EL34 vs.EL37 vs.KT66
Raanan
I just received monoblocs to drive my Tannoy reds,
and I was quite sure that I would end up using the amps with either
EL37s (Mullards) or kt66s(GEC).The tubes that I tried
indeed gave results worlds apart,and just for the heck
of it,I tried my Dynaco(Mullard)EL34s in one amp,I
only have 2 tubes.Much better than the other contenders!
I am usually not overenthusiastic about EL34s.
Anyone with similar experience?Raanan
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Tim
Raanan <reyl...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> Hi group,
> I just received monoblocs to drive my Tannoy reds,
> and I was quite sure that I would end up using the amps with either
> EL37s (Mullards) or kt66s(GEC).The tubes that I tried
> indeed gave results worlds apart,and just for the heck
> of it,I tried my Dynaco(Mullard)EL34s in one amp,I
> only have 2 tubes.Much better than the other contenders!
> I am usually not overenthusiastic about EL34s.
> Anyone with similar experience?Raanan
EL34 happens to be my favourite tube so I am bias here. Tannoy tends to
need a bit more power if you are using it in a large room (compare to
our standard 200 sq ft living room in Hong Kong where lower power
output may do the job).
I used to think that tye Quad II with KT66 is the best amp for my
LS3/5a. But now with my Audiomaster 11A in operation mode, I begin to
have my doubt. KT66 is very transparent with the most beautiful treble
(for a pentode) but EL34 is better in the mid-range IMO. And the EL34
is more powerful too as mentioned. EL37 has more "body" than the KT66
but not as neutral as the El34 to my ears.
But of course, it almost depend on the amp you are using.
Tim
jekyl...@my-deja.com
Raanan <reyl...@my-deja.com> wrote:
>
> I just received monoblocs to drive my Tannoy reds,
> and I was quite sure that I would end up using the amps with either
> EL37s (Mullards) or kt66s(GEC).
What amps are these?
> of it,I tried my Dynaco(Mullard)EL34s in one amp,I
> only have 2 tubes.Much better than the other contenders!
> I am usually not overenthusiastic about EL34s.
Both good tubes. The 6L6 family definitely has much better
integrated lower midrange and bass than the EL34 family. It depends on
whether you need that. With the heavy sounding Tannoys, perhaps the
lighter EL34 is a better bet.
--
Used to be doctorjohn, now Jekyll and Hyde
Raanan
jekyl...@my-deja.com wrote:
> In article <7l28v1$taq$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> Raanan <reyl...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> >
> > I just received monoblocs to drive my Tannoy reds,
> > and I was quite sure that I would end up using the amps with either
> > EL37s (Mullards) or kt66s(GEC).
>
> What amps are these?
embodying characteristics derived from various Leak amps,
-here goes:2 opts taken from a Stereo 50,2 power transformers
at 200% rating,2 chassis' about the size of a leak tl25+
each,the circuit of the 12.1 amps running triode connected,instead of
the stock 12.1 circuit tubes-5965(or anything similar can be inserted)
6sn7,and of course GZ34.Output each about 12 watts.Makes the Tannoys
sound better than anything I've tried(not all that much).Raanan
,
ycta...@my-deja.com
jekyl...@my-deja.com wrote:
> In article <7l28v1$taq$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>,
> Raanan <reyl...@my-deja.com> wrote:
> >
> > I just received monoblocs to drive my Tannoy reds,
> > and I was quite sure that I would end up using the amps with either
> > EL37s (Mullards) or kt66s(GEC).
>
> What amps are these?
>
> > only have 2 tubes.Much better than the other contenders!
>
> Both good tubes. The 6L6 family definitely has much better
> integrated lower midrange and bass than the EL34 family. It depends on
> whether you need that. With the heavy sounding Tannoys, perhaps the
> lighter EL34 is a better bet.
My tannoy 12" reds dont sound the least "heavy". I will share my
experience on tannoy 12" reds here. The crossover unit is not that all
realiable, the block capacitor use for mids and highs tend to "break"
with age. Many others have this bad experience with reds 12". When I
first listen to my tannoys, i was disappointed with the "blurred" (may
be heavy?) sound, i spent hell alot of time trying to figure out what
could be wrong. Fortunately, one of my japanese friend came over and
listen to my tannoys. Being an expert in tannoy, he immediately pointed
to the crossover. The opened up the crossover unit and true enough, the
cap is physically damaged. Once the faulty cap had been replaced, i was
amazed by the improvement in clarity and dynamics. My advice, if you
have tannoys, check the crossover units throughly, you may not be
hearing the real thing. Finally, i have long decided i would not need
another speaker, the 12" reds will sit in my living room till the day i
die.
Back to the so often quoted phase that earlier production always better
the newer ones, i have to say, I prefer the 12" reds to the 15" silver
:)in a big listening space.
jekyl...@my-deja.com
> amazed by the improvement in clarity and dynamics. My advice, if you
> have tannoys, check the crossover units throughly, you may not be
> hearing the real thing.
This is true. Sometimes I wonder why we have DRASTICALLY different
perceptions of something. I promise to give them another chance.
BTW, what kind of cabinet do you have??