Groove Tubes EL34LS vs SED

07-08-09: Jaybo
el34's are supposed to be light in the bass...alays have been and ill be....their magic is the midrange.
Jaybo (Threads | Answers)

I would agree with you if El-34 tubes are used in ultralinear or triode mode, which is the case with the vast majority of amps. The same is not true when run in pentode mode with a regulated screen grid supply, as is the case with the Quicksilver M-135 monoblocks and the original Quicksilver MS-190 stereo amp.

Generally speaking, and relative to the other biggies, EL 34s tend to be a bit bass shy, however, with the right match of components, including cables and other smaller tubes like the 12au/ax7s, one can cull some very respectable bass reproduction. I listen mainly to large scale orchestral music and really don't feel I'm missing much in terms of heft/power. More than likely, though, the fellow who drives his car past my house now and then would disagree.

Consider Groove Tube EL34Ms made by Mullard; very dynamic and spatial in my Cary V12R. Another key with this amp is the use of BZ7 input tubes. -Lars-