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 decooney

@brighamdoc The KT120s and 150s had been in the amp for about 3 weeks listening about 3 hours a night.  Maybe not enough to really be "burnt in".  I may have to give each another month of listening.  I've heard the KT150s can take months to really shine.  They did sound good in the system so it would be interesting to see.

Yep. When I first purchased my last pairs of tube mono amps which run KT150s or KT120s, I kept going back and forth comparing the sound to my local dealer, same amps. He had 300-400 hours on his demos, I had 40,80, 100 on mine. Not the same.   Breaking in, wearing out, smoothing out, whatever you want to think about it - both quads of these sounded nicer after 200-300 hours on them fwiw.  As the time goes on and highs round off just a tad with wear, the midrange and body comes in more, also a little more euphoric now too -  from my experience with them. The difference is noticeable even with the most primitive listening to my FM tuner or CDs or high-res streaming. Not all agree but some good time on them can help change the sound. Wether you like the changes or not is up to you.