2. amps-preamps
  3. 1150784623

What's best low cost 845?

Again same guy as the 2A3 question but thinking maybe more power.Interesting that Harvey Weisfeld gave his name out to cayin for their EL34 amp which also might be a contender but if I can get up to 20 watts a of SET why go push pull/Know more cost for tubes and so forth but for Cain and cain Abby's.Omega or another 95db plus speaker might want more "oomph" than 3 wats will deliver.Also if their are some $1K or less speakers thta deliver goods interested in all.Trying to not build anything so if it were Bottlehead or another DIY I'd look for built kit.Just want a low volume near feild set up that can give some dynamics.If I went with larger (Jolida 202/303 or such) might by pair of Audio Physic Sparks because even though I might not get the SET "magic" thing they are small and when I borrowed a pair for a m,onth was really impressed with dynamics at low volume levels which I was told Tempo did not have needing more volume.but that's getting out of size and price range plus the differene I'd like with Fi,Sun, etc just trying to get votes on best bang for reasonable buck for a bedroom system.Once had @K (used price Bel Canto's and unfortuntely coyuldn't get up the hill with speakers I had but it was a beaut!yet want to keep it tto half that price this time.Ideas in SET lanmd that really ofers big value for dollar/
Thanks
Chazzbo
Thanks
Chazzbo
chazzbo
213cobra
885 posts
 
Tough to find 845 amplification for a kilobuck or less. Watch for used Dared. The 845 tube is very affordable in its Chinese variants, with the 845B/C/M all capable of quite good sound, but these circuits are high voltage, which does raise parts costs some, which in turn raises final costs relative to the inexpensive 300B and 2a3 SET alternatives.

On Audiogon right now, for instance, there are some unknowns among the known good buys:

1/ Audioromy 845 integrated, China sourced but used from US owner, asking $1000. No idea of it's sound quality.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1154738758

2/ Antique Sound Lab 845 monoblocks, $1800 used. Very nice amps when they are working.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1154299698

3/ Dared 845 integrated. Good amp, best buy here at $1300 used. http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1155613718

4/ Kailin 845 monoblocks, auction starting at $1000.00. Can't comment on sound.
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?ampstube&1151977146

At considerably higher prices, right now there are fantastic sounding Bel Canto, Audion, Mastersound and DeHavilland alternatives. The Dared listed or another as they show up is probably most reliable alternative at or near your price.

Phil
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I am very intersted in the Dared amp. Where did you hear it? Why do you like it so much? In essence what makes a good 845 amp for the poor souls with empty pockets.
get2it1
24 posts
 
I tried the Dared 845 based on Phil's (213cobra) advice. He was absolutely right on the money. Thanks again Phil. I didn't hang on to the speakers or the amp but found the upgrade from some monoblock separates and a lower priced Onix Integrated to be significant and everything it's cracked up to be. I would also strongly recommend Joe in Chicago who often sells Dared gear new on Audiogon and ebay. The new price isn't much more than used so with Joe's trial period it is probably worth the extra bucks to check it out.

All the best.
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