[Chris Adams]

Just received one of these and have listened to it a couple of days. It's the older model without the tetrode/triode switch. It has a quad of EH EL34s and a quad of CV4024s with no name. I don't know the condition of the tubes, but it biases fine and sounds good. I'd like to get a set of tubes because these sound just a bit bright at times and I'd like to tame that a little. Does any one own or has any one owned one in the past that can recommend something? Thanks!

[steve k]

The 4024's are Mullards. I found the SED EL34's to be the most even sounding from top to bottom with a slightly "warm" midrange. A lot has been said about the Genalex KT 77 reissues but they weren't around when I had my VTL amps.

[Chris Adams]

Steve, I did a little internet searching and found the 4024s to be Mullards. Thanks for verifying that! From your description of the SEDs, it seems they may work for me. I'll look into the Genalex as well.

[tubesrule]

Hello i have owned this amp for 5 years. The one with the triode tetrode switch. I use EL 34 Fatboy tubes, from RCA or Sylvania. They are not cheap but i like the sound. The KT 77 are supose to be very good too. What is your limit on spending for new tested tubes. I have 3 quads of el34 6ca7 fatboys.
As for the 12at7 any good NOS wpould be good. Kein Deal or Jim McShane sell good 12at7.What speakers and pre you using.

[Chris Adams]

tubesrule, Thanks for the info. I just purchased a quad of winged SEDs so I'm going to try these before I do anything else. I spoke with Bea at VTL and she was adamant about using EL34s and no variations, and EH EL34s were the only recommendation. Being a noob at tubes I have no idea if the fat bottles will work in my amp. I also leaned that the plate and grid voltages on the older ST-85 are 600v, so any tube has to be able to deal with that.

[tubesrule]

Hello,
The 6ca7 tube is the same as the el34 tube. Just the American version. Google for some info on these. I have used these tubes in the VTL for 5 years with NO problems. You do need to bias the tubes every time you change the El 34 tubes. Changing the 12at7 no problem, don't have bias. As long as you can keep the bias right no problems. I am now using a quad of Mullard/Amperex/ Holland el34 in the amp. Will put back the 6ca7 fatboys this October. I use tubes in winter, SS Odyssey Mono Blocks in the summer. I also have the VTL 5.5 pre with all NOS tubes from Kevin Deal. What pre and speakers you using? Also interconnects.Thanks for any info.

[Chris Adams]

Good to know. I'm using a Pass B-1 for pre, MMGs with series crossover (same crossover Magnestand uses), and diy interconnects with 24 awg 200C magnet wire and silver over copper RCAs. Source is a highly moddified Teradak Chameleon.