Buying new EL34 amp, want opinions

[zenith2134]

Hey all,

It has been a while since my last foray into the world of hifi tube amplification. But I recently ordered a new integrated, a Rogue Audio Cronus, and was curious as to how its sound would compare to that of the "greats" from the golden-age. Supposedly it has high quality output t.x's which I know is a start. And I do plan on replacing the 12ax7/12au7's with NOS Raytheons I have here (test good on a Gm tester)......so I guess I'm looking to hear what opinions y'all have on this particular unit. I'll be matching it with my Vandersteen 2C's but I don't push it too loud so I don't forsee any efficiency issues.

Also, if anyone has a recommendation for the el-34's I'm all ears...:scratch2:

Can't wait to hear it.

 

[diamondsouled]

Gold Lion reissue KT77s. :yes:

Cheers

Lar

 

[DanO55]

Gold Lion reissue KT77s. :yes:

Cheers

Lar

Excellent! Nuff said.

 

[BadassBob]

If you dont want to swing the coin for Gold Lions, the Winged C EL34 is an excellent choice.

 

[similost]

I've been having great luck with Electro Harmonix EL34 tubes in my amps.. The SED Winged C's sounded pretty great too.. .

 

[bugs762]

I'm using Genelex KT 66s, a little less cash than the KT 77s. I've also been happy with TungSol EL 34Bs, its a nice tube very simial to the Winged C and a little less cash.

 

[Suzuki]

6CA7 Electro Harmonics has rich bass and delicate high. I'm content with them right now.

 

[zenith2134]

Awesome suggestions; much appreciated. My understanding is that the amp comes stock with Electro-Harmonix EL34's and Sovtek 12AX7s... THose Gold Lion tubes look pretty incredible...I'm going to wait and see how it sounds stock first though.

 

[bugs762]

Awesome suggestions; much appreciated. My understanding is that the amp comes stock with Electro-Harmonix EL34's and Sovtek 12AX7s... THose Gold Lion tubes look pretty incredible...I'm going to wait and see how it sounds stock first though.

The Gold Lions are impressive looking. Some people have reported problems with the decals coming off. I haven't had that problem and I have two quads of KT 66s. I can't speak for the KT 77s, but the 66s will give you a more linear sound the the EL 34s

 

[zenith2134]

I came across a website which sells NOS KT77 and 6CA7/EL34....if I could muster up a pair (or quad) of NOS American tubes, would they be significantly better than re-issues in this amp?:scratch2:

In the past, when I owned a 6BQ5 stereo integrated I enjoyed vintage RCA outputs over the re-issue Mullard EL84 although they were both great tubes...