EL34 tubes, what are the best?

[allencollins]

dare I say Mullard?
very subjective. what sound are you looking for?

[soupking]

Originally Posted by allencollins

dare I say Mullard?
very subjective. what sound are you looking for?

Crispy. Looking for clipping, overdrive.

Not subtle blues overdrive, in yer face rock overdrive.

Hope that helps.

[corworld]

Originally Posted by soupking

Crispy. Looking for clipping, overdrive.

Not subtle blues overdrive, in yer face rock overdrive.

Hope that helps.

This is like asking what is the best Cabernet. If you are willing to pay $$$ for Mullards, Why don't you take that same money and buy three sets of current production tubes so you can hear the differences for your self. I would start with some basics like Sovtek, JJ, and Electro-Harmonix.

[soupking]

Originally Posted by corworld

This is like asking what is the best Cabernet. If you are willing to pay $$$ for Mullards, Why don't you take that same money and buy three sets of current production tubes so you can hear the differences for your self. I would start with some basics like Sovtek, JJ, and Electro-Harmonix.

I hear ya, but if I say I like fruity or dry Cabernets, if you're a wine guy, a few may come to mind.

I'm not a McIntosh audiophile, but I just bought a pair of mesa boogie power tubes for $40. The amp with them doesn't sound as good as the one with RCA's but I'm yet to determine if that has anything to do with it.

Hope that helps clarify things a bit.

[84K]

the current production JJ Tesla's are great. Order from ARS and choose your batch number based on your gain requirements.