845 tubes...


It really seems to be quite a challenge selecting 845 tubes... Psvane seems to struggle with quality (or at least it can be spotty). KR doesn't really fit all amps (due to the 1.0amp filament current vs the 3.5amp which is the standard). Elrog's are hard to find and had quality issues in the past (which I believe are fixed now). That leaves Linlai... but I they're not easily bought here in US (everything is shipped from China it seems)

Basically, I'm looking for a good pair of reliable 845's for my Mastersound 845 Compact, but the market seems to be extremely limited. What recommendations do you have and do you have any experience with the tube brands above?

128x128audiojan

As I mentioned previously, reliability issues with other types of Psvane and Linlai tubes, no issues with others. My take is why hurt your reputation with any model of tube production, poor quality control at these companies. Doesn't mean you'll necessarily have issues per my Psvane Acme 300B's and WE101D. Grant Fidelity gave up on Psvane altogether, don't know where things are at with Linlai? I've been told by a certain manufacturer Chinese tube reliability has gone down in recent years, if true this gives one pause. Won't let others off the hook either, recent Western Electric 300B failure, covered by warranty, replacement holding up thus far.

 

Also, I don't have issues with sound quality of any of these tubes, high end models from Psvane and the Elite models from Linlai very nice SQ.

I have Linlai Global 845 D Dream Series which is excellent sounding and has been reliable, unfortunately they appear to have stopped making that one as part of their lineup of 845s. Based upon my experience with this one I wouldn’t hesitate buying other Linlai 845s. Below is the link to Premium Vacuum Tubes website (aka Grant Fidelity) which ships them from Canada

https://premiumvacuumtubes.com/product-category/shop_by_brand/linlai_tubes/

Also, here is a thread from WBF that I had started before I purchased them and another member states his experience with the Linlai 845DG. There's some other commentary should it interest you to look at.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/linlai%E2%84%A2-global-845-d-dream-series-vacuum-tubes.36743/

 

I've suffered KR,  TJ Fullmusic failures. I probably trust Linlai less than Psvane. As I mentioned in your other thread Shuguang Black Bottles i purchased through Grant Fidelity years ago best sound quality and reliable 845 I've experienced.