were designed for audio. The 845 was designed as a radio transmitting tube that can also be used for audio. But we've seen television tubes that do an admirable job with audio so that last point may be moot.
ok, thanks for the reply.
The 845 has quite some downsides to deal with, like needing a lot of plate voltage, a high impedance output transformer, and a lot of grid drive voltage to work properly. Given that a lot of 845 amps make about 20W or so, the extra headroom gained vs. a 300B hasn't seemed worth it to me.
I'm a little biased though, as our Paradynes make about 2x the power of an 845 on roughly 300B amp B+ with a low impedance output transformer.
I'm a little biased though, as our Paradynes make about 2x the power of an 845 on roughly 300B amp B+ with a low impedance output transformer.
Ok, thank you. Yeah, its not the power im after so much. More the tone and searching for something better than 300B if that is possible. Love my 300B with my horn loaded Klipsch like DBB speakers. Was looking at your 2A3 as well, but know nothing about that tube either.
The 2A3 and 300B are very similar, especially with modern production tubes.
Paul Joppa
Moderator
Judging by what you find on the internet, 45 amps are the most un-colored - but at only 2 watts
they really want the efficiency of Klipschorns. (Stereomour can be modified to use 45s . . . :^)
I personally like the 2A3 best.
they really want the efficiency of Klipschorns. (Stereomour can be modified to use 45s . . . :^)
I personally like the 2A3 best.
tsingle999
Member
I haven't heard the 845 but I think you should try the 2a3 and 45 and the Paradynes. I do seem to prefer 2a3 and 45's over the 300b but my speakers can handle the low power.
Not sure , but i think my speakers would have similar efficiency as Klipsch speakers. 100+db. They pretty much idle along at 85db output with 2watts on the meter. I like a robust bottom and not sure the 2A3 or a 45 would produce that. Quite a few love that 45 tube.
It's pretty tough to get a robust bottom end with a #45 amp without using parallel feed iron. If that's what you're after, and you have speakers that sensitive, the 2A3 will work nicely.
I fell in love with that 45 transparency. Like there's no amp there at all. And I have a few speakers now that love the 45. Pure Audio Project Horn Duo, Audionote AN-E and Zu Soul supreme. All very different presentations, and when. I want the oomph, I plug in the 300Bs
The 845 is neutral and very punchy with very well controlled bass. The 300B is more lush and romantic, more involving to some ears with a more full lower midrange and not quite as much punch. Equal but different. The Paradyne 805A amp is quite similar to how an 845 amp sounds in terms of punch and neutrality, but with even more punch.
