2. amps-preamps
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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
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349
257 posts
 

Before you give up, remember: Tubes do require burn-in time! You don't say whether you've done this but it's been my experience that you can't simply plug in a set of tubes and go.

Have you done any burn in? If so, how long? Also, Prima Luna has a reputation for not being hard on tubes. It would imply to me proper burn in would take longer?

Happy listening.

doyle3433's avatar
doyle3433
349 posts
 

I'm about three weeks in with a matched quad of Telefunken EL34 TK reissue i got from Viva Tubes. (still on sale BTW). They replaced the Gold Lion KT88's that came with my Cary SLI80HS.

So far I am really digging these new tubes. I hear a much more controlled sound, tighter on the low end, nice smooth mids. High end maybe rolled off a little.. but that may change once they're burned in a little more. 

brighamdoc OP
14 posts
 

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies.

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.

I do think system synergy probably plays a huge factor in what I'm hearing and it will really come down to just rocking and "Rolling" to find another quad.

Again thanks for all the great sources and experience with EL34s.

awise1961's avatar
awise1961
130 posts
 

In your EVO300 amp, have you changed out the 12AU7 tubes. It makes a big difference. When I had my pair of EVO400's and ran them as monoblocks, I used vintage mid 60's CIFTE 12AU7's.

sns
3,952 posts
 

I always preferred EL34 in my push pulls, Kt's just don't have the magical mids of EL34. I was lucky in that I was using push pulls during time frame the 'good' SET were in production. I have a stash including some Black Sabre, a cryo'd version of these, I'm keeping in case I ever go back to a push pull.

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