Excellent choice with the Still Audio EL84 integrated. While I have not heard that particular amplifier, I have long been a fan of its distant cousins. I have owned a number of EL84 integrateds through the years and they are, for the most part, almost always overachievers. The EL84 tube will surprise you and be far more dynamic and snappy than you imagined prior. I’ve had Scott integrateds, have owned the Leben CS300x and xs several times and you will throughly enjoy this journey.
Your Still Audio amp is fronted with 12au7’s and tube rectified by a 5ar4. This will give you a ton of options for tube rolling in the future. While obviously different, in the EL84 based amps, I presently own a Leben CS300xs (4 x EL84, 2 x 12ax7) and a Kinko Ka-101 (4 x EL84, 2 x 12au7, 1 x 12ax7 and 1 x 5ar4 rectifier). If you decide to step into the NOS tube waters start with your rectifier and then your 12au7’s. A NOS Mullard 5ar4 and Mullard/Brimar 12au7’s will introduce more warmth. A GE rectifier and Telefunken/Cifte/Amperex 12au7’s will introduce more sparkle/sheen depending on your desires. Power tubes: Telefunkens, Mullards, Amperex or even EI will each take the circuit to new heights.
Your amp is beautiful and you will enjoy it, congrats. For others reading this thread, the Kingko is an amazing value for those whose budgets don’t reach into Still Audio, Leben or Audio Note territory. I’ve grt over $1,000 of NOS Telefunkens in every tube spot with a NOS Westinghouse rectifier and it firmly belongs in the high end conversation. Best wishes with your new setup.
Your Still Audio amp is fronted with 12au7’s and tube rectified by a 5ar4. This will give you a ton of options for tube rolling in the future. While obviously different, in the EL84 based amps, I presently own a Leben CS300xs (4 x EL84, 2 x 12ax7) and a Kinko Ka-101 (4 x EL84, 2 x 12au7, 1 x 12ax7 and 1 x 5ar4 rectifier). If you decide to step into the NOS tube waters start with your rectifier and then your 12au7’s. A NOS Mullard 5ar4 and Mullard/Brimar 12au7’s will introduce more warmth. A GE rectifier and Telefunken/Cifte/Amperex 12au7’s will introduce more sparkle/sheen depending on your desires. Power tubes: Telefunkens, Mullards, Amperex or even EI will each take the circuit to new heights.
Your amp is beautiful and you will enjoy it, congrats. For others reading this thread, the Kingko is an amazing value for those whose budgets don’t reach into Still Audio, Leben or Audio Note territory. I’ve grt over $1,000 of NOS Telefunkens in every tube spot with a NOS Westinghouse rectifier and it firmly belongs in the high end conversation. Best wishes with your new setup.