Your Fav EL34 and why?

Not surprised by 1markr comments.

Although Gary recommended the JJ Tesla E34L, the SED is the second tube I mentioned in my post, almost identical ideas about what's good.

I have not heard the new JJ KT77's, they are probably excellent, perhaps Gary has tested them by now and can offer an opinion.

The original KT77 Genelex is the best sounding and best built. I have them in my Aesthetix Io but they are not a practical choice for the Dodd amps, due to the quantity required and cost.

I also forgot to add that the soundstage really bloomed and filled the room much better with the SEDs vs. the original JJ E34Ls.

I have not heard the orig. Genelex KT-77s.

Albertporter & 1markr

Thanks guys. Good.

I'm likely mistaken here, but I thought there were like five or six EL 34 makers these days. Not so, huh?

In any case, would you mind recommending a good vendor or two, for these tube types, EL 34; KT 77; SED...?

Anyone else want to chime in as to their experience (s)?

I'm far from qualifying a favorite here, but I can say that I have lived with 50 watt P/P zero feedback EL34 monoblock amps for about three years now. Mine are AES Sixpacs that came standard with Ruby brand EL34 output tubes. I understand Ruby to be a re-brander, so I'm not sure who the actual stock tubes were made by. I also tried a matched set of EH EL34's. I can't say that these were any better than my stock tubes, perhaps different is the better word. I believe the EH brand have a little more extension on the top, they sounded OK to me, but no real improvement. I then tried a matched set of SED Winged C EL34's from Upscale Audio. I can say that these definitely have more sweetness in the mids with as much extension at top and bottom that I have heard in my amps.

I'm not deeply familiar with your amps, but with mine, the input tube is a 12BZ7 that I was advised to consider rolling to a NOS type. I did this years ago and was amazed at the improvement in sound with this little tube, more clarity and detail was the result. Perhaps you have a similar situation with your Dodds, I don't know. Perhaps other owners or Gary could direct you with this one.

I too would like to try out a set of JJ KT77's as some report they have the detail and increased extension that I'd like to try. I read an awful lot on quality issues with these (poor solder joints, crooked bottles, thin pins) I'm not sure I'm ready to go there yet, more reading to do.

Regarding sources, while I'm sure there are many, I can recommend Upscale Audio for your matched set of SED's. They are cometitively priced and they are well known for their tube experience. One last thing, both my stock Rubys and EH EL34's held the bias fine, but the SED's are rock steady out to the third decimal on my meter, I'm not sure how relevant that is, but I thought it worth mentioning. Enjoy the new amps.

Mijknarf
thanks so much for the input.

I'll have to look into the JJ thing you mentioned, and surely talk to Gary as to the little tubes. I'm getting two types so I'll have a ball right off figuring what goes with waht best and go from there.

All the little ones are just numbered. 7119, 53?? etc. Ain't even sure who made 'em. By Friday night I'll know who's name is on 'em.

K.D. has lived without my money this far and that will likely continue. I'll never deal with anyone who maintains two price lines for previous and new customers for the exact same thing. Just a matter of principle is all.

That statement just says I don't need the business. Fine by me. he ain't the only egg in the crate... and I'll not overpay either, given there are choices.

I do appreciate the info on the sonics of the SED and JJ... and the JJ possible caveat however. Thanks.

Any other EL 34 resources out there? Anyone?