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Classic el34 tube amps versus current models

does anyone have direct listening experience on how the classic el34 tube amps of my youth (marantz 8b, dynaco stereo 70', conrad johnson mv45) compare sonically to the current el34 amps? i have seen some of theses older units for sale and have considered buyin one. i am in the market for a 2k -3k amp and saw an old marantz 8b in that price range.

i am a sucker for midrange and soundstage and listen to alot of female vocals. my speakers are original rogers ls3/5a and proac tablettes, both of which love the el34s.  i am inbetween amps right now, buthave recovered from a financial setback so i am back in the market
meiatflask
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Quicksilver Mid mono and Mini Monos has been our choice for many years Spendor LS 3/5As , Proac Tabs as well as Vandersteen 1 Cis
superb.
Its the transformers that make a great tube amp what it is.
 They are Made in USA well engineered hard wired, soft turn ons and run for many years issue free.
 JohnnyR
Audio Connection

 
  
meiatflask OP
152 posts
 
Not to change directions of the conversation, but a friend suggested that if I like el34 amps, I should consider 300b single ended.  Any comments on the 300b versus the el34? 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,834 posts
 
You will find a single ended amp to be more lush. To really appreciate one though, you need a loudspeaker that has enough efficiency that you won't run it over about 20% of full power (if you don't, you won't experience everything that SETs have to offer, as the distortion begins to climb).

The reason that EL34s work so well is not so much the tube, but the fact that its a lot easier to build a good output transformer when you don't have to make a lot of power. IMO the amps that feature ultra-linear operation seem to sound the best. The Dynaco ST-70 and Marantz 8B are such examples.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

Meiatflask,

I own
a 40 watt push pull el34 and an 8 watt 300b SET amplifier.
With the SET your speaker "must" be compatable meaning higher sensitivity and certainly easy load impedance. If you have the right speaker match the 300b is the superior sounding choice in my opinion.


To be very clear, there are excellent sounding el 34 amplifiers. This group has a hierarchy as does every amplifier type. All things considered if we’re comparing very high quality examples of both with good speaker matching for each I prefer the 300b. The 300b SET has been the very best sounding
amplifier in my system and is easily the most emotionally engaging so far. It goes straight and deep into the heart and soul of music.It is more natural and pure with superior musical flow and nuance.


This type of amplifier must have high quality output transformers and very well designed and robust power supplies to hear this genre at its best.Otherwise an excellent el 34 amp will outperform a mediocre 300b amp.

Charles

soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
meiatflasck

More people should be " suckers " for midrange. All to often when a system doesn't have a really good midrange people know they are missing something and go for a subwoofer... criminal. 


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