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In Reply to: RE: Starter 45 or 6BQ5 SET Class A pre/amp - Further Thoughts posted by pix4work on May 11, 2008 at 17:25:04
I suggest you go to the Tube DIY forum and post there with as specific questions as you can. There are lots of knowledgeable DIY folks who should be able to help you. Sorry to say I am not one of them.
I can say that in terms of costs, 45 and 845 tubes can be purchased for fairly reasonable prices to get you started. A pair of NOS 45 tubes will run around $70 - $100, and I think that would be a good place to start. Chinese Mesh 45’s, like the TJ Fullmusic are around $270 and the top of the line Emission Labs solid plate 45 is around $425.
In 845’s, the Chinese (mostly made by Shuguang) tubes go for around $100 for the basic 845, about $150 for 845B, and $270 for 845M or 845W. I would recommend at least the 845B and if the budget allows it, the 845M. NOS American made 845’s are very expensive, in the range of $800 – 1,200 a pair. Great sounding, but not 3 or 4 times better than the 845M.
Do a search on the Tube or SET forum for opinions on the variety of 45’s and 845’s. Just like Italian food, everyone will have their own favorite.
Because 45’s are low power (2 watts) and use relatively low plate voltage (around 300 volts), the parts can be relatively low cost, except, of course for exotic stuff like cobalt transformers. 845’s can be much higher power (20+ watts) and often use much higher plate voltage (900 – 1200 volts), so heftier and more expensive parts are needed. 845’s can be run at lower voltages, but with lower power output. Best of luck on your project.
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