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I have a Cronus Magnum II, which I enjoy with the stock KT120s and winged C 6550s, but I've been looking to try some EL34s in it for quite some time. I have a Gold Lion reissue 12au7 preamp tube in it and the other small tubes are the stock JJs. I am currently running Klipsch Heresy IIs so the lower power is not an issue nor is depth plumbing bass.My only real experience with EL34s was hearing a Conrad Johnson MV60 (non SE version) about 20 years ago, which I believe had the SED winged C EL34 in it. I found the sound intoxicating. To the extent possible, that's the sound I'm looking to replicate.
From the user reviews and seller descriptions I've read, I am leaning towards the Russian Mullard EL34 reissue, which has been compared favorably to the old winged C.
I have to admit to preferring not to buy Russian tubes since the invasion of Ukraine, so while I'm open to doing so if need be, and would appreciate recommendations, I'd also appreciate thoughts on, say, JJ or Psvane EL34s (or equivalents).
Thanks in advance!
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
Edits: 02/15/23Follow Ups:
flying C EL34. Didn't care for the sound yesterday but haven't been used much and not at all for almost 20 years. Sounding better today.Comparing to what I normally use, the Tunsol grey plate 6550 or black plate, which of course are totally different tubes, they don't have quite the openness or air but still nice.
Wow, it has been many years, and as mentioned, the winged C have no real use on them but they are coming to life today. Nice fine detail but with the wonderful midrange and good bass control. Extended highs as well.
iBasso DX300MAX Ti. Focal Utopia and Stellia. iBasso SR2. Mr. Speakers, Ether II, Voce stats. Manley, Absolute headphone amp. LTA MZ3, Z10e electrostatic amp. Many other headphones, amps, cables etc.
Edits: 02/16/23
But, ya know, worth asking!
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
didn't use them or may have for an hour or two, which is the reason I have a number of tubes. Little did I know that years later they would be hard to get. I have the 6CA7 as well and other power tubes.
I am just glad I have them as the amp I am currently using only uses 2 power tubes (headphone amp) and that gives me a lot of choices to try from old NOS Mullards etc. With headphones you really hear what the tubes are doing.
iBasso DX300MAX Ti. Focal Utopia and Stellia. iBasso SR2. Mr. Speakers, Ether II, Voce stats. Manley, Absolute headphone amp. LTA MZ3, Z10e electrostatic amp. Many other headphones, amps, cables etc.
I've been using the TungSol EL34B's for a few years now on Jim McShane's recommendation. An excellent tube with more sparkle on the top end and no sagging on the bottom end. ALL while still maintaining the EL34 midrange sweetness.
I opted for the JJ EL34II from Tube Depot, which seems to be considered a sweet spot in their EL34 line up according to a few user comments (including at least one from the archives here) and Tube Depot's description. It was also one of the least expensive options - down there with the entry level PSvane offerings, at $125 for a matched quad with 24 hour burn in.
I'll report back. If I don't like it, I'll probably go for the Mullard or Tungsol reissue, or the PSVane EL34UK (the PH is more than I want to spend).
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
JJ makes an excellent EL 34, with several versions available.
Their options were a bit overwhelming at first as I rowed my way through the interwebs:KT77
EL34L
EL34II
EL 34
6C7ABut according to the JJ site, and the Tube Depot site, they are ranked from most forward/bright to laidback/dark in the order listed above (top to bottom). And an inmate here posted last spring that he had nice results with the EL34II. It's also the least expensive. It'll be fun to find out how they sound in my system.
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
Edits: 02/16/23
for sharing your research/findings on the JJ tubes. I shouldn't have to replace my power tubes any time soon but it's good to know about other options. If convenient, an update after use will be appreciated.
.
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
In the amps I tried them in, they were just GLORIOUS. Not as linear as GL KT88s which I ended up using, but man they were seductive. I still have a quad somewhere, and a quad of the =C= EL34s.
Jack
Edits: 02/16/23
I have a set I bought for my CJ Premier 11A from a fellow Inmate. I swapped them into my Rogue Cronus Magnum II and and put the KT120s into the CJ and enjoyed those set ups too. In the end I swapped the tubes back, partly because the CJ doesn't have indented tube sockets and the KT120s dwarfed it, while the 6550s looked tiny in the CMII.I really like both, but the winged C 6550s seems a bit more seductive as you say and also refined. Really a great tube.
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
Edits: 02/15/23
Haven't had to face the moral dilemma of buying Russian tubes yet because I picked up a sextet of Electro Harmonix EL34s before the invasion. (Apparently, EH is based in NYC but tubes are made in Russia.) I was tempted to try their fat bottle 6CA7 but decided against it since there isn't much space behind the power tube sockets in my amp. Initially, I missed the warmth, sparkle and presence of the winged Cs, but as the EH broke in, the bass extended and things seemed to fall into place sonically. Plus, I was tired of chasing the out-of-production Winged Cs.
The Genalex Gold Lion KT77 is often recommended as EL34 replacements, but I have no experience with them.
AFIK, all of the current Russian made tubes are under the parent company of New Sensor, regardless of brand. That doesn't mean they all sound the same, but if you are OK with one, then you should be OK with all.
Jack
The EH are a possibility I've considered for both EL34s and KT88s. They are still available on a few sites at reasonable prices. I appreciate the feedback.
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"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
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