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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
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.     

mani-2
42 posts
 
I do remember some of that old CJ stuff. But for me, if I can truly remember that far back, it was just a little too warm. To me they had a pronounced mid-bass hump, and a little thin in the area of true bass. And as I recall they weren't the most transparent either. I notice there's an affordable Australian made Melody EL34 amp being sold by a chap up in Canada. Melody is known for building things the way they used to, like tanks. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-melody-el34-dark-integrated-amplifier-2016-12-05-integrateds-...
iopscrl
196 posts
 
You mentioned the Marantz 8B as a benchmark of sorts at about $3k.  Others have suggested SET designs.

Have you considered other vintage amplifiers?    There are several golden era EL34 tubes amps that compare favorably to what is available new (after suitable rebuild...)

Dynaco MK-IV (mono blocks)  

1/2 of a ST70, as monoblock, but with the full power supply of the ST70,  extra PS capacity addresses the main weakness of the ST70 design. Many agree that the amp sounds so much better than a ST70.   And a rebuilt pr can be purchased for less than $1k if you are patient.

Pilot 264  (stereo basic amp)
Fisher X1000 (integrated amp)
Scott 272 and 296 (integrated amps)
Fisher 200 (mono blocks)
Fairchild 260 (mono blocks)
Acrosound Ultralinear II (mono blocks)
Leak 60 (stereo basic amp)
Cary 40m (mono blocks) and SLA70 (circa early 1990's)
Icon Audio Stereo 25  (new production)

While not EL34, many love the McIntosh MC30 monoblocks, and MC240 stereo amp.

I bring all of this up as an alternative.  You will be surprised by the sound of any of the above amps, after a careful restoration. Cost for each should be around your benchmark cost or less (+/-).  You will likely be able to resell for your costs should you dislike the sound, our find something better.

Just some thoughts.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

I hope you haven't purchased anything yet, because at this moment I'm listening to PrimaLuna mono blocks and loving it; four EL 34 tubes per side. New might be within your budget. Give Upscale Audio a call tomorrow, but remember they're on Pacific time.


Enjoy the music.
meiatflask OP
152 posts
 
i did just purchade a prima luna and plan to use it in stereo mode (for now) with el34s. its the dialogue premium hp. 
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