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Classic el34 tube amps versus current models

does anyone have direct listening experience on how the classic el34 tube amps of my youth (marantz 8b, dynaco stereo 70', conrad johnson mv45) compare sonically to the current el34 amps? i have seen some of theses older units for sale and have considered buyin one. i am in the market for a 2k -3k amp and saw an old marantz 8b in that price range.

i am a sucker for midrange and soundstage and listen to alot of female vocals. my speakers are original rogers ls3/5a and proac tablettes, both of which love the el34s.  i am inbetween amps right now, buthave recovered from a financial setback so i am back in the market
meiatflask

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Congratulations on your purchase and many years of listening joy. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Desktopguy, 
I can relate to your el 34 in triode mode experience. My el 34 is switchable and I preferred the triode sound with my speakers.  If was this enlightening discovery that led to curiosity regarding true DHT  (directly heated triode) tubes. 

I took the chance and bought a 300b SET amplifier,  immediately after powering them up the first time I realized that there was no going back. The sound quality, pure transparency and natural tone took a giant step upward. Its been more than 7 years of utter satisfaction with the SET in my system. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
A used Line Magnetic 845 SET or the Audio Space Reference 3.1 300b push pull I pointed out yesterday, either would be wonderful choices for 3 K USD. No question about it. True high quality amplifiers. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Meiatflask, 
It can become somewhat complex when comparing different types of amplifiers due to the multiple variables involved. Yet at times one can make general statements that have merit based on observation and experience, they just aren’t absolute proclamations.

I’d prefer the 300b even as a push pull over an el 34 simply because I believe that it is Intrinsically the better sounding tube. There is a used Audio Space Reference 3.1 for sale on Audiogon that is a 20 watt push pull 300b amplifier for 3 K USD. I say this amplifier with appropriate speakers will provide enormous musical joy.
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

Meiatflask,

I own
a 40 watt push pull el34 and an 8 watt 300b SET amplifier.
With the SET your speaker "must" be compatable meaning higher sensitivity and certainly easy load impedance. If you have the right speaker match the 300b is the superior sounding choice in my opinion.


To be very clear, there are excellent sounding el 34 amplifiers. This group has a hierarchy as does every amplifier type. All things considered if we’re comparing very high quality examples of both with good speaker matching for each I prefer the 300b. The 300b SET has been the very best sounding
amplifier in my system and is easily the most emotionally engaging so far. It goes straight and deep into the heart and soul of music.It is more natural and pure with superior musical flow and nuance.


This type of amplifier must have high quality output transformers and very well designed and robust power supplies to hear this genre at its best.Otherwise an excellent el 34 amp will outperform a mediocre 300b amp.

Charles

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