EL34 or equivalent recommendations?

[Blackdog]

many thanks for all your comments. I think I'll give NOS valves a miss for the time being. JJs seem easiest to get hold of -- however there seem to be options: are KT77s a drop-in replacement for EL34. are EL34Ls?

Yes, the KT77 is a drop in replacement.

[eksiil]

many thanks again. sadly it's been an exercise in futility as the Croft takes EL84 rather than EL34

[mik_rik]

Try Russian 6p14-p.

[eksiil]

thanks again. DPD delivered. the seller had included both a set of JJs & unbranded valves. the JJs sound superb, I'll give them time.

on a different note -- I'm stunned by the power the Series 5 MKII puts out. the 55-watt hybrid monos it replaces suddenly seem puny in comparison. *and* the Croft is noticeably the quieter amp.