What sonic differences between 2a3, 211,300B & 800

Tickfight, this may sound like a cop out of an answer, but this is like trying to describe the differences between skate, mackerel, albacore, and tilapia to someone who has not tasted fish. I don't mean that in a patronizing way. Rather, you are asking a question that ultimately you are the only one who can answer, and to even begin to describe the differences in a manner that will resonate with you would require a point of reference on your part.

Most of these tubes will be in amplifiers that will need to be paired with a high efficiency speaker. You have mentioned in other threads that you are buying a pair of VS DB-99's, or that you might look for a pair of AG Duo's. Have you decided? In any event, you will need an amplifier that mates well with the speakers, and one that satisfies your listening preferences. You may not have realized it, but there is little anyone could say in response to your question that would bring you closer to understanding 1) how the various tubes differ; and 2) which would be the best one for you. At some point, you'll have to either jump in, or at least go somewhere to audition different types of equipment. It's not people don't want to help. I'm just not sure that they can. Perhaps if you got more specific with your request:
Types of music you listen to?
Will you be listening critically or having music on in the background?
Size of the room?
Which speakers?
What volumes?
Type of sound you're looking for?
Integrated or Separates?
Budget?
Then you could begin to make some headway into this. Just my opinion, of course. Only trying to help.
Regards,
Howard

300B = skate.
2A3 = mackerel
211 = albacore
845 = tilapia

I've never heard an 800 but a friend who has says it's like tuna.

I do not have experience with those tubes-wish I did. Here is a post you may find helpful:

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/set/messages/18066.html

Thanks Howard,

Yea you are right. I am shooting in the dark a bit. I asumed there was a destinct sound to the tubes i.e. 211 is balanced but less bass, 300 more base and extention but gives up midrange some etc. I have alwayed used SS but the majority of audiogoners agree that SET's are more musical.

I have decided on the 99's. Have found a good price. In answer to your questions:
Types of music you listen to? Accoustic, Classical, jazz. Most everything accept rap, pop and hard rock

Will you be listening critically or having music on in the background? Critically

Size of the room? 15 x 17 x 8 with room treatments

Which speakers? DB 99

What volumes? low to loud- full range when I want it.

Type of sound you're looking for? Musical, detailed, great soundstage. Emotionally involving being # 1.

Integrated or Separates? Seperates- plan to use CD player and run directly into amps.

Budget? Outside of speakers $3,000 on amps- looking for used or dealer demo.

Hope this helps-

That definitely helps, Tickfight. I can certainly convey my impressions of the 2A3 and the 300B, having owned both. I am not familiar with the sound of the 211 or the 845. The other power tubes I have either owned or heard extensively are the KT88, EL34, 6550, 6C33C, PX25--all in a push/pull format, except the PX25 (SET).

With your musical tastes, room size, and speaker choice, I would highly recommend SET amps. You have sufficient bass response from your active woofers, so no worries about the bass extension of the amps. As well, the 99dB speakers can be powered by very low wattage. The only choice really is what type of midrange sound you want.

I find the 2A3 to be an honest sounding tube. It is accurate, detailed, airy, without any frequency exaggeration. From the listening position, it begs you to find fault with it. I feel that if there's something more I want from a 2A3 amp, it's a matter of personal preference, not an issue of musical accuracy. The 300B has a more bloomy sounding midrange, almost milky to my ear. It has an incredibly blissful sound, and sounds good no matter where you are in the room, or in the house. I've come to believe it to sound falsely lush and holographic, not at all as a measure of good or bad, but simply exuding an effect that sounds more an attribute of the tube than of the music itself. It is seductive and inviting, but IMO it is exaggeratedly so. For some, it can be just the ticket. It's hard to listen to a 300B and not feel like you're getting a sonic massage.

I did actually hear one 845 tube amp, and wasn't enamored with it. It ran exceptionally hot as well. If I'm not mistaken, I think that NOS tube rolling for that type can run in the thousands of $$$.

If you can listen to some different amps, that would be best. Some manufacturers offer trial periods, and for $3K, you can certainly find some excellent products out there. I'm sure some others can chime in--or search the archives--as to the many options available. Again, with your preferences in music, I think you will find yourself closest to the music with SET amps. Just my opinion, of course.
Enjoy!

Howard