Some New Valves...

[Ninanina]

I have just received a matched quad of new EL84's for the Oto...

They are pretty inexpensive Sovtek's but when I contacted Audio Note these were the recommended valves, or in fact any 'current production' Russian variants

I will put them in later tonight.... I'm not expecting great things but I've been thinking it's about time they were replaced..;)

[Ninanina]

Correction I will probably put them in the amp tomorrow night....;)

[Ninanina]

Thanks for moving this to the correct section...;)

[Ninanina]

Like a kid with a new toy.... I couldn't wait until tomorrow night so have plugged the new valves into the Oto.... :doh:

[struth]

I have just received a matched quad of new EL84's for the Oto...

They are pretty inexpensive Sovtek's but when I contacted Audio Note these were the recommended valves, or in fact any 'current production' Russian variants

I will put them in later tonight.... I'm not expecting great things but I've been thinking it's about time they were replaced..;)

are they the "M" ones Bev?

[Ninanina]

are they the "M" ones Bev?

I have no idea to be honest Grant.... they are the current Sovtek ones that's all I know... there was no mention of 'M's' when I purchased them..

This is the very first time I have purchased new valves... a valve virgin me..;)

[struth]

They would have a m after the el84 on the valve. Ive got a set in my box actually. Good valves, and were exact copies of the reflektor el84.(also good and what I am using currently)

[Ninanina]

They would have a m after the el84 on the valve. Ive got a set in my box actually. Good valves, and were exact copies of the reflektor el84.(also good and what I am using currently)

I can't see them properly now I've installed them but I don't think they have the 'M' marked on them.... is that bad ??

[struth]

not necessarily. its often hard to see tbh as its printed in another colour. If I sell my amp You can have my spares if you want.

[Ninanina]

not necessarily. its often hard to see tbh as its printed in another colour. If I sell my amp You can have my spares if you want.

You are so kind Grant.... I will obviously pay your costs, of course... ;)

[Gazjam]

Sharing the excitement Bev...
I'm going back down the valve route again myself, will be great.

Colder weathers back so having valves again will keep the place nice toasty. :)

[Ninanina]

Sharing the excitement Bev...
I'm going back down the valve route again myself, will be great.

Colder weathers back so having valves again will keep the place nice toasty. :)

I hope you enjoy your new valve amp when you get it, what amp/s are you thinking of ?

I have had a problem with my new valves with some crackling sound through the speakers. I have spoken to the seller in the USA and have decided to 'upgrade' them to the new issue Mullards. He is posting them tomorrow so should get them in about 10 days time

Audio Note recommended any current issue Russian valve so I'm hoping the Mullards will be just fine. They are a bit more expensive than the Sovtek's though ;)

[Gazjam]

Its a bespoke 300B power amp Bev.


I hope you enjoy your new valve amp when you get it, what amp/s are you thinking of ?

I have had a problem with my new valves with some crackling sound through the speakers. I have spoken to the seller in the USA and have decided to 'upgrade' them to the new issue Mullards. He is posting them tomorrow so should get them in about 10 days time

Audio Note recommended any current issue Russian valve so I'm hoping the Mullards will be just fine. They are a bit more expensive than the Sovtek's though ;)

[Ninanina]

Its a bespoke 300B power amp Bev.

Oh 300b's.... don't get me going... lovely sweet valve sound... :)

[Ninanina]

I now have the new reissue Mullard EL84's and they are sounding mighty fine.... ;)

The USA seller was fantastic in replacing the Sovtek's with these for minimal cost

I am now thinking about some new ECC83's and have been recommended the Genalex Gold Lion's with gold pins. However I have read another post that they might not be that good...:(

[Haselsh1]

I have used gold pinned 12AX7 Genalex Gold Lions in an Icon Audio amplifier and my current Croft preamp and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. I cannot say the same about their EL84's but for 12AX7's, they are practically unbeatable. All the best with whatever you decide.

[Ninanina]

I have used gold pinned 12AX7 Genalex Gold Lions in an Icon Audio amplifier and my current Croft preamp and I would wholeheartedly recommend them. I cannot say the same about their EL84's but for 12AX7's, they are practically unbeatable. All the best with whatever you decide.

Thanks Shaun for the recommendation... I will probably give them a try... ;)