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EAR 834p-- which are stock tube replacements?

I have a moving magnet EAR 834p, and a tube went bad. I want to replace with stock tubes. I have tried nos telefunkens but prefer the stock tubes in my system.

Are the stock tubes just off the shelf JJ Tesla ECC83/12ax7 ? If so, does EAR conduct any selection process for low noise etc? Or can I just buy cheap new JJs and get just what the factory provides?

Thanks for any advice. If you are compelled to suggest alternative tubes ( I know it is sometimes difficult to resist) please note that I am NOT looking for more treble detail, cleaner mid-range, etc. I am looking for a very organic sound with a rich, full mid-range and musical treble, which I perceive the JJs to provide. I am willing to give up extension and some loss of detail in order to get this.

Thanks!
montaldo
fred_s
30 posts
 
I bought mine used but it a full set of Mullards in it which the original owner told me were original but old. It apparently was an early unit.

The sound was wonderful. I sold it to get an EAR 864 preamp which has the 834 phono pre built into it. Now I'm currently using an EAR 868 preamp with integral phono section which is a step up but not a big step. I'm keeping the 864 and switch to it every so often.

Hope this helps!  

Fred
montaldo OP
201 posts
 
I just bought a set of nos Millard's for the 834. I have always liked mullard. Hopefully they will be great. 4x-5x cost of the JJ, but hopefully worth it!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,816 posts
 
I spoke with EAR's Tim de Paravicini at the Anaheim Show in 2014, and he told me his favorite tubes are the old Mullards. He often uses the 7DJ8 in place of the more common 6DJ8. The two are interchangeable, the 7 merely capable of running on higher voltage than the 6.
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