EL-34: JJ Tesla or Electro-Harmonix?

Interesting shootout Trelja! Too bad you couldn't incorporate the SED "winged C" EL34s in there somehow. Looking forward to your write up, especially your results compared to the $$ Mullard XF1s.

I will be going thru the same thing myself, comparing the JJ E34Ls, JJ KT77s, SED Winged Cs, and NOS Mullards, all on a pair of the excellent Dodd 120 monoblocks.

After a week of listening to JJ E34Ls, JJ KT-77s, and SED "winged C" EL34s on Dodd amps, I can conclusively say that I preferred the SEDs over the rest. Both JJs were closer sounding to each other than different. The SEDs gave me an airier, bigger (in all directions) soundstage, and a more natural, very pleasant midrange. I may have sacrificed just a little of the slam and transient response using the SEDs, but that is minor compared to the nice sonic gains.

I still need to compare the SEDs to the NOS Mullards.

Hey Trelja, I agree, it just goes to show you that the ancillary equipment using particular tubes also has a definite affect on the sonics of the tubes.

I was expecting the same results as you with the KT-77s after all the raves, and I'm probably the ONLY guy who is underwhelmed with these otherwise fine tubes.