Best current EL34 tubes

I've had some bad luck with the SED winged tubes over the last 18 months, and have 2 go in my Marantz 8, One took a resistor with it.

My amp came with JJ's. How would/do they compare with Winged "C"'s?

I own a hybrid that right now has stock Chinese EL34s. I would like to upgrade. To that end, I found this post but I'd like to ask about the intent of Mrtennis 5-13-08 post. Not trying to be a provocateur but is that sarcasm? irony? The qualities listed seem desirable. Mrtennis, do you have a recommendation?

If you buy the Winged "C"(which I would also recommend): be certain they are the newer ones(from the St Petersburg plant) and not someone's older stock. You won't find a more dependable seller than Upscale. Check out his test/burn-in procedures(listed here): (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/product.asp?itemid=63&catid=86)

Winged SED I agree with.

The EH EL34s perhaps are next along with the JJ KT77s.

Winged SED all the way. Coming from a guitar player. :-)

re: are there any el 34s which are euphonic, i.e., attenuate the highs and have some "bloom" in the lower mids ?

THAT'S EXACTLY HOW XF2 MULLARDS SOUND IN MY DYNA ST70. I DON'T LIKE THAT SOUND, THOUGH. MY MULLARDS SIMPLY SIT ON MY AUDIO SHELF, APPRECIATING IN VALUE.

are there any el 34s which are euphonic, i.e., attenuate the highs and have some "bloom" in the lower mids ?

i have a tube amp which is a bit too focused for my taste.

I have been getting excellent results with JJ tubes. I've been using the E34L the longest and prefer it to the KT77 for the way it reproduces the midrange. But if you are looking for natural sound accuracy, I would definitely recommend the KT77. I have not heard the SED tube.

Another vote for the SED Winged C EL34s. Note, these are not Svetlanas.

Yup El34 SED I agree......

SED winged =C= very natural and very good lows.