Shuguang 845B vs Shuguang 845M

Warren,

To my ears, there is no clear-cut best, but the two tubes have very different flavors. Which to use is highly system dependent.

I use a pair of Cary 805Cs. In those amps, the 845M offers more detail, sounds a little leaner, and has slightly deeper and tighter bass. The 845B has a more full-bodied, warm sound with a little less bass control.

I don't have any experience with the Definitions, but with the Druids, I prefer the 845M. The Druids are already warm sounding, and need the neutral sound of the 845M. I prefer the 845B with Gallo Ref 3s. The Gallos are a somewhat leaner sounding speaker, and benefit from the full-bodied 845B sound.

Jeff

Dopogue,

That's funny, indeed. What's your other associated equipment? I use a Wadia 850 directly into the Carys. Additionally, I use DiMarzio M-Path and Super M-Path cabling (also warm sounding). I wonder if the difference could be that I run the CD player directly into the amps and don't use a preamp?

Jeff