EL34 Brand Choices

big_teee · Post by **big_teee** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 2:15 pm

I have access to JJ EL34L, EL34EH, Mullard EL34, and the TAD EL34B STR.
I can buy all of those above at a discount.
I am putting them in my 2204 Build.
So far I've tried the JJ KT77s, and the EL34EHs.
The EHs seemed thin sounding.
Please give opinions and experience with each.
Does anyone have any experience with the TADs?
Thanks in Advance.
Terry

Tone Slinger · Post by **Tone Slinger** » Sat Nov 19, 2011 12:16 pm

I would try the EH6ca7's. That would/could 'liven' up a thinner sounding amp. ALL of the pentode el-34's will lack bottom as compared to certain tetrode style tubes (KT's, 6ca7, etc).

big_teee · Post by **big_teee** » Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:29 pm

Tone Slinger wrote:I would try the EH6ca7's. That would/could 'liven' up a thinner sounding amp. ALL of the pentode el-34's will lack bottom as compared to certain tetrode style tubes (KT's, 6ca7, etc).

Those aren't on the list! I can get the JJ KT77, JJ EL34L, and the ones I mentioned above.
I get a pretty good savings if I stay with this one supplier.
I don't know if I would call this amp thin, but the 34EHs didn't sound that great.
I had the KT77s in it before one blew and took out the B+ Fuse.
They sounded better that the EHs.
Would the Mullards sound like the EHs ?
Terry

Roe · Post by **Roe** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 6:47 am

tad el34b-str - nice budget
=C= good
RFTs/Simens - even better

big_teee · Post by **big_teee** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 3:08 pm

Roe wrote:tad el34b-str - nice budget
=C= good
RFTs/Simens - even better

Thanks for the reply.
I'm retired on a budget.
I will stick with something in the reissue line.
I may just order some of the JJ34Ls I can get them for $11 each.
I could get a matched quad and rotate them through when they blow up! lol
The Next thing I'm doing is Putting dual fuses on all my Secondaries.
a pair on the HT before the diodes, and a pair on the Filiments.
That JJ77 blowing, and exploding the 1/2 Amp B+ fuse woke Me up!
I may Also try some larger value Grid Stoppers, something larger than the 1Ks I have in there now.
T

Roe · Post by **Roe** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 8:25 am

watch for redplating on v4.

Bunnest · Post by **Bunnest** » Thu Jan 12, 2012 3:28 pm

in the end its cheaper and better to get the RFT or other NOS tubes, the new ones may not last too long or sound too great...considering from a budget viewpoint, I think the RFTs are a great buy, if your amp is B+ of 450 or less...

Roe · Post by **Roe** » Fri Jan 13, 2012 11:33 am

the RFTs handle much higher voltage. I dunno why so many keep saying 450v

bill bokey · Post by **bill bokey** » Fri Jan 13, 2012 11:40 am

A friend of mine has a quad of RFTs in his Superlead for years with a 500V B+.
I have a quad in my Superbass, B+ is over 460V.

big_teee · Post by **big_teee** » Sat Aug 11, 2012 11:03 am

I tried the JJ EL34Ls.
They sound pretty good, and have held up so far.
I bought a new set of TAD Tall bottle 6L6s for another amp.
They sounded Fantastic.
Makes me want to try the TAD EL34B-STR in the 2204 Clone.
They are supposed to sound like the old Mullard EL34s.
When I get them I'll report back.
T

SteadyEddie · Post by **SteadyEddie** » Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:14 pm

I couldn't be any happier with the JJ 6CA7's.
Fat bottom, clear mids and smooth highs.

big_teee · Post by **big_teee** » Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:05 pm

Was wondering If anyone here has any experience with the Tungsol EL34Bs.
I have read good reviews where they rate right behind the discontinued Winged Cs.
I know you guys are big on your 6CA7s, But just wanting to know what is the best Reissue EL34, and if anyone has tried the Tungsol Version?
Thanks in Advance!
B_T

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