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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
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. 


meiatflask OP
152 posts
 
Charles1dad-

Thanks for your comments on SET amps.Given an under 3K budget, I suspect that I am in the mediocre range of 300b amps. 

Leaning toward used for best value, what are the EL34s amps that you consider excellent that I should consider.  I have seen classic Marantz 8b in the ~3K range, which is why I asked my original question:  (ignoring the investment aspect) are there current 3K El34 amps better than the old 8b?
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
meiatflasck

Japanese Triode makes a really nice sounding and looking 300B integrated, even comes with a remote and mm phono stage. You can find out more at:  http://www.twinaudiovideo.com

The model is TRV-A300SE R

If you go this route you should plan on a good speaker ahead of time. I have not fallen in love with many single driver speakers and I think a lot of speakers that claim super duper efficiency are not all that efficient. Might take a little research and some money. 
Good luck


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