• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Good tubes for Eico HF-87?

mulveling

mulveling

Member
This weekend I picked up a very nice Eico HF-87 from Johncan (thanks, John!). It already sounds super with the EH tubes, but being afflicted with the "disease" I'm looking for ways to step it up even further (at least, ways that don't involve flinging solder). I've started considering NOS el34 tubes; I've already got a host of nice vintage 6sn7's to choose from.

What's considered a good sweet-spot of price/performance on NOS el34? The Siemens tubes look reasonably priced, anybody have experience with them? I'd also like to know whether the 6CA7 is a safe drop-in sub for the el34 in this amp; the GE 6CA7 fatboys look nice and I've had very enjoyable experiences with various GE tubes in the past. Anyone think the Mullards are really worth it? Finally, as far as recent production tubes, anything you guys would consider a step up from EH?

Ok, I lied - one more question :) Is there any point to replacing the single 12AX7?
 
Register to hide this ad
It is a shame you don't want to sling solder- the maximum performance improvement will come from making sure the electronics is all up to snuff before rolling tubes. As far as tubes go, you can drop big bucks and get a Mullard rectifier, a Tele 12a-7, Mullard for any turntable input driver, and Mullard EL34 or GEC KT66 outputs. A reliable rectifier and good 12a-7 will go a long way. :thmbsp:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom