Sturdy EL34s?

[mhuss]

I have to re-tube a DR201 (6 x EL34, 650v B+). What are folks experience with current EL34 brands in a higher voltage situation (besides "boom!" )?

The 201 has a split supply, so the screen voltage is about 2/3 the plate voltage, which helps a bit.

[martin manning]

I have to re-tube a DR201 (6 x EL34, 650v B+). What are folks experience with current EL34 brands in a higher voltage situation (besides "boom!" :P)?

EH had a good reputation for durability, but I don't know what the current situation is with Russian tubes. They seem to be available, but prices are pretty high at $38 retail. You now have Psvane as a relatively new option. The few reviews I have seen say they are fine. Ratings look good 800Va, 500Vg2, and they are $25.

[TUBEDUDE]

Anyone heard of progress from Western Electric on their promised tube production?

[cdemike]

I have a Hiwatt type build that has about 510-515V on the plates depending on the bias setting. It's had JJ EL34s for about a year now and I usually play it with the master all the way up through an attenuator, so I work them hard. No issues with them. Haven't tried other tubes in that amp besides a pair of EH EL34s, but their death was premature and due to a mistake on my end, not theirs.

[WhopperPlate]

I have to re-tube a DR201 (6 x EL34, 650v B+). What are folks experience with current EL34 brands in a higher voltage situation (besides "boom!" )?

EH had a good reputation for durability, but I don't know what the current situation is with Russian tubes. They seem to be available, but prices are pretty high at $38 retail. You now have Psvane as a relatively new option. The few reviews I have seen say they are fine. Ratings look good 800Va, 500Vg2, and they are $25.

I would love opinions from anyone experienced with any Psvane, almost time to make another tube order . Thanks in advance

[martin manning]

I picked up a single Psvane 12AX7 and traced it: https://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 29#p455929

[Roe]

this topic has been discussed a bit in connection with the 700v of music man amps. Often Winged = C= work, but these are not available anymore.

[bepone]

Tubes nowadays are just random quality, one day the same brand is ok, other is not.. there is no warranty.. what was the transport of those tubes, handling..who knows. All is in account.

Not possible to say anything about anything.

NOS is always preffered also if the price is high..

[martin manning]

Variable quality spawned the resellers, beginning with Aspen Pittman (RIP) in 1979, so it's not a new problem. Currently, Eurotubes in Oregon is offering a matched set of six JJ EL34's, pretested and burned-in for $150.

[wpaulvogel]

I’d put KT90’s in it and forget it. The bias is really close to EL34’s and they are basically the sound of EL34’s in a bigger bottle. KT88’s are also an option but the bias supply has to be modified.

[didit]

Hello --

I have had good experiences with both 6CA7EH and JJ KT77 as stand-ins for EL34 in the few amps here with aggressively high plate voltages. Small sample as it's just my personal collection, plus family and friends.

Best ..

[JD0x0]

EL34's should be good to 800VDC on the plates and 500VDC on the screens if they meet datasheet spec (which any decent quality tube should be able to meet.)

[bepone]

upper post
.....this is a way for popcorn...+ 200-300 Eur for output transformer+ tubes

[bepone]

..double

[bepone]

..triple