Old EL34

The problem with responding to this is that Mullard EL34, like other tubes, respond differently in different circuits. It depends on if they are run in triode, ultra linear, etc. Also, you need to consider how long a life you will be getting from these old rare tubes in your particular amp. I have owned amps that literally trashed EL34 tubes in as little as three months! Other amps run for several years with no appreciable damage to the vital trans conductance of the tubes. Obviously, if your particular amp is hard on tubes, this would be a horrible expense to keep it fed with such rare and hard to find tubes. In direct response to your question, I think the Mullard tube does offer a certain magic in the midrange and mid bass, but they are sometime lacking in deep bass and sparkle in the extreme top end. Other tubes to try are Seimens EL34 or AEG Telefunken (which are built by Seimens), also some good new tubes to try are the Tesla EL34 and perhaps there are even some substitute tubes that can be used in place of the EL34. You will need to first check with your amp manufacturer. Some possible substitute tubes are 6L6, 5932, KT66 or KT77. This depends GREATLY on how the amp is designed and how it is run (Triode, etc.) and what bias it uses, and how the circuit is designed. It is worth investigating, particularly considering what you are considering spending.

I must agree with Alberts' coments on El34 tubes. My opinion is with the excellent quality of tubes bieng made today.(using Svetlana)I think the cost and uncertainty of used or expensive nos tubes is not worth the gamble. The extra money saved can be used to purchase miscellanious tweeks. Thorman

THE REALIZATION THAT ANY EL34 BASED TUBE COULD TRADE AT THESE PRICES AS QUOTED BY THE QUESTIONER IS TRURLY OBSCENE. AM I BIASED AGAINST THIS TUBE - YES I AM. I DO NOT CHOOSE TO DESIGN AROUND THIS TUBE BASED ON THE FACT THAT EVEN IN THE BEST APPLICATIONS THAT I HAVE HEARD, THE TUBE TENDS TO SOUND OVERLY ROMANTIC. IF YOU MUST LIVE IN THIS FAMILY, PLEASE CONSIDER THE M.O.VALVE KT-77. DO REMEMBER TO ADJUST FOR IT'S ELECTICAL CHARACTARISTICS. PLEASE NOTE: any N.O.S. KT-77 THAT IS NEW SHOUD HAVE A FACTORY SPECIFICATION SHEET IN THE BOX.

i agree that there is no reason to pay excessive prices when there are excellent el34s (new) available. Using Svetlana. Work great!

I only use metal base Philips / Mullard EL34. The very best is the ''high heel'' version for the french market, marked ''Importé d'Hollande'', very, very (if not extremely?) rare. This is what you must look for, not the ''brown base'' crap. Or, try to find real GEC KT77, also very good, but, alas, rare.

Hi, Try to find mullard or GEC EL37.I have Mullard El34 and also GEC EL34 but the EL37 are the rarest.I own 4 of them. They are the best in my opinion