EL-34 suggestions

[Ski]

I have an ST-70 that I'd like to put a new quad of el-34 into. I'm looking for suggestions as to what make and model I should get. From what I've seen, prices for these tubes are fairly comparable and while I wouldn't mind spending a little extra for better tubes, I can't afford a quad of matched NOS Mullards or anything right now.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[ProAc_Fan]

Get these fat bottle 6CA7's

[Celt]

If you can still find any of them, try a matched quad of the Svetlana's. I ran those in my Marantz 8b for several years and they sounded great!

[Ski]

Thanks guys! I'll have to give them a look.

[Thatch_Ear]

Good and not overly priced NOS would be Siemans, the German tube manufacturer you don't hear much about. Newer tubes The EHs and Svets have good reps and you might do some research on JJ Teslas. That was considered a good buy a few years ago and might still be.

[GordonW]

The ElectroHarmonix EL34s kicked butt over any other tube I've put into the Marantz 8B or Anthem AMP1 amps, for a LONG time. Haven't compared them directly to the Mullards, but BOY, these tubes sound like what I THINK I remember Mullards sounding. VERY SOLID bottom end, extremely smooth, but still having LOTS of dynamic "snap and pop". Much better bottom end than the Sovteks or Svetlanas (and I tried all three kinds, in both amps)!

Regards,
Gordon.

[omer]

I agree, the EH EL34 are inexpensive, and are super smooth Mullard sounding. :yes:

[Trawlerman]

Gold Aero E34L's anybody?

I run these and they are super smooth. Properly biased in my Tube Tech Genesis amps you can't tell if you're listening to Tubes or SS stuff.

They have a dynamic range, speed and slam to match any SS amp around the $10K mark.

Only problem? they give off a lot of heat and can only comfortably be run during the cold winter months.

[benjamin]

I 3rd the recomendation for EH tubes. A matched pair can be had for the $30cdn range....not to shabby!

Scott

[dubai2000]

Interesting how many people seem to like the EHs in their 8B. I suppose I might give those a try as well one day :D .
Until then my favourites are (don't laugh) cryo ValveArts and (less creamy but perhaps a little bit more extended at the top) EI 6CA7.

Wolfram

[paul cbc]

I've tried a number of different power tubes in my ST 70:

EH 6CA7
Svetlana EL 34
Mullard EL 34
JJ E 34L

The Mullards are just kind of "it", but expensive as you note. The EH Fat Bottles have the most solid, rockin' bass and a lively top end. The Svet's have the most Mullard like midrange.
My fave-the JJ E34L. Solid bass liquidy mids and a nice, not overly bright high end.
(Note-my understanding is this is a different tube than the JJ EL 34.)

I really think all three of these new production tubes offer great sound and value for EL 34/6CA7 users.

Let us know what you decide to go with and your thoughts.

paul

[NOSValves]

I'd go EH Fat bottle 6CA7 or the EI Fat Bottle not sure about the JJ EL34L I have yet to try that one but JJ makes some great tubes. Another fun thing with a Stereo 70 is the 6L6GC and KT66 will work in there just fine !

Craig

[Workingslug]

IMO - The ElectroHarmonix EL34's will offer you the best value for the money. I have the Mullards in a Red Rose amplifier and I do not feel that I really gained that much over the EH's for the money that I spent on the Mullards. It was an interesting experiment to see how the Mullards performed against the EH's, but it also indicated that the EH's are a good value for the money. My best friend re-tubed her VTL-5.5 with the EH's and was astounded at how much improvement was made over the Chinese tubes that came with the unit. IMO - If you go with the EH's, you will not be disappointed in your selection.

Good luck.

[RuSsMaN]

I've got a new matched quad of Ruby German EL-34G's we can do a deal on if you want.

Cheers,
Russ

[crooner]

I'd go for the Winged "C" (former Svetlana) variety. Inexpensive, look and sound good. Gotta love the brown phenolic bases. Mine have 2004 date codes.

