Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2014 18:35:20 GMT -7
Fixing to put in a tube order here--running low on spares--and thought I'd see what folks are running these days. Need a couple pairs EL84s--been using the JJs or EHX in my Maz 18 and they're fine, but willing to try something different for maybe a bigger sound. Also always looking for a good source for EF86's--new production or NOS. I know the usual suspects--KCA, etc.
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Post by BritInvasion on Apr 15, 2014 19:29:57 GMT -7
I've been real happy with the TAD EL84-STR's I've been getting from KCA for a couple years now. I get 'em with the "GT" rating he offers since that tends to get them in spec , FWIW.
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Post by jb on Apr 16, 2014 11:31:34 GMT -7
EL84's - currently using the NOS GE EL84/6BQ5 and like them a lot EF 86 - been using the NOS Dario Miniwatt which has held up very well
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Apr 16, 2014 13:07:17 GMT -7
EF86, no new-production for me. Seems like some good NOS's can still be had (aside from Dario's which are near extinct). Currently using Tesla's sourced from from KCA.
EL84, no idea.. except that JJ's are highly-regarded yet considered almost too bright & jangly at the same time. And Doc is using new production E-H, probably for better consistency/reliability over the JJ's. I have amps using both, but no NOS EL84's at the moment. Seems like I'd prefer to keep using new-production EL84's in cathode-biased amps, though, where they tend to get consumed faster than others.
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Post by Rik on Apr 17, 2014 16:35:09 GMT -7
I have been very happy with the EH EL84's in my Maz Jr. Much smoother than JJ's for sure.
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Post by fishman on Apr 18, 2014 19:59:59 GMT -7
ran across some NOS GT EL84s rated 6 replaced the JJ in my MAZ38NR and the improvement was immediate. smoother, no fang high end, good bass....hard to pin down exactly as there is a combo of factors but very noticeable difference...these must be at least 10yrs old if not more...
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Post by digs57 on Apr 24, 2014 20:09:45 GMT -7
Yeah the electro harmonix just have a well balanced sound...nothing calls attention to itself.
To my ears they are great for maz 18
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Post by wubberdubber on Apr 25, 2014 5:58:26 GMT -7
Tubestore's 7189's have been in my MAZ for quite a while now.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Apr 25, 2014 7:59:08 GMT -7
I have not used this vendor - yet, but I got it from a post here a while back. It mentions that if it is print that it is in stock. It might be worth checking out since it shows Dario Miniwatts.
www.hitestguitars.com/
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Post by boudro57 on Apr 25, 2014 8:14:07 GMT -7
Just bought Mullard EF86 from Gregg at HiTest (I believe he is out of Dario's) and really like the Mullard. The Winged EF86 that the Doc puts in the M12 are great too! I also got the Tungsram EL84 from HiTest and they offer a little more Mids than the EH. Doc does a great job of testing tubes before they go out with the amp. The EH EL84 that he ships out with the amp are stronger than the ones I got from another tube provider.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2014 9:04:23 GMT -7
Yeah, I talked to Gregg about six months ago and at that time he had a bunch of Darios around. I didn't order from him because he makes it kind of hard--first you have to have a long phone conversation, then you have to write a check and mail it old school. I ordered some winged-Cs from the Tube Store instead, along with a pair of EH EL84s and a pair of new Mullard EL84s, just for grins.
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Post by boudro57 on May 1, 2014 7:10:07 GMT -7
Be anxious to hear how you like the Mullard EL84's!
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Post by Deleted on May 1, 2014 7:16:00 GMT -7
Should get a chance to try 'em out this weekend. Just bought an NOS Amperex Bugle Boy EF86 on eBay at a reasonable price--guy very close to where I live. We'll see how that goes.
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Post by greenblues58 on May 1, 2014 15:35:01 GMT -7
I have just obtained 2 x matched pairs of the Mullard Reissue EL84 via Ebay. This was a rare find as not available in the UK via the few tube vendors there are. Haven,t tried them in my Maz yet but can report they are very nice and smooth and full sounding in my 1974x. I have struggled to find decent sounding output tubes for this particular amp once the JJ,s went. EH sounded very harsh though the same set in my Maz currently sound superb. Tungsol reissues very nice,similar to the Mullards,but redplating and cutting out after a few minutes(these were the lowest rated specs my supplier could give me) Currently running TAD STR which are nice but crunchy rather than smooth.
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Post by Deleted on May 5, 2014 16:08:28 GMT -7
Are the EH EL84's branded Sovtek?
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51d
Junior Member
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Post by 51d on May 13, 2014 7:53:11 GMT -7
A recently installed matched pair of TAD EL84str sound excellent in my Ghia 25th head - and a significant improvement on the JJs (now relegated to spares status).
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Post by muzacman02 "Jamie" on May 29, 2014 11:28:26 GMT -7
thanks for the 411 on HiTest Im a Valve JUnkie!!!!! I have so many but never Enough!
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Post by scottc on Jun 6, 2014 7:10:39 GMT -7
I have the Mullard re-issues in my head and combo - I like them and they are reasonably priced!
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Post by Brimstone on Jul 18, 2014 7:58:17 GMT -7
The reissue Tung Sol 84's have a nice tone. The JJ's quality seems do have gone downhill. What a shame.
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Post by Brimstone on Aug 20, 2014 15:42:51 GMT -7
My neighbor, who is 94, was cleaning off his basement work bench. I just scored a few, never used, RCA tubes. One 6BQ5 and three 12ax7's. I have the 6BQ5 earmarked for my Mini when she comes home from the shop.
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mazme
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Post by mazme on Nov 2, 2014 9:34:58 GMT -7
My Dad worked for RCA for 41 years, when I was younger he had boxes, 3 X 3 X 3 FULL of RCA and GE tubes. Every thing RCA and GE ever made probably. Literally thousands of tubes, he repaired tube amps and ham radios, in the 60's. I can still to this day remember the smell of hot tubes and solder, like it was yesterday. When I think back, of the gold mine he had, oh if I only would have known then, what I know now. I asked him whatever happened to all those tubes, he said he gave them all to a buddy of his, that was still in the repair business, and got rid of a bunch of them at a flea market. That flea market is closed, and his buddy passed 8 years ago. I checked lol. !@#$%^&*()
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Post by scottc on Nov 25, 2014 9:25:17 GMT -7
Forgot to mention that I have had the Mullards in my combo for well over a year (3 to 4 gigs per month, plus rehearsals, etc) and they still sound great and have never had an issue (knock on wood!)
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Post by kustom250 on Nov 25, 2014 9:33:07 GMT -7
I don't mind the new EH EL84s. They don't seem to last very long tho'.
I've been very happy with a pile of 6P14P tubes I ordered off eBay from the Ukraine tho'.
Who know's if I'd ever be able to get the same thing again? But they were cheap and worth the chance.
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