2. amps-preamps
  3. 1245704137

Replacement EL34 Mullard valves for Leben CS300X

6+ months ago I succumbed to temptation and bought a used CS300X over the internet from a German dealer. The unit was in very good condition and the sound quality has been excellent. Sadly one of the Mullard EL34 output valves has now failed and a second is about to go. I have no idea how to source a replacement quad set - though I suspect scarcity is the least of my problems. Finding genuine NOS at a reasonable price feels like a very tricky business. Does anyone have any guidance?

PS - I have bought a quad set of Golden Dragons to keep me going. I suspect there is some run-in required but it does seem as though some of the original magic has gone.
richardjames
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I would suggest trying a new production quad of the SED brand ....Jim McShane,Tube Depot etc.........I think you will be suprized at how good they are.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
AES Antique Electronic supply, in Az. might help you, or point you in the right direction. Not sure.

They do sell the original CED winged C EL34 from Russia... I run them in my mono blocks and enjoy them immensely. I doubt seriously though they possess that SET like sound the orig Mullards possess... My understanding of these newly 're-issued' (remade) Mullards are that they are very diffferent from what they used to be.

Also, I understand NOS EL34 Mullards are quite expensive.

Do report back if you indeed find a source for those tubes... depending on price, I'd like to give them a try myself.

the winged C 34's have a very good midrange BTW... a bit more tubey sounding than some other 34's.

Good luck.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I replaced Xf1 Mullard EL34s in my SET monoblocks (where they're used as driver tubes) with the reissue Genalex/Gold Lion KT77s. Supposedly a drop-in replacement for EL34s, these KT77s have been absolutely amazing. Much clearer than the Mullards, which are supposedly the holy grail of EL34s. I have no idea how they'd sound in your amps but thought it was worth a mention. Dave
More to discover