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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2008 9:04:28 GMT -7
I'm getting ready to place an order with KCA and I'd like some opinions on the best NOS EF86 for the Stangray out of the following list.
Mullard (Mesh Plate) Valvo (Mesh Plate) Dario Miniwatt
Also how long should I expect to get out of an NOS EF86?
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Post by zdogma on Dec 2, 2008 9:22:18 GMT -7
I'm getting ready to place an order with KCA and I'd like some opinions on the best NOS EF86 for the Stangray out of the following list. Mullard (Mesh Plate) Valvo (Mesh Plate) Dario Miniwatt Also how long should I expect to get out of an NOS EF86? All good. I currently have a Valvo in my Route 66 and it sounds perfect to my ears. Dario very similar. The Mullard is great, but a little thicker and very slighly darker sounding. The only one that I found a bit dull was the amperex bugle boy. Lifespan is extremly variable, the heads seem to keep them healthier than combos, and they do better with a tube ring or two. I've had my current EF86 in for a year, about 200 hours, no problems. They can last years, or go microphonic in a couple of months. A couple of years ago ago I socked away about 10 NOS ones, hopefully a lifetime supply.
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Post by jwr on Dec 2, 2008 13:13:10 GMT -7
When I had my Ray I tried a Dario, Mullard and GEC EF-86 in it. For the best clean tones the Dario was far and away the best in the Ray. Better chime overall. Compared to the Mullard and GEC the Dario was an easy choice for me. Love the Mullard in a Route 66 and GEC in a 65amps London. So many variables, ya just gotta take the plunge and try a few of 'em out for yourself. YMMV
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Post by myles on Dec 2, 2008 17:59:12 GMT -7
In most cases when one finds they prefer one EF86 over another of a different type it is usually a case of one being at proper spec and the other not being as close to spec in the case of NOS vs current production tubes.
I have found wide variances in NOS tubes as well these days as surplus stuff is getting more scarce and some suppliers are dragging the bottom of the supply bucket where there is now more junk than ever.
Also, EF86s are a somewhat new tube and pentode at that and most of the commonly used tube testers don't even have the ability to test these or have them in their setup database.
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Post by myles on Dec 2, 2008 18:02:25 GMT -7
I'm getting ready to place an order with KCA and I'd like some opinions on the best NOS EF86 for the Stangray out of the following list. Mullard (Mesh Plate) Valvo (Mesh Plate) Dario Miniwatt Also how long should I expect to get out of an NOS EF86? I have a few clients with Vox AC15 amps that have the original EF86 in them from the early sixties where the tube tests better than 95% of new production tubes and still tests withing the good range for the original tube. New production tubes can fail early and can go south with no warning in as little as a few hours. If you have been running some longer with good luck it is just that lady luck is on your side ... always carry a spare.
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