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EF 86
Oct 30, 2014 10:49:04 GMT -7
Post by greenblues58 on Oct 30, 2014 10:49:04 GMT -7
I have recently acquired a Blackstar Artisan 15(not a Z I know) which has an EF86 front end (channel 2 ) like the Z28 , Route 66 and KT45. I have plenty of 12AX 7 /5751 and EL84,s if anything goes wrong but no EF86 so I am looking to buy a few in for when the inevitable happens. Any recommendations for the best of current production and readily available (bear in mind I am in the UK) NOS valves of good quality at reasonable prices. Do I need short mesh or long mesh or does it not matter? A bit of research reveals that these valves are higher gain than 12AX7 and prone to be micro-phonic and hence slightly more noise than 12AX7,s which is what I am hearing between the two channels on this amp. Thanks in advance.
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Post by pcns on Oct 30, 2014 11:48:49 GMT -7
Doc uses JJ's, they sound fine Todd
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Post by doctorice on Oct 30, 2014 14:38:40 GMT -7
In the NOS arena, Dario Miniwatts are quite prized and, hence, pricey.
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Post by waynelawkid on Oct 30, 2014 15:18:32 GMT -7
I love Tesla ef806s NOS tubes in an ef86 role. The Dario Miniwatt is also a great tube.
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EF 86
Oct 30, 2014 16:47:47 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by southmusic70 on Oct 30, 2014 16:47:47 GMT -7
I've been wondering what the difference is between an ef86 and an ef806...in plain English, if possible.
Thanks.
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EF 86
Oct 31, 2014 4:57:52 GMT -7
pcns likes this
Post by waynelawkid on Oct 31, 2014 4:57:52 GMT -7
I've been wondering what the difference is between an ef86 and an ef806...in plain English, if possible. Thanks. About $20 (*rim shot*)! Couldn't help myself. All I know if from the KCANOS Tubes website which refers to the ef806s as a "high grade" ef86. Why this is, I do not know. I can tell you that they sound great.
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EF 86
Oct 31, 2014 6:21:48 GMT -7
Post by smolder on Oct 31, 2014 6:21:48 GMT -7
I have an ef86 and it's suppose to be a sturdy military (?) version. Mine sounds a lot like the Tesla. The mini watt, amperex, and valcos I have really open up the M12... More clarity and high end than the Tesla. I have not tried the JJ.
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Oct 31, 2014 6:31:19 GMT -7
The GEC EF86 is awesome. Probably my favorite NOS. Hard to find though. I used it in my 6545 head.
Sent from my SM-N900V using proboards
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EF 86
Nov 1, 2014 4:37:01 GMT -7
Post by "Z" Steve on Nov 1, 2014 4:37:01 GMT -7
PM sent.
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EF 86
Nov 10, 2014 14:16:12 GMT -7
Post by greenblues58 on Nov 10, 2014 14:16:12 GMT -7
Quick update.
Picked up a couple of used Mullard EF86 with the short mesh getter on evil bay for less than £10 the pair . Absolutely silent on that channel now and tons more bass and chime than the stock EH that was in there and both valves sound similar so really pleased. Don,t know why it should be but also a boost in volume over the 12AX7 channel for the same volume setting. Have also got an unused Marconi EF86 on the way for little coin aswell to cover any mishaps.
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Post by jimiata on Dec 31, 2014 12:54:22 GMT -7
I just received two Winged C, EF 86 tubes from the Tube Store. Both are microphonic and rattle. I'm using them in my M12 as the current Valvo is starting to rattle. I called the seller and they sent two more Winged C tubes…..they both rattle . NOW WHAT? I asked them to test them prior to shipping. I was told they test these in a Hi Fi stereo amp. They don't have a guitar or guitar amp for testing. I was told not to tap the tube with anything..ever. Any ideas?
