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Modern EL34s VS NOS Winged C - and return policies?

A couple questions for the tube veterans here:

1. If I buy a new set of premium tubes and they sound fine but just don’t have the magic I’m after, can I usually return them?

2. What current-production EL34 comes closest to the NOS Svetlana SED Winged C?

My setup:

• Sonore ultraRendu streamer

• Gustard R26 DAC

• PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp

• PrimaLuna EVO 300 power amp

• PureAudioProject Trio15 Classics

I’ve rolled Tung-Sol KT150s, KT120s, Gold Lion KT88s, the stock PrimaLuna tubes, and NOS Svetlana SED Winged C EL34s. The SEDs absolutely destroy the others in soundstage and holography — it’s not subtle. I often struggle to hear big differences between DACs and streamers, but the SEDs are jaw-dropping.

I’m tempted to sell off all my other tubes and double down on EL34s, but I worry a new set might not have the same magic. I’m also willing to pay for another set that does.

Any thoughts on modern EL34 alternatives or experiences dealing with tube dealers who are sympathetic to nutcases like me? Thanks!

brighamdoc

Showing 1 response by alvinnir2

alvinnir2's avatar
alvinnir2
132 posts
 

The Svetlana EL34 Winged C was my go to tube in my Quicksilver Mid Mono Monoblocks. I tried the Genelex KT77  and unlike another poster, did not prefer it to the Winged C. It was more clinical sounding.

One new production tube I did like a lot was the Psvane EL34PH. It is their attempt to copy the original Phillips Metal base EL34. It became my tube of choice for my amps. They also make an EL34UK that is modelled after a Mullard EL34.

I also have some of their Horizon KT88 tubes that I am currently using which I like a lot.

 I know I sound like a Psvane fanboy but after many years where Russian tubes were the go to tubes because of their availability and Chines tubes were mostly junk, I feel the tube landscape has changed a lot in the last few years. That being said, I can't speak re reliability long term although I've not had any tube failures with these yet. Also, they take a fair bit of time to break in.

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