el34 options for the Dodd 120 monos?

toobluvr · « **on:** 24 Feb 2006, 05:17 pm »

Mine have the stock JJ's.
Anyone try any different ones?

I'm getting good dynamics, speed, clarity and detail in my setup, but am looking for a bit more. With the Dodds, I know I am listening to tubes, but it sounds more "solid statish" than what I am used to. Actually, they are probably just more neutral, and less colored, than what I am accustomed to.

I have been in the SET camp for the past several years, and I guess my ears and preferences are tuned in that direction. Maybe what I am seeking is just not achievable with anything but an SET amp.

Overall, I really like these amps, so I hope they can be "shaped" to give me a bit more of the "human" quality. I'd like a bit more emotion and involvement. Obviously, I don't care to give up too much transparency and pop, but moving the sound more towards "lush" is OK with me.

I am not willing to spring for any NOS....just way too pricey!
I was hoping that one of the current production el34 will give me a deeper, richer and more organic quality, and better connection to the music. I've been reading some pretty good things about the current production "Mullard reissues". Or perhaps one of the 6ca7 fat bottles, either Ei or Electro Harmonix?

I have tried rolling the smaller tubes (TungSol 5687 and GE 7044), and while I can hear differences, I find their effects to be too subtle.

Thanks in advance for all comments, recommendations and opinions.

John

Danny Richie · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Feb 2006, 05:40 pm »

I have had those amps in my system several different times.

I know what you mean. They have more upper end extension, bottom end control, speed and detail like a good solid state amp. This can seam like quite the change if you are used to SET amps.

More then anything I have found more differences from the pre-amp driving them. These amps tend to pass what they get without coloring it any.

I am using a Dodd Audio tube pre-amp and a DAC-60 with tube output stage and not missing any of that lush mid-range. Female vocals are great for goose bumps.

Right now though I am using his smaller and newer style 50 watt mono-blocks. They sound a lot like the 120's and use a very similar front end. My front end uses a pair of 7044's.

toobluvr · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Feb 2006, 06:49 pm »

Quote from: Danny

I have had those amps in my system several different times.

I know what you mean. They have more upper end extension, bottom end control, speed and detail like a good solid state amp. This can seam like quite the change if you are used to SET amps.

More then anything I have found more differences from the pre-amp driving them. These amps tend to pass what they get without coloring it any.

I am using a Dodd Audio tube pre-amp and a DAC-60 with tube output stage and not missing any of that lush mid ...

thanks Danny!

To this point, I have tried 2 different active linestages, and even a passive, and what I seek still eludes me.

are you able to say if the 50s are sweeter than the 120s, or in any way, offer more "emotional pull"?

alotaklipsch · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Feb 2006, 08:51 pm »

I have been using 1950's mullard metal base, with 2 GE 7044, and 1 Amperex Pinch Waist 7119 in the middle position, or trading with a bendix 6900. The sound is GLORIOUS. Look on ebay for MULLARD EL 34's.

BTW, on the tube asylum AA, there is a guy who ran accross a box of MUllard brown base double d getter's, you could prbably buy cheap. These are new NOS tubes. I reccomend you email him for 2 quads.

toobluvr · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Feb 2006, 09:31 pm »

Quote from: alotaklipsch

I have been using 1950's mullard metal base, with 2 GE 7044, and 1 Amperex Pinch Waist 7119 in the middle position, or trading with a bendix 6900. The sound is GLORIOUS. Look on ebay for MULLARD EL 34's.

BTW, on the tube asylum AA, there is a guy who ran accross a box of MUllard brown base double d getter's, you could prbably buy cheap. These are new NOS tubes. I reccomend you email him for 2 quads.

thanks for the input......
but what is your definition of "cheap"?
I usually see NOS Mullards el34 for several hundred per pair.

Maybe if only one pair were needed, I could swing it.
But when you need 8 tubes, this is certainly not cheap to me!!

Danny Richie · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Feb 2006, 10:32 pm »

I think the 50 watt amps sound nearly exactly like the 120's but have a slightly sweeter mid-range to them. They use a single 824B output tube.

alotaklipsch · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Feb 2006, 11:35 pm »

Quote from: toobluvr

thanks for the input......
but what is your definition of "cheap"?
I usually see NOS Mullards el34 for several hundred per pair.

Maybe if only one pair were needed, I could swing it.
But when you need 8 tubes, this is certainly not cheap to me!!

READ THE THREAD, AND DO NOT SULK