What's the best EL84 amp?


My speakers have loved the two I’ve tried, both vintage. I would love to spend some money and get a great EL84 amp. Any suggestions? Not interested in an integrated. 

dhcod

So the best that I've heard so far is the Scott 222C. Wow. Sounds like my SET but with more power. It's an integrated with Amperex EL84s, a Mullard 5AR4 and Tele 12AX7s, but it sounds great even bypassing my Lamm preamp. A tiny bit rough around the edges so I'll send it out to be restored but super fun amp.

Others listened to: Manley Mahi, Music Reference RM-10 Mk1, Heathkit UA2, an Eico, a Leben (EL34), Scott 208 (5791s).

dhcod,

I like your description of a good EL84 amp--the sound is lively and "fun" and they can be a bit "rough around the edges."  Have you heard a good 6L6 or KT66 amp?  These tube types have a slightly richer sound and are often a bit less rough sounding than the EL84 tube.  

I should try one. Those are two tubes I have not listened to, not counting a Quad amp I borrowed for a day.

@larryi I have relatively efficient speakers (Altec Model 19's), but feel the large woofers still benefit from moderate to high powered tube amps.  What 6L6 based amps do you recommend, assuming a min. of 40 wpc?

The 6L6 amps I liked were old, vintage, RCA and Northern Electric amp, and the crazy expensive Western Electric 124 amps (they run 6L6 or the 350B tube).I have heard a number of custom built amps that use this tube.  The similar sounding KT66 is used in amps made by Synthesis Audio, an Italian company.  I really like their A40 integrated amp (2 output tubes per channel, 40 wpc) and their 100 watter the A100 (4 tubes per channel).