I should have elaborated more, people sell the 45 wiht a high starting price because they have seen an auction close out with a high price and they automatically assume their tube is worth that much. Again, just beacuse some audiophile was willing to pay $200 for a nos pair of 45's everyone assumes the market is at that level. Also, beware of people that throw the sales pitch "I tested and balanced and matched it on my calibrated TV-7 or Hickok 539B/C tester" From my conversations with old repair guys tube manufacturers back in the 30's and 40's didn't balance or match tubes. They were tested for emmissions, shorts and gas leaks. And don't fall for the old "these are date code matched pairs". just because two tubes share the same date code does not mean they are electrically matched and balanced. And finally the statement "these are the black plate, gray plate, silver plate tubes etc.." The color of the plate has nothing to do with a tubes fucnctioning. Some science would suggest that black plated tubes perform slightly better due to better electron absorbtion. If you have ever disected any of these tubes, the plate color is on the outside of the plate, not the inside. Bottom line, keep your eye out for an occastional deal. But your best bet would be Hamfest, swap meets etc.
:The 45 is not a rare tube like a wd-11, more it is a highly sought out tube for it use in high performance audiophile tube amps. Because people with serious money have been getting into "vintage" tube sound for the past decade, are stock piling tubes at an alarming rate. Just watch an ebay auction for 45/245 tubes some time. it is amazing. I have seen 45's that test marginally that went for $80. That is way too much. If you are trying to retore an old radio that uses these, good luck. You have better really love that radio to pay these rediculous prices.
::Hello there. Is there anything besides 2a3 I can sub.for 45? Got any idea why they are special and cost so much? Thanks. Ya,ll pass a good time
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