Can anyone recommend some good EL34 valves

[Dmoney]

I bet finding a tech with actual verifiable qualification in VALVE technology is pretty difficult. I don't think they teach that in school any more, and at best I imagine it would be a footnote on any electronics course.

What watford may have said about checking the bias in cathode biased amps may have been correct. I think they should technically be checked on the off chance you get a set of valves that operate outside the expectations covered by the design of the amp. Still, no need to be rude about it and rebiasing the amp would mean swapping out a pretty chunky fixed resistor, which is a bit tougher than using a bias pot. You'd also probably have a slight pain getting a meaningful bias reading. Bit of a can of worms. I'm sure Martin Kidd designed the amp to bias up ok within a fairly decent tolerance without the need for all that work, you just can't design for that freak set of valves that draws some wacky level of current. maybe it's a moot point.


EDIT: I've also had the same issue with Watford Valves and won't use them any more. Additionally, I can't recommend Tube Amp Doctor either... I've had TERRIBLE service from them, and been charged for a matching service that wasn't even carried out. I'd say WORSE than watford valves.

Tube-Town.de is cool. nuff said! I like that store and if you get an issue with a miss matched valve they are usually happy to help.

[gwEm]

I use Mullard reissue el34 valves which sound decent to me. I used JJ before, and they were fine too, a bit less nice maybe.

[richard]

Dmoney - appreciate your input. I double checked with Martin and he assured me that the amp did not need biasing and also that there was no mechanism in the amp to adjust the bias with. What would happen if a set of valves in a cathode biased amp did draw a wacky level of current ? I'm no technician so I rely on the advice of those that know.

I got the Cornford BECAUSE it was cathode biased as I don't know how to do this myself and I didn't want to have to pay a tech to do it for me. To have Watford insist that the amp had to be taken completely to bits was disconcerting to say the least. The whole thing with Watford was basically that they were saying that they would under no circumstances replace a set of duff valves because it was bound to be my fault if they blew/didn't work. I think it was Derek I spoke to. I spoke to him many years ago and he was okay if a little patronising. That last occasion he was deeply unpleasant and told me that Martin Kidd was an idiot who didn't know what he was talking about. I will not miss an opportunity to advise people not to deal with him.

[MDV]

I've decided to go with Tung Sol 34Bs. I'll let you know how they sound in due course. Think twice about dealing with Watford Valves.

Good choice! I find them to have a sound that is sort of like the combined strengths of 6l6 and el34, none of the/minimised weaknesses. Mid grind, punch and grunt of 34, tight low end of 34 but somewhere between there and 6l6 in 'size'/depth, and smoother, richer, more detailed top end than 34s, but not so stabby or spiky as 6l6s can be. Zero fizz or harshness (all in pittbull CL100, which is an early model that can take 6L6s, which I've done, so my observations are 34s vs TS34Bs vs 6l6 in the same amp (but only one amp)).

Only dealt with watford valves very briefly, knew exactly what I wanted, no discussion, so no comment, but the chaps I've spoken with at hotrox were as you describe. I go there unless I cant get what I want from there.

[Dmoney]

Richard - My main point was it sounds like watford valves were just being really pedantic.

[HTH AMPS]

cathode bias is VERY forgiving - I really wouldn't give it a second thought of checking the bias in such an amp.

[Johnny Mac]

Thanks for all the advise :) I've had a read up on Tung Sol EL34b's. They sound like a good choice.

[richard]

Let us know how you get on with them.

[Brow]

I won't make any suggestions on specific brands of valves but will chuck in another +1 for Hot Rox!  :D

[Laars]

I'm a huge fan of the Groove Tube EL34-LS tubes...... These are a 30 watt tube and your amp would need to be re biased. They are not the same tube as the JJ ones..... JJs are 25watters...... The LSs have big tight bottom, with a real nice tone.....

Winged Cs are my next fav...