New EL84-STR

[PR Audio]

I have a Heathkit SA-2 Integrated Amp, and the other day it blew a tube. This amp was a gift from my cousin, and he had done extensive mod's to the amp, and he advised that it had EL84-M tubes on it, but when I took out the damaged tube, except for the batch number it didn't have any visible markings, but some of the garbled marks look a lot like Ei.

Anyways, to see which tube I will like best I ordered a pair of EL84-M, and a pair of EL84-STR. Anyone that has compared both tubes, can you tell me what were your impressions? Any recommendations as far as EL84 tubes go?

Also, I am a newbie when it comes to tubes; my other audio equipment, mostly used for HT is Marantz, and I always had solid state. Love the sound of tubes. I noticed that in Doug's Tubes when you order they give you the option of Average, Early, or Late Distortion, other tube sites didn't give you those options. Can someone tell me what does it mean?

 

[Ty_Bower]

The EL84-M are Russian manufactured tubes, almost certainly made in one of the old Reflektor factories. You'll find them under the cyrillic designation 6П14П-ЕВ. The western translation is either 6p14p-ev or 6p14p-eb. I've used them a lot, and I like them quite a bit. They're very rugged like a 7189A, and the price is a bargain.

I don't have any experience with the TAD EL84-STR. Searching suggests it is made in China according to TAD's specifications. It seems they've been copying old RCA black plate designs. They also have a 6L6GC-STR, which appears to receive consistently good reviews.

 

[PR Audio]

Problem solved, ordered one matched pair of EL84-M @ $20.95, and another matched pair of TAD EL84-STR @29.95. I will have them here on Wednesday, and on the weekend I plan to do comparisons to see which I like best. From what I have read apparently the STR is an upgraded and better sounding M, with the same rugged construction and other mods.

In any case, if other members have more info and/or insight on these tubes or any other EL84 I want to hear/learn from you.

 

[markn2wae]

Tube distortion "levels" for guitar amps only?

PR Audio

I don't play guitar but I am going on what I learned about differences between Hi Hi and guitar amps in general.

The qualities you mentioned "...."Average, Early, or Late Distortion" are designated levels at which the tubes start distorting when put to use in a guitar amplifier.

The distortion is a "desired quality" favored by most guitarists as part of the total amp\guitar\speaker as a whole, and control of that quality is shown below.

Average distorts when driven about half way into the tubes power rating.

Early means tubes distort at the lower end of their output.

Late means the tubes distort when nearly "maxed out".

It is a "selected" level of tube bias that gives these characteristics when used with a given guitar amp model.

Musical Hi Fi amps you don't want a lot of distortion, an educated guess is tubes that offer "Late Distortion" would work best.

Non-guitar amps for HI FI use don't usually use this specification, you might let the seller what tubes are best in "non guitar" use and mention the amp you are using it in.

Mark T.

 

[PR Audio]

Mark,

Thanks for the helpful advice!

 

[relaximus]

I am extremely interested in hearing your findings!



Dave

 

[PR Audio]

I am extremely interested in hearing your findings!



Dave

Today I received both sets of tubes, Quad Matched, as I needed 4 tubes. Not going to mention where I bought from, but they have excellent customer service, shipped same day (placed order early in the day), and I don't know how they did it, but shipped UPS Next Day to Puerto Rico for only $20.00, and I believe they are in Canada which makes the UPS rate more incredible.

Anyways, the amp (Heathkit SA-2) when it blew the tube the fuse was a slow response one, so it took a couple of mins. to do its job, so we are checking the electronic part of the amp. So far we haven't found any problems, and the fuse was changed to a quick response one, so this doesn't happen again.

On Saturday we will be installing the tubes, and auditioning vinyl and cd's to see which tube we like best, and why. Will post a new thread with the name EL84-M vs. EL84-STR.

Right now I can tell you that the EL84-M tubes came in plain white tube boxes, and the tubes have the standard Russian markings, and they don't say EL84-M anywhere, not even EL84. They are not Sovtek, but they were made in Russia.

On the other hand, the EL84-STR came in tube boxes with The Audio Doctor (TAD) logo, info, and type of tube printed, just like a car spark plug box. And the tube has a TAD label with the necessary info. EL84-STR is not only in the label, but also clearly marked in the glass, as well as TAD logo.

Anyone can do label and markings for a P.O.S. product, but makes up for a good first impression.

 

[PR Audio]

I have not posted my findings yet, because I have not been able to pick the amp at my cousin's house, but the Christmas family party is at my house on the 25th, so there will be some extensive listening comparing the EL84STR and the EL84M.

 

[Isotonic]