Wanted - Recommendations for EL34 valves

[Wakefield Turntables]

I need 4 for my Radford amp. Whats generally regarded as the best brand. Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

[Andrew B]

I'm not hugely experienced, but I have had good results with both Electroharmonix and JJ Tesla EL34s. These were in an AVC amp and an Audio Innovations 500

There are reportedly better ones, but at a price. Personally I wouldn't buy NOS valves again after being burned more than once.

[thebeathunters]

i have NOS haltron/mullard on the 8B but telefunkens are really in another league (hum, pricewise, too)
:) phil

[Wakefield Turntables]

Electroharmonix have been suggested as well, never considered telefunken. Looks like I will be getting into another area of vinyl.:)

[mito]

Hi,
I went for Svetlana Winged C to my Radford sta 25 and they work great.
//Michael

[Ali Tait]

The Shuguang cryos I tried in an EL34 amp sounded as good or better than the NOS RFT's I also had. Different amp though.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Telefunken seem to be well respected. I've just gone and got some Electroharmonix.

[thebeathunters]

ouch... sorry to read that:doh: i thought you'd go for NOS tubes but aware that prices could be frightening...
you'll tell us about the EH but the ones i had (7868) in a fisher 400 were really bad compared to Tlfks. what were the redford's initially?
as modern tubes go, Tungsol cryogenized seem to be very good and could compare with the NOS magic

[Wakefield Turntables]

I've only got these to get the amp up and running again So they are only a temporary measure :eyebrows: the RAdford had original mullard el34 in place. When I get the thing back I shall go hunting for something more appropriate. So if you have any further comments I'd like to hear them :D

Ps have you got the marantz 8b valve amp?:wow:

[thebeathunters]

yeah, i have a very nice 1964 8b unit, all original and up to specs... a real gem. didn't i post it here?
ah yes
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?18720-marantz-8b

oh i thought your radford was up and running already
EH will be fine to get it back in shape i suppose
watch out for these tungsol cryo and shuguang, they're reputedly good too:D but i'd rather put my money on NOS like RTC and siemens, cheaper than tlfk and probably as good. problem with current prods is we have no idea of how long they'll keep their specs in the long run... and yesteyear tubes were made with hazardous products we no longer even remember how to deal with. we're in the chip/cheap era, for the best or worse...

[Wakefield Turntables]

Will keep you updated.