Thoughts on 845 set monoblocks

Jwm,

I wrote that Bob Hovland recapped my amps, not that Hovland caps were used. In fact the value here was that Bob gave me an opinion about what caps would make specific improvements and after some discussion that included Dueland and others, we agreed on Nichicon slenders for the specific application. The result is superb. Bob didn't give any favor to his brand, or his newer SuperCaps, in the discussion.

Phil

I assumed he used his caps, I'm glad he didn't for you

213 cobra , thank you for your thoughts on 845 amps.I'm sure your Audion Black Knight is a gem and worthy for placement in any system using a 845 tube.I have not heard this amp so I have no way to compare it to my deHavilland.
I can say that although my Aries 845G will never win a beauty contest just happens to be the best sounding amp I have had the pleasure of owning.Of course this is in my system which plays to my bias' The price of the Aries has risen considerably as every thing else but it is still much less then the new Sophia amp and I believe the Audion as well. Aries has stood the test of time and continues to have the wonderful backing of Kara.
Enjoy your system
Ed

Ed,

I've heard the DeHavilland several times in a number of situations. They are well-built; Kara provides great service. I wanted to prefer the Aires to the Audion Black Shadow (the Black Night is a 300B PSET integrated) because Kara makes her amps here in the US, but that's not how it turned out. Nevertheless, the DeHavilland is a more affordable upper-tier option in SQ, and if it's the best amp you've owned you're doing very well. The more remarkable matter is how little coverage these 845 SET options get in the audio press, given that they put out enough single-ended power to put the vice grips to a far greater range of speakers than other SET designs built around less robust power triodes, and really sound beautiful and vivid doing it.

Phil

Phil,I re-read your posts and feel I should try to find a dealer for an audition.I just emailed the listed distributor
and await his reply.
Keep you posted.
Enjoy
Ed