New Mullard EL34 (Reissue) or SED EL34 opinion

haimoc

I am looking for some opinions on EL34 tubes' choice. The new Mullard tubes cost about half price of the SED EL34.

Has anyone tried both of them? What is your choice and why?

Thanks.

nikolas812

I have not had the chance to hear or use either one. Though I have heard good things about the SED. The winged C's will probably be my next purchase if I can't find some nos tubes in my price range.

george daniel

As soon as I get through with the anthem amp one mods,I'll most likely purchase some of the "winged c's",when I do,I'll post my impression,FWIW. Right now the NOS EL-34's (mullard, amperex,etc. are a little outta my price range). Hopefully someone who has experienced these tubes will chime in.

organ

I've used both in my Dynaco amp. Very similar tone but I remember liking the Mullard more. It had a lot more bass and better hf extension. Both tubes are very warm and laid back sounding. The EH EL34 is the complete opposite. Neutral and more exiting.

haimoc

organ wrote: »

I've used both in my Dynaco amp. Very similar tone but I remember liking the Mullard more. It had a lot more bass and better hf extension. Both tubes are very warm and laid back sounding. The EH EL34 is the complete opposite. Neutral and more exiting.

Thanks for your opinion. Yes, I tried both the new Mullard and EH EL34. The EH EL34s sound a bit bright and edgy to me, and I like the smooth and warm sound with better bass from the Mullard much better. I have not tried the SED EL34, but I heard they are also good. If both SED EL34 and new Mullard tubes sound pretty much the same, then the Mullard cost is cheaper. I will buy some more for backup..

Both EH EL34 and EH 6SN7 are not for my ears..

Thanks, again.

organ

Yeah, the EH house sound can be bright for some people.
Just re-read your post, where did you see the SED being sold for 2X the price of Mullards? They should be around the same price ($40 or less for a pair).

I'm using some EH 6SN7 in a pair mono blocks. They sound pretty good when you have a warm 1st gain stage tube mixed in. The selection of current production 6SN7 is very small. Hopefully it will improve.

haimoc

You are correct..

Mullards and SED EL34 cost about the same... The one that costs twice is BLACK SABLE SED. Too many different SED around...

For 6SN7, so far, I like Sylvania 6SN7WGT the most... Looking to stock some more of these..

organ

Not sure if the cryo treatment is worth the extra $ or if it makes a difference at all.

You should stock up on NOS 6SN7 if you prefer the older ones. They're getting harder to find and prices are getting high.

There is the new Tung-Sol re-issues. Haven't tried them yet. Probably similar sounding to EH since both are made by New Sensor.

haimoc

I have another question.. about changing tubes that are failed..

For example, the Dodd tube amplifier that I have comes with 4 EL34 tubes.. Let's say one or two of them fail for age... Do I replace only one or two failed tubes with new ones (same brand/model) or I have to replace all 4 tubes with another set? I am new to tube world, and it is great to learn more about them.. Thanks.

organ

Since you're using a quad I'm guessing the amp is push/pull. So a pair for each channel.
If the tubes are getting old and one finally give up, it's a good idea to just go ahead and replace all 4 because eventually the others will begin to fail when they run out of life.

If you have pre mature death ( say one of the 4 dies in a few months ), just replace the dead one. Don't forget to re-bias after changing tubes. Don't forget that if your amp is manual bias, each channel need a 'matched pair' of tubes.

You're in a very nice playground with EL34's. All the current production tubes are great and there are quite a few to choose from. Just becareful with the JJ E34L and KT77(EL34 replacement). They're having some quality control issues that's not 100% fixed. There are quite a few posts about this from tube dealers over at audioasylum.com It's too bad, the JJ KT77 is my favorite from the EL34 family.

haimoc

Thanks, organ, for the tube information and tube changing. I am going to play with them some more to learn more about them... If I have more questions, I am sure I will buzz you again...


Anyway, I found a pair of tubes that are SO EXPENSIVE... A pair of United 845 Rare vintage tubes costs $1200... and they were SOLD so quickly.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstube&1210985607

organ

No problem. I'm sure you'll have fun rolling 34's.

Yeah, it's crazy what some people pay for tubes. You should see how much the NOS Genelex (or Genalex, can't remember spelling) go for. The price will keep rising because supply is running out. Good thing the newer stuff keep getting better in sound and build quality.

george daniel

FWIW,, I installed some of the new production Winged "C" EL 34's in my Anthem Amp one. They replaced some JJ's that were in it when I got it from Noel. After biasing and playing with it for a couple of days,I felt the need to contribute to this thread.Purchased from Tube Depot,, they came well packed in some type of "thermal" package,promptly delivered,and they were notified as to what they would be used for and the brand/model of amp. I'm not sure if that makes any difference. I noticed that the bass was well defined and Tight,, mids were smooth and a little "bloomy and warm"(which I like),the highs were very appealing to the ears as well. I think what I'm trying to say is that they seemed to have more of a well defined presence,with the tube "warmth" that kinda grabs you when you walk by,and makes you say,,hey,, thats what I'm looking for, Can I tell a difference,,, hell yeah,,,,
Next up,, replacing the 4 caps on the board,,sonic,mundorf or jentzen? Anybody been there?

candyliquor35m

Has anyone compared the SED's to the old stock Mullards? I went straight to the mullard xf4's which can be had for about $50 each if you're patient and diligent.

doctor r

The SEDs have a nice open laid back sound that I am very pleased with. Cost was about $85.00 for the quad. I would defentily replace this set with another set of the windged C SED tubes.

dorokusai

I go with the SED as well but I keep a quad of each handy anyways.

organ

Awesome. Glad to hear you're enjoying the SED tube. I also find them to be very tubey sounding and that's what I like best about them. The sound is very organic. You should also try rolling the signal tubes. Much cheaper than power tubes.

I haven't played around with caps that much yet, but since you like warm and smooth, I think you'll like Sonicaps. I installed them in the x-over in my Klipsch Cornwalls and they are very smooth and warm. I'm going to get more in put them in the x-over of my La Scalas. I really like their sound.

Candy,
At that price it's not too bad, but it's the Mullard XF1 and 2 that are most sought after. From what I've seen around audioasylum is that many prefer current production to XF4. But at $50 each, it's not too bad compared to other NOS.