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I know this question has been asked in the past. I've searched the forum and read most of the coments. But many of the comments are pretty old. So here goes.I have a Music Reference RM-9 MK-II power amp that currently has 4 Tesla EL34L per channel and 4 Sovtek 6922 drivers. I purchased this amp used about 2 years ago and these were the original tubes. I've recently noticed that the bias adjustments of one channel are all the way to one end to get a good setting. I'm thinking its time to retube.
I'm considering the newer Mullard EL34's but was wondering that others had to say about them. And if not the Mullard brand then what would you suggest?
Follow Ups:
posts regarding the GT E34LS gold series. Got a quad (rated 8) for my ST70 and they are superb! Broke-in nice & quick. Crystal clear sound & detail. My favorite right now, edging out the New Sensor Mullard. Thanks!!!
There are two types of music- good and bad. Life is too short to bother much with one and hopefully long enough to fully appreciate the other...
But the GT EL34 GTE are no longer available...I tried to buy a quad and they canceled my order!
I think you want to avoid ANY hardness in the drivers, so there I recommend the newer EH 6922s. The SED EL34 is tonally neutral in the RM, and you'll get great bass, soundstage and imaging, too. The EHs are much less ragged on top than the Sovteks, so something was changed even though I have been told they are "the same". If you want NOS drivers, try 60's Telefunken E88CCs. They are not soft at all, but they are more so than the Siemens. NOS Mullards can be nice, but you will pay big $$$$, whether or not they are the real thing.You probably know to re-bias the tubes periodically during run-in.
Good luck,
Paul S
I think you will like the SED Winged "C" EL34's very much.Stay away from the reissue Mullard EL34's as they are nothing more than Electroharmomix EL34's in a new box and different stenciling.
Brian
As I remember the RM-9 was made in the image the marantz 9 topology..The groove tubes E34ls are fantastic tubes and in my marantz 8 I have been using the EH and Im very pleased..Ill be selling a bunch of xf2 mullards on ebay under merccougar89 very soon because I personally like the newer el34s better.The amperex are great if you can find them as are the 5 staple telefunkens.They are expensive but very very good.
Great, Thanks.From everyones comments I think I'll look at getting 2 differant sets and do a comparison myself. I REALLY like the RM-9 MK-II but have no idea what it could do since I've only heard it with the tubes it came with.
Brian
I like the cryoed version of the Valve Art EL34B in my RM9. And I am using Telefunken CCAs in the driver section. I haven't found anything that can sound as good as the Teles, but that's to be expected.Here's a tip for you. Get someone to mod the RM9 by putting bias points on the top plate so you can use a volt meter instead of relying on those LEDs. Your bias adjustment isn't even in the ballpark when they "look" equally bright. Getting this truly balanced between the channels greatly improves the sound.
I did a little searching on the net and was not able to find a source for Cryoed Valve Art. Where did you get yours?Also that's a good idea on the bias settings. I can actually do that kind of mod myself. It just never occured to me that the bias might be off with the LEDs.
I got mine from Advantage Tube Services in FL. But it looks like their website is down. Not sure if they are still in business. You might post a message on the K&K Audio forum for Kevin Carter. He is a fan of these and knows Ken Chait at ATSI, he might have his number.
As for 6922, Early 60s Siemens 6922 with A0 code & grey shield are very good tubes.
Have the VA, JJ and EH. EH are the 6CA7 'fatbottles'. By far the best of 3. Much more improvement from going NOS and spending some money on Amperex or Mullard or...6922 or 6DJ8. Get 8 on E-Bay for $25 to $50/pair; all will sound good but only 2 or 3 or 4 will remain quiet.
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