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EF 86
Jan 1, 2015 3:51:09 GMT -7
Post by brayks on Jan 1, 2015 3:51:09 GMT -7
EF86 and EF806...same tube.
From what I gather, Telefunken's are believed to be the best (and most expensive) EF86 choices in terms of sound/tone and quality/microphonics.
However Phillips made EF86's make for some of the best alternative EF86 choices. These were made by four different companies/factories: Mullard, Valvo (GEC,Marconi), Philips and RTC. There is some difference in sound (but not in quality) with the best supposedly the early Mullards (that have a silver shield).
Tube junkies will tell ya that there are no current, in-production EF86 type tubes that comes close the original Telefunken or Philips made tubes in terms of quality/microphonics/tone.
I have tried the JJs and Teslas and have had no problems. I also have the military spec GEC EF86 that I really like in a couple of amps.
Are the quality and sonic differences worth the price difference in a guitar amp?
Good question...
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EF 86
Jan 1, 2015 4:40:24 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by greenblues58 on Jan 1, 2015 4:40:24 GMT -7
I ended up leaving the Marconi one in as slightly less gain than the two silver shield mullards l picked up but all three sound very similar and total cost less than price of a new one. The EH one that came stock was very noisy. Also put a nos mullard EZ81 in the whole thing sounds very nice now. Was okay stock just noise on the EF86 channel.
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EF 86
Jan 2, 2015 19:05:43 GMT -7
Post by muzacman02 "Jamie" on Jan 2, 2015 19:05:43 GMT -7
DONT let anyone here discourage you or make any negative comments on the Blackstar Amps, I own a BLACKSTAR PCB type, all Tube 60 watt EL34 1x12 COMBO and it RIPS for the higher Gain Tones I have always wanted to try the Artisan Series. Hand Wired and PTP , I can Only Imagine how Great that Dude Sounds , IMO being that I own a Nice EF86 Amp, I have found Dario's , Telefunken and any NOS Great Britian or USA You Cant go wrong, Keep us Posted would Love to hear some clips
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Post by jlowder23 on Apr 12, 2015 6:56:55 GMT -7
Maybe I just got 2 duds but in my opinion, the telefunken's are not reliable. I blew 2 in one night. Put a winged C back in and now all is well.
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Post by jesslm02 on Apr 12, 2015 7:13:57 GMT -7
I had good luck with the new production jj/tesla but always preferred either the dario miniwatt or nos tesla ef806. The nos tesla can still be found for a decent amount.
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EF 86
Apr 20, 2015 6:58:44 GMT -7
Post by 6stringer on Apr 20, 2015 6:58:44 GMT -7
if you can find a Darion Miniwatt grab it... they sound the best to my ears.
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EF 86
May 17, 2015 16:52:13 GMT -7
Post by teleplayer59 on May 17, 2015 16:52:13 GMT -7
I own Tesla (the 806 mentioned above), RFT, Valvo, Dario, AEL and Tungsram. They are all good and all sound a bit different to my ears. Experiment a bit.
HiTest Guitars has a good selection, and KCA usually has some good ones too.
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EF 86
Feb 10, 2016 8:55:09 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by trojanhov on Feb 10, 2016 8:55:09 GMT -7
Anyone ever replaced the ef86 with an e80f?
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EF 86
Feb 10, 2016 13:25:31 GMT -7
Post by headshrinker (Marc) on Feb 10, 2016 13:25:31 GMT -7
I did for a bit after Doc told me it was a direct replacement. It was different (though not a ton) not better or worse. As I remember it, maybe a little warmer, a little less gain and a bit more 12AX7 sounding. Tried it in the Z 28 and a M12 that Mike had at a Michigan Mini zfest a couple of years ago. Thought it had more of an effect in the M12 than the Z 28.
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Post by rcrecelius on Feb 10, 2016 16:17:34 GMT -7
I have an EF86 and an EF806 I need to sell since I don't have an amp that used them anymore...been meaning to post them in the BST for a while...
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