Basic EL34 and 6sn7 tube recommendation.


I have a Mystere IA-11 tube integrated amp from sister company PrimaLuna. I bought it preowned and like-new 1.3 yrs ago and enjoy it immensely. It is outfitted with Electro Harmonix EL34 and 6sn7 tubes. (Upscale Audio is the US distributor of Mystere and PrimaLuna and also an EH supplier.)

Everything is fine currently, so I enquiring if I should replace with the same EH tubes when it's time, or should I use another moderately priced brand. I have no inclination to compare and roll tubes looking for the best match. Just looking for a good solid recommendation to plug and play.

On another related issue, my amp has Primaluna's auto-bias circuitry that automatically adjusts the tube bias, so how will I know when tubes are at the point of needing replacement, unless they are burned out completely. Thanks.
128x128mjcmt
Gold Lion KT77s are a real winner IMO and won’t break the bank. Very balanced from top to bottom with good slam and detail; I haven’t found better as an  EL34 type replacement.
I've been enjoying the 6550's that Upscale recently sent my way. Midrange isn't quite as beautiful as my EL34 tubes delivered but the 6550 midrange is still beautiful as hell and the 6550's give me more top, bottom and punch. (I can't remember the brand name and I ain't gonna pull one of the tubes out its socket to see if it has a maker's mark.)
Agree with tuberist about the Gold Lion KT77s in place of EL34s. I've used them in two amps, one of them a Cayin that's made in the same factory as Prima Luna amps and in a Cary Sli-80 F1. They even compared favorably to some RFT/Siemens EL34s I have.


Another GL KT-77 fan here. They're not cheap, $49.99 each, but they're a huge upgrade over EL34 and Upscale does a good job testing them.

If you're not willing to tube roll some 6SN7's, then you'll never know how good your amp can sound. You should at least roll the preamp tubes; they make a significant contribution to the sound signature.