[yeldarb]

Before I start looking for tubes to "roll", can you fine folks steer me away from any that just plain don't fit the chassis?

[myoung]

The very early metal-base EL34s from Amperex (mine are branded "Mullard") definitely don't fit.

But I haven't had a problem with current production EL34s -- the stock Electro-Harmonix, the EH 6CA7s or the "real" Svetlana EL34s. I like the Svets quite a bit, BTW.

Mike

[yeldarb]

Thanks for the reply, got a set of "Winged C", ready to try, as well as a used Mullard rectifier.  Got several 12ax7s from my other system, so this should be interesting.

[myoung]

I'm using a Mullard 5AR4, too, and a pair of Mullard long plate 12AX7s. Some folks say the 5AR4 has the greatest impact on the sound, with the 12AX7s next, and finally the power tubes. Don't know about that ... but I will say that with the stock tubes, the SE-9 seemed on the dry side -- as close to an SS amp as I could imagine a tube amp sounding. Adding the Mullards to the mix, and the winged C EL34s, added some very pleasant warmth and liquidity, but not the syrupy thickness I hear in some considerably more expensive tube amps. I think you'll like the changes.

[yeldarb]

OK, I rolled in tne Mullard rectifier first.  Midrange obviously warmer and more musical, so, after an hour or two, I turned the amp off and swapped the EH EL 34s with the Winged "C" (Hot!).  More bass articulation and smoother overall, music "rounder", warmer, highs might be a bit rolled off.  Nice.  So, I turned it off again and replaced the EH 12ax7 with two NOS GE 6681 (made by RCA, a special 12ax7).  Music became more detailed, cleaner, surrounded by more "air", yet still natural.  Bass had more punch, too.  I'll play these for a while before swapping more 12ax7's.  I am also breaking in Fostex BK-16 speakers from Madisound and the speakers seem to change day to day, so I'll wait a bit before changing anything else.