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EL 34

I have recently had the urge to stock on NOS tubes to tide me over in the future given the growing scarcity of NOS.
I favor the sounds of the EL34 but do not have the funds to purchase Mullard NOS.
So, my question is what is the next best midrange sound in NOS EL34?
Siemens ( and if so what era ) vs Tesla vs Amperex?  Any others to consider?
Thanks
MP
mpomerantz

Showing 2 responses by decooney

decooney
1,905 posts
 
As noted, If you have not tried them already, listen to the new production Genelex Gold Lyon KT77s.  Some of the vintage EL34s are getting to be long in the tooth or end up saving them away anyhow.  

The former EL34-BSTR made by Shuguang for the Ruby brand was actually a very nice valve in my former Cary amps.  Would still recommend either of these when mothballing the vintage supply.  

Just heard a well burned in quad of PSVANE KT88s on my buddies upgraded integrated amp, paired with good small signal vintage tubes, sounded really nice.  Quite surprising actually, as good as any EL34 I had heard to date new or vintage.  .      
decooney
1,905 posts
 
@mpomerantz a jeffsplace review replacing the stock electro harmonix EL34s with Sophia Electric EL34 and KT88s, on the Leben 600X. Gives an idea of what room for improvement might exist over the stock EH for your type amp.  Other member feedback comments below the article too, fwiw. https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/leben-cs600-cs600x-tube-rolling-with-sophia-electric-vs-ele...
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