Your favorite EL34?

50jess · « **on:** 23 Sep 2011, 02:25 pm »

Most of the EL34 are current production tubes. I have a quartet of Mullard EL34 New Production tubes in my Cayin integrated amp. Considering a Tungsol EL34. I wonder how it compares with the Mullard.
What other EL34s deserve much attention?

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Sep 2011, 03:21 pm »

I like the early-80's Siemens EL34. There are lots of them and they aren't too expensive by NOS standards. You can get super-matched quads/pairs at the Music Reference website. You can find them cheaper elsewhere but they wouldn't be as matched or probably as reliable.

carusoracer · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Sep 2011, 04:03 pm »

I really like the Shuguang Treasure Series

Long break in but they are simply awesome.

AnalogTubes · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Sep 2011, 01:32 pm »

You may also want to take a look at the Winged C SED or the Svetlana EL34s.

datman · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Sep 2011, 09:45 pm »

Take a look at the new JJ 6CA7. It is an excellent sounding tube, in some ways better than the Black Treasures.

prokennex · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Sep 2011, 09:52 pm »

Quote

Take a look at the new JJ 6CA7. It is an excellent sounding tube, in some ways better than the Black Treasures.

How do they compare to each other? The JJ6 CA7 must be way less espensive.

I still have to buy another quad of treasures.

datman · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Sep 2011, 10:34 pm »

I replaced my Treasures with the JJ's. You might want to take a look at the forum over at Decware. I have posted my observations there.

JJ 6CA7 Thread:

http://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1316486514

50jess · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Sep 2011, 12:17 am »

How does an EH EL34 compare to an EH 6CA7?

steve f · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Oct 2011, 03:00 pm »

I don't like any EL34 tube. I tried to like them, but either EL84, 6550, or any OTL amp from Bruce Rozenblit is just plain superior. EL34 tubes sound too "polite" for want of a better word. Just my experience and opinion.

Steve

Ericus Rex · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 Oct 2011, 03:11 pm »

Quote from: steve f on 3 Oct 2011, 03:00 pm

I don't like any EL34 tube. I tried to like them, but either EL84, 6550, or any OTL amp from Bruce Rozenblit is just plain superior. EL34 tubes sound too "polite" for want of a better word. Just my experience and opinion.

If your amp can take it, try a KT90. I also usually don't shine to the EL34 sound but found the KT90 to have an overall quality like the EL34 but with more air, more authority and less bass-bloat.

wushuliu · « **Reply #10 on:** 3 Oct 2011, 03:19 pm »

Quote from: 50jess on 26 Sep 2011, 12:17 am

How does an EH EL34 compare to an EH 6CA7?

6CA7 is extroverted, EL34 is introverted.

jhm731 · « **Reply #11 on:** 3 Oct 2011, 10:10 pm »

Another good site for tube discussions:

http://jeffsplace.me/wordpress/

prokennex · « **Reply #12 on:** 3 Oct 2011, 10:51 pm »

Quote

6CA7 is extroverted, EL34 is introverted.

Can you elaborate a bit more on this statement?
I know extroverted is an outgoing type of personality and the other inward. As far as sonics does one express all areas with more authority compared to the other?

rbwalt · « **Reply #13 on:** 3 Oct 2011, 11:42 pm »

i tend to like NOS Siemens EL34's in my RM9SE. Great mids, highs, very good bass and they do not lack for dynamics in my system. they last a hell of a long time. 11 yrs in a RM9MK2 that i owned. what works well in one amp may not be the cats meow in another. ask your amp manufacturer what tube he used to voiced his gear on and what speaker. just might save one from p_ssing away allot of time and money.

rob.

bluemike · « **Reply #14 on:** 8 Oct 2011, 03:17 pm »

Who sells JJ 6ca7 and how do they differ to the treasures
The price is right

datman · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Oct 2011, 05:35 pm »

Antique Electronic Supply sells the JJ 6CA7. You are right about the price - a great deal.

I find the JJ's have a more tubey sound than the Treasures. Where the Treasures go deep, the JJ's go deep with energy. The mids are more fleshed out than the Treasures with as much detail. The highs are extended and smooth with just enough of that tube glow.

The JJ's are sensitive to driver tubes. If your first stage tubes are "warm and fuzzy" the JJ's will definately be too much of a good thing. They don't need help in this department.

I know this places me in the minority, but I prefer the JJ's to the Treasures in my setup.

bluemike · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Oct 2011, 05:41 pm »

Datman thanks for your impressions
Have you tried the jj KT 77 if so how do these differ to the JJ 6ca7
Have you heard anything with regards to reliability issues on the 6CA7
jj had reliability issues a while back not sure if this is now rectified

datman · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Oct 2011, 02:31 am »

To get the best out of my Decware Torii III you need to use an EL34 or a REAL 6CA7 that is a PENTODE, not a TETRODE like the EH6CA7. The KT77 is a Tetrode.

As for reliability, Decware has switched from the SED EL34 to the JJ EL34 to the JJ 6CA7. If either tube was problematical I can guarantee that Decware wouldn't use it. Remember, the JJ 6CA7 was introduced in 2010. I think by now they have figured out how to make reliable tubes.

Syrah · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Oct 2011, 01:48 pm »

I settled on Genalex KT77 for my Dodd 120s.

bluemike · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Oct 2011, 04:52 pm »

Good to hear from you again Syrah
Any changes to the system
I completely overhauled my dodds internals ..nice upgrade to say the least
I'm really happy with the sound
Tube change will seal the deal