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Recommend new EL84 tubes

Hi all, I have been contacted by a good friend asking me to source 8 X EL84 for his Manley Stingray which is a parallel P-P integrated amp.

He has had the original valves for about 10 years, which I think are rebranded Sovteks or Electro Harmonix 6Pi14Pi-EB.  

2 sets of matched quads will do. He is looking to improve on the originals. The amp has individual bias pots for each valve so perfect matching is not paramount.

He also needs a pair of 12AT7's. Best quality needed for this position.

lemonhaze
lemonhaze OP
407 posts
 

I have tracked down some Brimar/Marconi black plate 1950s 12AT7 but have not yet decided on el84s

cns1946's avatar
cns1946
66 posts
 

Brent Jesse of audiotubes.com suggested Mazda of France EL84 tubes as replacements for the JJEL84 in our Luxman NQ150 integrated amp. Was not originally happy with the Mazda tubes, but after 60+ hours they came into their own. Great sound.

vinylvalet
836 posts
 

+1 Brent Jesse. Great for NOS tubes.

danager's avatar
danager
869 posts
 

Another option is el83 with an el83 to el84 adapter.  They are very similar tubes with a different pin configuration

 

lemonhaze OP
407 posts
 

OK, interesting you mentioned the EL83. Is there a strong reason for considering these especially when there is the extra expense of adapters and doubling up of pin connections. It's certainly doable if the sound quality is worth it. I just have never heard them.

Regarding the sound, what's your opinion on them vs EL84? 

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