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Modern EL34s VS NOS Winged C - and return policies?

A couple questions for the tube veterans here:

1. If I buy a new set of premium tubes and they sound fine but just don’t have the magic I’m after, can I usually return them?

2. What current-production EL34 comes closest to the NOS Svetlana SED Winged C?

My setup:

• Sonore ultraRendu streamer

• Gustard R26 DAC

• PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp

• PrimaLuna EVO 300 power amp

• PureAudioProject Trio15 Classics

I’ve rolled Tung-Sol KT150s, KT120s, Gold Lion KT88s, the stock PrimaLuna tubes, and NOS Svetlana SED Winged C EL34s. The SEDs absolutely destroy the others in soundstage and holography — it’s not subtle. I often struggle to hear big differences between DACs and streamers, but the SEDs are jaw-dropping.

I’m tempted to sell off all my other tubes and double down on EL34s, but I worry a new set might not have the same magic. I’m also willing to pay for another set that does.

Any thoughts on modern EL34 alternatives or experiences dealing with tube dealers who are sympathetic to nutcases like me? Thanks!

brighamdoc
brighamdoc OP
14 posts
 

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies.

The KT120s and 150s had been in the amp for about 3 weeks listening about 3 hours a night.  Maybe not enough to really be "burnt in".  I may have to give each another month of listening.  I've heard the KT150s can take months to really shine.  They did sound good in the system so it would be interesting to see.

I do think system synergy probably plays a huge factor in what I'm hearing and it will really come down to just rocking and "Rolling" to find another quad.

Again thanks for all the great sources and experience with EL34s.

awise1961's avatar
awise1961
133 posts
 

In your EVO300 amp, have you changed out the 12AU7 tubes. It makes a big difference. When I had my pair of EVO400's and ran them as monoblocks, I used vintage mid 60's CIFTE 12AU7's.

sns
4,032 posts
 

I always preferred EL34 in my push pulls, Kt's just don't have the magical mids of EL34. I was lucky in that I was using push pulls during time frame the 'good' SET were in production. I have a stash including some Black Sabre, a cryo'd version of these, I'm keeping in case I ever go back to a push pull.

joeycastillo
82 posts
 

my only experience with EL34 was with a older Decware Zen SE34i 

Yes, I can confirm that the SED Winged C El34 Tubes, back then were Cryod, had the magic that no other El34 can match. 

have you tried Brent at audiotubes.com? SED winged C EL34 are a beautiful sounding tube. I don't know of any other tubes that can match it. I can hear back then what tubes can do. my speaker were Lowther DX back then, its able to resolve changes in tube rolling and the SED El34 has a big impact

IMO, i dont think there is any other EL34 by other brands that can match SED winged C.  but you can ask Brent from audio tubes

 

. 

nlitworld
83 posts
 

I've rolled a few sets of EL34 around. The Gold Lion KT77 are good, but I thoroughly enjoyed the PSvane EL34PH Phillips Holland replica tubes. Still airy detailed, but a bit more meat and dynamics coming from the KT77. Slightly sweeter sounding, but not syrupy or soft at all. To me, the KT77 had a crisp edge to them like a coworker who is always a little overcaffeinated. The EL34PH had a bit more of a Michael Corleone vibe. Just my $0.02.

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