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TUBES: Telefunken EL84 & ECC801

Hello. Who's familiar with sound of vintage 60s military Telefunken E84L (el84) and ECC801S (ecc81) ?

Can you guys recommend me something better than telefunken? I have a set of these Telefunken tubes in my WLM Minueta class-a push-pull and i like it, but this is the only one set of hi-end tubes of highest quality i have. Need to secure myself and buy another as a spare set. Also i'd love to try something better if possible. I listen my WLM in triod mode with Druid MK5 speakers of 101db and love it. I must say when i changed stock tubes (modern JJ & Tungsram) to vintage nos military Telefunked the difference was huge! I believe only with Telefunked i realised what is the tube sound.

I'm considering some other hi-end NOS tubes of that kind from different brands or maybe some top of the line new reissue tubes (i'm still doubt they can compete with Telefunken).

Need help.
128x128chakster
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
@noromance  

Mullard CV4024? Never tried, but they are widely available NOS in every tube shop as i can see (under $50). The Sylvania Gold Brand is not so easy to find, especially gold pins.

Anyway, not i'm looking for power tubes (6bq5/EL84) for back up, those Telefunken E84L is so rare and i want to put them aside for some time. 

I'm happy with Sylvania 12at7/ECC81 as an alternative to my telefunken ecc801s.  Can't buy every tube i wish to try, unfortunately.  
wolf_garcia
6,723 posts
 
Mullard NOS 6201 (12AT7) tubes from Upscale in my power amp (previous 4024s are in my backup tube bullpen)…gold pins, sound great, relatively inexpensive, and in my amp are the phase inverter/drivers so a little less important maybe than the 12AX7s in the input stage…or something…anyway, the Mullards flash when you start ’em up, which I enjoy (and demonstrate for friends sometimes…not sure if they give a crap, but hey…). I also use the re-issued Gold Lion 12ax7s, and GL KT88s for power, and both of these types are relatively inexpensive but reliable and available without paying for mythology. All work perfectly and sound great.
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
I'm sure it will be impossible to beat my military Telefunken E84L (quad) that i use now in my amp, so i'd like to avoid any new tubes made in Russia for various brands today.

I'm looking only for NOS vintage tubes from the 50s or 60s.
Seems like the late 50s or early 60s classic cylinder "no hole" plates with a tilted top disc getter RCA "smoked glass" 6BQ5 NOS is a contender, they are $109 for matched pairs from Brent Jessee. Anyone tried them ?   
larryi
4,081 posts
 

I run ECC801S' in a phono stage.  It is an extremely clear, dynamic and detailed sounding tube.  For me, it has so far lived up to its reputation of being extremely durable and long lived. 


But, it would be the WRONG tube if you are looking for a warmer, less analytical sound.  On that end of the sound spectrum, I like Amperex Bugle Boys.  They are warm sounding without being muddy.   

bradf's avatar
bradf
329 posts
 
Brent Jessie has a number of EL84 and variants in stock. Also a lot of good info about different manufactures NOS EL84 tubes

http://www.audiotubes.com/6bq5.htm
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