I still have my ST 70 as well as PL 7 monos. Over the years, I've own several more modern el 34 based designs as well. The Dyna generally has a bit looser, fatter bottom end than the others. Beyond that, I'd say that characterizing sonic differences between any of these amps is almost entirely dependent on the speaker match.
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
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
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Hello Meiatflask, I would agree with charles1dad that SET amps generally do all the things you said you want better than EL34 amps. Line Magnetic is getting amazing reviews for their amps, and there's one based on the 845 tube for sale within your budget here: http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649217914-mint-line-magnetic-518ia-set-tube-amp-845-one-owner-gol... However, if you really want to stay with the EL34, and get the best of the classic sound without its weaknesses, I would second whoever above recommended the Music Reference RM9. I've seen a couple listed on A'gon within your price. I used to own one so I can attest to their musicality. Nevertheless, any true triode amp will outperform it. Just my opinion, of courses, and it goes without saying that YMMV. |
I love EL34s. Many years ago I had 2 100WPC EL34 tube amps, model RM-9, made by Roger Mojeski. I had each modified so all the (if memory serves) 8 tube sockets was switchable to triode operation, thus reducing the amps output to 50WPC. My intention was to bridge each amp for mono and use them in triode mode (each amp @100W/mono) w/my Vandersteen 4's mid- and upper-range inputs. The bridging plan never happened, but I did use one of the amps in stereo mode extensively, comparing triode to standard sound. Let me tell you, those EL34's, run in triode mode, were a revelation. I've never heard anything so "real," tangible and tactile as that. I also tried KT88's (I think that's the model #) tubes in this amp, and that was interesting: they sounded a little stronger & more impactful, but a touch less "real," than EL34's in standard operation; and they sounded weak and strangled in triode operation (that experiment didn't last long). I still have the amps and all the tubes in storage. |
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