The 805 Tube


I have been asked to audition the Ming DA MC 3008-A mono block amp that uses a 805, 300B, 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes. The amp, in the newest designs from Ming Da, can be used as a “basic” amplifier (i.e., needs a preamp) or as an integrated amplifier (Preamp included). I chose the “basic” setting and used the Ming DA MC 2A3 mega tube preamp.

I have to admit that I never seen(except pictures), ergo, never heard an 805 tube This always bothered me, being the SET nut that I am, I have never been in the same room with an 805 or an 845, for that matter. I opened up a large tube box that looked like it should hold a pint of Mcallan Scotch instead of a tube. Nestled inside was one of these 805 retro blimps.

I sported a pair of white gloves and removed the 805 pop bottle from the container and placed it in the amp. Twisting to the left, the 805 torpedo snapped firmly in place. Now for the weird part, on top of the pop bottle was the anode cap where Ming DA Supplies a white bead like wire that snaps firmly in place. This is the weirdest tube installation that I have ever done.

I was ready to go. I turned on the amp. The 805 lit up like a roman candle. So bright was its display that I thought it was going to blow up. But alas, it remained that way for a while and both mono blocks were identical in their luminary flirtatious display. I was not used to this as all the tubes that I know light up slowly and then reach their operating current. Not so with this one – it was more like turning on a light bulb. Luckily the Ming DA provides a warm up circuit that gives the 805 plenty of time to stabilize.

I couldn’t stand it; I let the amp warm up for an hour and then gave it a go. On went “Marlena” from Joni Mitchell’s Travelogue (excellent recording, BTW and a must for any reviewer).

What a completely different experience. I was usually use to the low wattage 2A3s (my favorite), 300Bs and EL84s. 40 watts of this stuff? What a surprise!

Before I start my rave, I need to discuss something that I think is missing in most equipment: authority, Authority is transparency, imaging and dynamics combined to create the image solidly in the room.. I do not know if it was the Doge 6, the Ming DAs or the combination, but I felt authority, I heard bass without boom, midrange without over-voicing or etching and a high end without glitter.

The SET sound is unique. The bane of small wattage surrounds it, until now. These high powered over sized fire flies are causing me to throw all my KT88s and 6550s away. Is it possible?