davis419b Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I have been listening to tubes now for about 8 months. I have aquired some pretty nice monoblock amps and have heard the differences in sound that each one produces. I am back now on the first set of monoblocks that I bought. Every since I bought them which was 4 months after demoing them they just have not sounded the same. I know the fella I bought them from told me he put a new set in about a month before I got them but I am not convinced they are new tubes. Anyway I am wanting tp purchase new tubes and would like to get some feedback before I do. These are 35 watt monoblocks with JJ E34L tubes in them. I am looking for a better choice and your help would be gretly appreciated. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest davidness Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I am surprised you're looking toward the output tubes, rather the the input tubes. Haven't you found the input/small signal tubes to play a larger role in shaping the sound? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I use Svetlana, and Sovtek. I don't buy into any of the NOS magic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis419b Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 I am surprised you're looking toward the output tubes, rather the the input tubes. Haven't you found the input/small signal tubes to play a larger role in shaping the sound? I have never changed out any tubes yet so I dont have a clue what different tubes sound like. The imput tubes are Telefunkin EEC 81. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dsrtjeeper Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I personally like the JJ EL34's. I also prefer vintage NOS input tubes over newer versions. Many of the old military tubes are superior to my ears. Just ask anyone who has heard NOS Western Electric 300B's. It's more personal preference and theres good and bad in all types. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest davidness Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 The imput tubes are Telefunkin EEC 81. I think you'll find the input tubes will make the biggest difference. On my Bob Latino ST120 I tried a LOT off different 12at7 tubes (which the eec81's are a variant I believe), including a lot of expensive vintage tubes like the Telefunkin Ecc801s. The best tube for the money, in my opinion, is the CV4024, a military variant made by Mullard. And they aren't too expensive. Bob Latino has a stash he's selling for $30 a piece, true NOS stock made in the 1980's, I believe. Ymmv. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest davidness Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I see Bob Latino has dropped his price to $25 each; http://dynacotubeaudio.forumotion.com/t115p30-place-for-sale-or-wanted-audio-related-items-in-this-sticky-thread#3354''>http://dynacotubeaudio.forumotion.com/t115p30-place-for-sale-or-wanted-audio-related-items-in-this-sticky-thread#3354'>http://dynacotubeaudio.forumotion.com/t115p30-place-for-sale-or-wanted-audio-related-items-in-this-sticky-thread#3354 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ69 Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I like the JJs also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis419b Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 I have been told that the KT 77 tubes are very musical. I have KT 88,s in my pCats and really enjoy the sound, now if I can just keep them both up and running for a longer period of time I will be a happy camper ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighting guy Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Are you still having trouble with one shutting down? I thought taking off the bottom plates did the trick? Darrell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis419b Posted March 13, 2011 Author Share Posted March 13, 2011 Are you still having trouble with one shutting down? I thought taking off the bottom plates did the trick? Darrell I think one of the amps has a bad regulator. It shuts down after 30 minutes max ! I have left the other amp playing for 2 more hours with no problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighting guy Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 sorry to hear that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornman Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I think Davidness has it right, but in addition" there are other variables in your tube selection. Whats good for one -is not always good for all of us, which amp- which room- whose ears. I see it like fine tuning, that's some of the fun & flexibility with tubes - to be able to tune the sound for ones on ears. Know what change you are looking for (may include just testing what's possible) & you will find lots of choices. Best wishes, Cornman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis419b Posted March 14, 2011 Author Share Posted March 14, 2011 I have a forum member who is willing to send me some Amperex Bugle Boy 12-at7,s to try. I am also looking at some Gold Lion KT 77,s to replace the JJ E34L as I have been told they are very musical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarryO Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I just put together some Baldwin monoblocks and I'm running the Groove Tube EL34 "M" in them and couldn't be happier with the sound or price. I got the quad from Brent Jesse for around $120 to my door I've got about 250 hours on them now and they're a heck of a good sounding tube once burnt in. They're a bit similar to the old Mullard XF2. I bought them to put into the new build amps as a "Burn in tube" before I put in a high $$ quad of the original Mullards. They sound so good I've left them in. They've come in very nice with more hours on them. The low end and low/mids are really smooth and strong. They're a bit ugly with the "GT" decals on them but I can live with it since they sound so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis419b Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 I just put together some Baldwin monoblocks and I'm running the Groove Tube EL34 "M" in them and couldn't be happier with the sound or price. I got the quad from Brent Jesse for around $120 to my door I've got about 250 hours on them now and they're a heck of a good sounding tube once burnt in. They're a bit similar to the old Mullard XF2. I bought them to put into the new build amps as a "Burn in tube" before I put in a high $$ quad of the original Mullards. They sound so good I've left them in. They've come in very nice with more hours on them. The low end and low/mids are really smooth and strong. They're a bit ugly with the "GT" decals on them but I can live with it since they sound so good. Very nice looking amps Harry. Thanks for the advice on the EL 34 M, I will look into them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David H Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I have a forum member who is willing to send me some Amperex Bugle Boy 12-at7,s to try. I suggeset you try them, I didn't put much faith into tube swapping for other than microphonics and noise til I tried the Bugle Boys. I love them. Before the Bugles I tried new JJ, EH, Sovtec, Mullard, and even some old GE, Nos Mullard, Phillips, Conn, etc. All of them were good. The quietest low $$ tube was the NOS JAN Phillips 12ax7 $15 each. The Mullards were my preference for new tubes. Everyone prefers something different, Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davis419b Posted March 15, 2011 Author Share Posted March 15, 2011 I have a forum member who is willing to send me some Amperex Bugle Boy 12-at7,s to try. I suggeset you try them, I didn't put much faith into tube swapping for other than microphonics and noise til I tried the Bugle Boys. I love them. Before the Bugles I tried new JJ, EH, Sovtec, Mullard, and even some old GE, Nos Mullard, Phillips, Conn, etc. All of them were good. The quietest low $$ tube was the NOS JAN Phillips 12ax7 $15 each. The Mullards were my preference for new tubes. Everyone prefers something different, Dave Thanks Dave, I am definately going to try them. By the way, do you still have your Fastrac,s touring the country for demo ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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