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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
psickerson
97 posts
 
Suggest you give primaluna HP a listen eith 8 EL34's.  Next up for me will be the KT150 tube which has received rave reviews. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 

Mani-2, Roger Modjeski himself agrees with you about SET amps! He makes a number of different models of them, for use with high-sensitivity loudspeakers. But for use with low-sensitivity designs, including the OP’s LS3/5a and Tablettes, SET’s are often not the best choice.

Modjeski designs his amps for specific tubes. The RM-9 was for EL34’s, the RM-200 for KT88’s. The RM-9 creates 100w/ch from a quad of EL34’s per (the Mk.2 version 125w/ch), the RM-200 100w/ch from only a pair of KT88’s per! And that power is achieved not by running the tubes hard (which is common amongst other designers and companies, and which decreases tube life), but rather by creative engineering. And unlike every other tube amp ever made, the RM-200’s power output increases as the loudspeaker impedance drops! The exact opposite is the case in all other tube amps, including the RM-9.

moofoo
291 posts
 
I am on my third Primaluna amp and have used EL34, KT88, KT77, KT120, 6550s and KT150s. Favorites are the 150s in triode mode, great mids, and EL34s. These two are keepers. Eyed many a 300b amp. Thanks gentlemen for this post. Learning so much on Agon from real world experience, Sincerely appreciate your time!

mani-2
42 posts
 
Thank you bdp24. Some very interesting details.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Desktopguy, 
I can relate to your el 34 in triode mode experience. My el 34 is switchable and I preferred the triode sound with my speakers.  If was this enlightening discovery that led to curiosity regarding true DHT  (directly heated triode) tubes. 

I took the chance and bought a 300b SET amplifier,  immediately after powering them up the first time I realized that there was no going back. The sound quality, pure transparency and natural tone took a giant step upward. Its been more than 7 years of utter satisfaction with the SET in my system. 
Charles 
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