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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
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
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
@bradf yep, Brent said the Amperex Holland OEM labels would be a step up from RCA "smoked glass" 6bq5. But i ask myself should i stay with European tubes/sound i already experienced with my Telefunken E84L or to try different U.S. made RCA sound? 
scorpio1951
189 posts
 

   I use NOS Telefunken tubes from the 50's and  60's in my two pieces of McIntosh gear. I am sure there are other good brands, but this is the tube brand that I use with much satisfaction.
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @chakster :  """   something pretty much involving, maybe different sound. Some modern tubes i have tried were total crap and non involving at all. .... """

Stop to play rolling tubes, it's useless and can give you what you are looking for: TRUE MUSIC ENJOYMENT.

If that is your target you need to change and forget almost all the AHEE teached and you learned as a very good audiophile. You need to take a radical path to arrive  " there " and only have one alternative that's through a good SS overall design. Tubes can't honor MUSIC, yes can make sounds but that's all.

You are an audio hyperactive gentleman so why not ( " just for fun ". ) make that " proscripted " ( by AHEE. ) change?. You can do because if you want to grow up then you have to experience NEWAYS to do it!
After all, we have to test and listen " new " things to evaluate if we are really in the rigth road or not. That's what you do every day with your several cartridges to evaluate whcich are the best ones.


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC not DISTORTIONS,
R.
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