I have accumulated a good number of EL34s and do not really have a need for them, so here they are for sale/trade.
Since I cannot positively verify otherwise, consider all the tubes for sale in this ad as USED.
All tubes were tested on my Weston 981 III (transconductance). The reject point (65%) on the Weston is 1430 (EL34/6CA7), and Gm=5Xmeter.
I also tested these on a reasonably calibrated B&K 700 (transconductance). On the B&K, 65+ is in the good section. I do not know what average new is supposed to be (not in the manual), but it seems to vary from tube to tube. The meter on the B&K does not have a great deal of definition, so the reported numbers are a bit of an estimate.
Finally, I tested the tubes on a Precision 660 (emission). 65+ on the Precision is in the good section and, according to the manual, average new should be 84. I have, however, found that this number varies from tube to tube.
Note that all tubes in this ad were clean for shorts and leakage on all three testers, and all tubes easily passed the “life test” on the B&K 700. Unfortunately, I do not have a way to test for current draw, so I am only able to match up based on the three testers.
The various tube groups are listed below. Results are reported as Weston/B&K/Precision meter readings.
I do not have a verifiable NOS (“new” old stock) EL34 on hand, so unfortunately I cannot say how a new tube tests on these testers. For comparison purposes, however, a known strong Chinese EL34 I have tests at 2800/100/102.
With the exception of the Siemens/RFT, I have each type priced as a group. I might, however, be willing to split up some of the groups for the right offer (especially those with an odd number of tubes).
I can provide additional information or pictures upon request.
Group #1 – Quad Mullard xf4 Single Halo [SOLD]
These are all Zenith branded tubes in what appear to be original boxes.
Tubes #1 and #2 have etched date codes of B7C3 and a printed date codes of 78-09. Tube #3 has an etched date code of B8B1 and a printed date code of 79-09. Tube #4 has an etched date code of B7H3 and a printed date code of 79-09. All four tubes have pinholes in the center guide pins.
Tube #1 2800/105/97
Tube #2 2800/110/96
Tube #3 2700/106/96
Tube #4 2800/105/96
From the results, it would be very tough to find a stronger and more closely matched quad than these four.
Group #2 – 3 1970s Japanese EL34 (Pair + Spare) $90
Tube #1 is branded DuMont (printed on the glass, date code 77-48). Tube #2 is branded RCA (printed on the base, date code FH, indicates GT. BRITAIN). Tube #3 is branded RCA (printed on the base, date code FH, indicates GT. BRITAIN). All three tubes have a crosshatch on the top of the glass, but no pinhole in the center guide pin.
Tube #1 2675/107/96
Tube #2 2800/106/102
Tube #3 2125/92/100
Group #3 – 10 Siemens/RFT [SOLD]
All of these tubes have the characteristic dimple in the top of the glass (RFT East German made). Some still have Siemens printed on the glass, and others have no printing on the glass. All are identical internal construction.
Tube #1 2550/80/102
Tube #2 2500/86/99
Tube #3 2450/80/99
Tube #4 2450/78/99
Tube #5 2525/83/102
Tube #6 2475/80/99
Tube #7 2500/81/100
Tube #8 2500/82/98
Tube #9 2475/81/95
Tube #10 2400/75/98
Group #4 – Pair Mullard xf3 Single Halo $120
Both tubes have a date code of B4J2 and pinholes in the center guide pins.
Tube #1 2500/87/72
Tube #2 2675/89/72
I am not sure why the emission tester results are on the lesser (but still good) side, but everything else seems to indicate strong tubes. In any event, this seems to be a reasonably closely matched pair by any measure.
Group #5 – Quad Tesla EL34 Black Base Double Halo Welded Plates [SOLD]
All four tubes have 37 printed on the front of the glass and 509 B0 printed on the back of the glass. As best as I can tell these are 1980s vintage.
Tube #1 2600/91/96
Tube #2 2575/87/96 (missing guide pin)
Tube #3 2600/87/96
Tube #4 2575/85/92
Group #6 – Pair Tesla EL34 Brown Base Double Halo Welded Plates $80
Tube #1 has 37 printed on the front of the glass and 509 C6 printed on the back of the glass, while tube #2 has 37 printed on the front of the glass and 503 C7 printed on the back of the glass. As best as I can tell these are 1980s vintage.
Tube #1 2700/92/104
Tube #2 2850/100/104
Group #7 – Five Tesla E34L Brown Base Double Halo Purple Glass Welded Plates Offer
I cannot seem to find much information on the purple glass version of this tube, but the E34Ls do have somewhat of a premium over the EL34 counterparts. Feel free to make an offer.
Tube #1 2700/106/84
Tube #2 2900/110/106 (missing guide pin)
Tube #3 2925/108/105
Tube #4 2925/114/106
Tube #5 2750/96/99
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Please note that these tubes are being sold ‘AS IS’, but I will guarantee against a DOA tube (does not work at all). In such event, I will refund purchase price less shipping upon return of the tubes in the same condition as sent.
I ONLY describe what I know about the tubes, and what I have tested for. Although my tube testers tend to be reliable, YOUR TUBE TESTER MAY GIVE A DIFFERENT RESULT THAN MINE, so please take that into account. If the information is not there, DO NOT ASSUME, and do not rely on any of YOUR assumptions. If you need more information than provided in the listing, ASK IN ADVANCE. If I happen to have the information, I will provide it. If I can get the information in a reasonable way, I will get it. If I do not call a tube NOS, consider that tube used. I do the best I can with very limited time and capabilities. I am an honest seller, but I am NOT a tube professional, and I am NOT in the tube business.
AS SUCH, PLEASE NOTE THAT I CANNOT GUARANTEE (OR EVEN REMOTELY PREDICT) HOW THESE TUBES WILL SOUND OR PERFORM IN YOUR EQUIPMENT. THE TEST RESULTS ARE ONLY PROVIDED AS AN INDICATION OF TUBE PERFORMANCE IN A VERY LIMITED (AND NON-IDEAL) ENVIRONMENT. OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, I EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THESE TUBES OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR USE OF THEM.
The buyer is responsible for all shipping charges. Unless otherwise requested, shipping in the USA will be via US Postal Priority Mail, and shipping outside the USA is via US Postal First Class Mail International. Of course, the cost will depend on package weight and buyer location, so please contact me for a quote.
Money order/cashiers check/personal check preferred, but all (other than US Postal money orders) must clear my bank first.
I also accept Paypal for convenience (but add 3% to the total for USA, and 4% to the total everywhere else).
As indicated above, trade value will be considered (tubes, audio equipment). I do not have many needs, but things of interest might include SACD/DVD-A/HDAD discs, a DAC, KT88s, KT90s, and possibly some interconnects or speakers wire (but nothing outrageously expensive).
I also would not mind getting a pair of interesting high efficiency and high nominal impedance speakers (like the Zu Audio Essence), and I have other things I could involve in that size of deal (for example, a pair of modified Quad ESL988).
Please check my feedback on Audiogon, Videogon and Ebay (ID=baileyler) and buy with confidence.
