Your choice of EL34's

Albert-Where can you find KT77's. I have a second system that I'm running with Quicksilver mini monos and Moth Audio Cicadas. I've recently purchased a quad of GE 6L6 GC's which are incredibly holographic. I've heard good things about the KT77 but have not found any sources. Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks-Gary

I am searching for some myself. I recently acquired four new in factory box, a real find!

I occasionally see them at EBAY, but price varies wildly.

Getting back to tubes the average audiophile could actually find, hear, and buy without being independently wealthy, an inveterate risk-taking junky, or possessing an advanced degree in ancient audio esoterica: The Svetlana's are the best new EL-34's available IMHO (used in my C-J MV-55). There are previous threads on this subject to search for...

Yes, I auditioned a Jolida 302B with both the stock and Svetlana tubes and the Svet's sounded very good to me (warm and full). The only other EL34's that I have ever owned/used have been Mullard XF1's and 2's, though in different/vintage amps so a comparsison would not be valid. The Svet's, again, sounded very sweet and 3D. I do have NOS Mullards on hand in the event that I ever own such an amp again, but still would not hesitate to try the Svet's as well, based on what I heard.

Zaikesman, I hope you never hear any of those "ancient esoterica" tubes for yourself.

If you did, you would discover that money invested in premium tubes are often more improvement than twice that amount in equipment upgrades.

Tubes are not just parts, they are the heart of the equipment and almost as important to performance as the design itself.

One last factor to consider. Many of the old tubes such as the KT 77 are known to last 30 years and more. How many Svetlana's and for what amount of money would be required to equal that durability record? Assuming you are willing to take the quality "hit" along with the cash.