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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
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 
meiatflask OP
152 posts
 
getting back to the el34 amps, i find it interesting that any of the older  conrad johnson (mv45,50,52 etc) or new (classic 60) did not come up in the conversation.  while it has been a while since i listened to cj, i remember them as very warm midrange. or are the other brands just plain sweeter?
sidamo123
1 posts
 

It's also been a few years since I last listened to an EL34-based CJ amp & my recollection is in line with yours. It was an integrated amp & delivered terrific midrange but had rolled off highs & lows. While that sound is not atypical w/ EL34 power tubes I thought the CJ amp was a bit too focused on the mids at the expense of the highs & lows. 

My current set up consists of a PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium integrated amp & Spendor  S3/5 speakers. So far I've only used EL34's in the amp but it can also take KT88's, KT120's & KT150's. The PrimaLuna can run in triode & ultra-linear modes, & using the latter setting w/ EL34's provides my small Spendors w/ plenty of power & punch. Of course, these monitors don't have a ton of bass, but I've found the DiaLogue Premium S3/5 combo to deliver great midrange w/o sacrificing the highs & lows like the CJ.     

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