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EL 34 question

I have a VAC PA 35.35 EL 34 push-pull amp, that has had factory upgrades. I was quite happy with it, until I started using a modified SET 300B amp, which has blown the VAC completely out of the water.

I am actually giving thought to selling it, but decided to see if tube rolling might bring it closer in performance to the SET amp.

I have two sets of output tubes that are used, a matched quad of reissue Genelex KT 77, and a matched quad of reissued Mullard EL 34's.

The small tubes are NOS Telefunken 12AU7 and 12AT7, all aound three years in use.

I'm just hoping I can get some insight as to whether better performance can be gleaned from this old amp.

My experience with tubes is recent, lots I don't know, so any old salts that care to help with suggestions would be great.

By the way, the speakers are 94db sensitive custom Tannoy HPD's.

Best regards,
Dan
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logenn
91 posts
 
I use two different el 34 based amps and depending on the rest of the system if you use real Mullard XF 2 dual halo el 34's, not the reissues, you will get a huge performance boost in areas of midrange depth and image density or riichness. Also with the right input tubes- long plate square halo Mullards from the 1950's-your bass impact and neutrality will also improve markedly. What you will not get is the liquid immediacy of a 300b but again this also comes at a price. To put it another way, if you voice the system around an el 34, much gains are possible with tubes, cables and pc cords , and cartridges, etc
With the 300 b, you have an entirely different blueprint that requires in most cases a different compliment of accessories.
If the set 300 b has enough power it may be the ideal path.
ryriken's avatar
ryriken
164 posts
 
6ca7 Fatboys are very expensive, take alook at e-bay and you will see.
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islandmandan OP
1,260 posts
 
I've got a line on some 6ca7 Fatboys, I'm going to give them a try.

There's no question, the SET 300B is my go-to amp (system sounds its best in forty five years of trying).

I like having an alternative to turn to, for variation, and for back-up. The VAC is a very different beast (about 80lbs; mostly in iron), and has some advantahes for highly dynamic music.

Thanks to all for your contributions. Regards,
Dan
onemug
784 posts
 
>>>I like having an alternative to turn to, for variation, and for back-up<<<

We share similar tastes. 300b SET's have been at the top of my list of favorite amps for many years now...and... I use a Marantz 8b (pp el34) in a separate vintage system (with a 7c and 10b) and can listen all day to it. It has some of that "dark matter" magic stuff that does that kind of thing that is hard to describe or measure...it just sounds great.

It is nice to have an "alternative". Looks like you have some tubes on the way but will mention that I have liked the SED winged C and Siemens el34 tubes in the 8b.

If you can't find the magic with the VAC, you could try the pp 300b route. I have one and it works for me. It has that kick that pp has and with the 300b tone.

fjn04
1,561 posts
 
I have Amperex BB EL34's on the way for my LM integrated. I will chime in next week to give my opinion on them. I was told Mullard tend to be warmer than Amperex, while the latter is warmer than the Siemans. It should be interesting anyway. My guess is they will kill my stock chinese tubes, which aren't too shabby. These cost like 1/4 of what the amp cost, so expectations are high.
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