I've just bought a quad of (nearly new) Mullard XF2s. Had to take a second mortgage, so expensive!

I am planning to do a EL34 shootout this weekend. The fun just begins!

[Telecolor 3007]

East-Germany manufactured also EL 34.

[crooner]

I believe the East-German EL34 is what we call "Siemens" here in the states. Although not made by this manufacturer it was labelled this way by distributors during the 80s.

This is the tube with the rather skinny envelope. Not bad sounding and a good choice.

[Telecolor 3007]

SIMENS tubes are made in the former WEST-Germany.
The EAST-German tubes where manufactured by "R.F.T.".

[crooner]

They held their own pretty well against the Mullards. The matching job on the Rusky tubes was excellent. The Mullards, were not that well matched, and hence the clipping point was lower. I also found the Mullards darker sounding.

Mullards were XF2, double getter halos, mid 60s date codes.

If you want to give your Stereo 70 new life, I recommend the SED Winged "C". At the price they can't be beat.

I can tell you where I got my quad. PM me for details.

Regards,

crooner

http://i9.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/c8/36/a4_1_b.JPG

[MikE]

One thing to keep in mind is that not all "Mullards" are the same. There are basically four different types of Mullard EL-34's and they'll all different. I've used the type III xf2 "O" getter Mullards and the Amperex double "D" getter EL34's. I much preferred the latter. Never tried the much heralded metal-base or fat-base varieties.

MikE

[NOSValves]

Originally posted by crooner
They held their own pretty well against the Mullards. The matching job on the Rusky tubes was excellent. The Mullards, were not that well matched, and hence the clipping point was lower. I also found the Mullards darker sounding.

If you want to give your Stereo 70 new life, I recommend the SED Winged "C". At the price they can't be beat.

I can tell you where I got my quad. PM me for details.

Regards,

crooner

http://i9.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/c8/36/a4_1_b.JPG


Is your supplier some kind of secret ?

[RuSsMaN]

Yeah, really.

[crooner]

Is your supplier some kind of secret ?

No, it's not. I have no relationship or commercial affiliation with that company. I just don't see fit to give them free publicity.

Best regards,

crooner

[ProAc_Fan]

If your happy with their product and/or service then I think you SHOULD advertise who they are.


Mike

[MikE]

Just a casual observation. I've noticed in the past that when someone is a bit too enthusiastic about a certain supplier, vendor or brand they may be viewed as a shill. And now we're questioning why this guy is not disclosing his source. Hell, *if* he has a source for NOS tubes I couldn't fault him for keeping quiet! :para: Not criticizing anyone here, it just appears like a catch-22 that's all. MikE

[RuSsMaN]

So where is our beloved thread starter anyway?

[MikE]

Last I saw him he was reading one of my rubbish posts. :puke: MikE

[Ski]

I'm just sitting here reading all of these wonderful replies.

[crooner]

Well, in the past I've been quite enthusiastic about services or certain brands of audio gear (not on this board tho). I've never had any commercial interest, however, there were always people questioning this and implying I was "selling" the product.

Just being a little bit more cautious now.

[Ski]

See! You guys were doing better when I wasn't paying attention.

[Thatch_Ear]

Just in case someone can set me clear on this; I was under the impression that EH was a label only and that they label other's wares. Do they have special "runs" now that are theirs exclusive to sell and are they using a single source?
I guess the same question for Ruby but think they are only Chinese.

[RuSsMaN]

I have no idea Thatch on the Ruby's. The quad says 'Made in Germany' on each tube.

I've had Russian (Sovtek) matched 6550 Ruby's for the Golden Tube Amp and have a set of 3 matched 12AX7 in the Audio Experience preamp - that don't say where they are from.

Cheers,
Russ

[max-greece]

Recommending the EH EL34.

Does it for me and the price is right!!

Not often you see this much agreement on a forum. Almost enough to make me post - oh - it was enough...