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Retubing dilemma

I have a melody el34 integrated amp.  As I mentioned in a older thread one of the tube store el34 preferred series tubes went up in flames. So now I have a choice and I want to see what people think would make the most difference sonically. I would like to keep this under  $200. 1.  I currently have 2 northern electric 6Sn7 tubes and 2 shuguang treasures 6sn7 tubes, 1 of each type on each side.  Should I replace the northern electrics with shuguangs so I have a full set all the same and just replace the el34 with the same preferred series or
2. Replace the el34s with gold lion kt77 that seem to be very well liked. 3. Other suggestions. 
As an aside if I went with #1 should I move the old shuguangs to one side and put the new pair on one side. 
Thanks 
jkontuly

Showing 2 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@oldhvymec

if you are talking about ruby tubes... https://www.dougstubes.com/brands/ruby-tubes.html

ruby is a rebrander, and sources their tubes from russia, china (shuguang) and slovakia (jj tubes - using former tesla tube making tooling from the former czech republic) -- latest info from them here... ------------->

https://shop.magicparts.com/?fbclid=IwAR3eolepHSTM_IdtcZ_ynt1hV7dwlyjuMDoLiDxoVAW4fAB25qBugv4gfBg
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@rodman99999
@hilde45

hilde, rodman is right... kt77 is an el34 variant, kt88 is a 6550 variant, very different tubes different output power different sound - some amps can run both but most amps are made for one or the other -- as a generality, el34’s are less powerful but sweeter sounding, 6550’s have about 40-50% more output capability and better bass control generally a bit less tubey sounding

both are tetrodes/pentodes but can be run in pseudo triode mode for less power and more sweetness

agree modern russian made gold lion kt77's are among the best el34 variants, with the also russian made mullard reissue el34b's or tungsol el34's (same tube different labelling) a close second
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