Do the EL34's on an 8b need to be matched?

[Chrisxo55441]

Hi im kind of a noobie when it comes to tubes, im thinking on getting different EL34 tubes for my Marantz 8b. Do I need a matched Quad, or 2 matched pairs or do they need to be matched at all? thanks for any info

 

[peterh]

What is "8b" ??
The batteries in my crystal ball is discharged so i'm not in shape to guess..

 

[Pio1980]

Matantz 8B.
It'd be nice but not essential as bias is individually adjustable. Imbalanced tubes may show as increased distortion near clipping, otherwise probably inaudible.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

Matantz 8B.
It'd be nice but not essential as bias is individually adjustable. Imbalanced tubes may show as increased distortion near clipping, otherwise probably inaudible.

Marantz 8b sorry forgot i was in tubes and not marantz forum

 

[Pio1980]

Badly imbalanced tubes may lower the loudness level where the amp starts to sound ragged, starting with matched tubes is best for long term good results as they should age more or less equally..

 

[Chrisxo55441]

Badly imbalanced tubes may lower the loudness level where the amp starts to sound ragged, starting with matched tubes is best for long term good results as they should age more or less equally..

Thanks - im planning on getting matched but have no way to test them. so if they are close say 5 ma and i adjust the bias the same it should be good? if i could not find a decent quad i was thinking of 2 matched pairs

 

[battradio]

The Marantz 8B , has a very good output transformer and matched tubes will keep unwanted unbalance current out of the primary windings , allowing better frequency response and less distortion .

 

[Hull Rust]

Tyler at tctubes.com is in St. Paul. You could bring the 8B to him and he can go over it with you and get you set up. Good guy to deal with.

tctubes.com

No affiliation other than a customer.

 

[Pio1980]

To answer the original quiery, matched pairs for each channel will do.