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SED Winged C el34. Help

I am tube rolling my Manley Snappers. I have heard many good things about the Winged C's. I have a few questions.
Are they reliable? I bought JJ el34's and the were like hand grenades in my amps. They blew and took out the tweeters and the woofers in my speakers! Ouch.
So I went to the EH 6ca7 at Manley's suggestion and they
have been reliable. However I would like to try the winged C's, but not at the expense of my speakers.
Also, where do I buy them. I saw a thread that said not to get the Svetlana version so I want to make sure I get the right tube. I have shopped at Tube Depot before but they don't sell them. Upscale Audio does but I have seen them for less at other dealers. Can you reccomend a good dealer?
I would also like to hear from those with experience with these tubes as to whether I can expect an upgrade over the 6ca7's.
Thank you, Scott.
abbeydog
abbeydog OP
70 posts
 
Okay, thanks for all the info. I will go shopping with all your reccomendations in mind.
Out of ten JJel34's I think I blew 5. Manley used to ship these tubes in the Snappers but had to switch to the EH 6ca7's for reliabillity.
Newbee I don't know if my snappers are particular in blowing up speakers. All I can say is that when the JJ blew it took out my tweeter and woofer as well.
Come to think of it, I blew an el84 in my Stingray and no
damage other than a B fuse blowing. Hmmmmmmmn.
lissnr
365 posts
 
I've used the JJ EL-34's in my VTL MB-125's with no problems at all... in fact they were very nice sounding as well. I used the new Electro-Harmonix also with good results. Could be your Snapper is harder on them than the VTL's? Tough call. I've used both theTubeStore.com and TubeDepot with satisfaction. Just my 2 cent experiences.
roblanger
117 posts
 
I replaced the stock Ruby's in my Six Pac amps with SED EL-34's from Jim McShane. More warmth overall and so far, more reliable.
abbeydog OP
70 posts
 
Lissner,
The problem with jjel34's as I got it from Manley's tech is a recent batch problem. They used to ship them with Snappers no problem. Maybe yours are older good tubes. I can't say what they sound like other than BLAM!!!!!
abbeydog OP
70 posts
 
I just bought two matched quads of winged C"s from antique electronic supply. $208 for the octet. Will give them two weeks and let you guys know.
Thanks for all your input.
Scott.
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