Do NOS Mullard EL34 tubes last much longer than NOS SED (Svetlana) EL34 ?


Well, Mullards are $450 each and SED are $120 each. I need four of them for VAC Avatar SE. For now I got a set of SEDs but for the next set..? Bloody expensive. I really like Mullard long plates 12AX7 for line amp.

Maybe it's not worth it, anyway, maybe I wouldn't hear much of a difference.

inna

jetter, you are probably right in that I should try these Gold Lions reissues.

In fact, Kevin of VAC told me that he no longer used any NOS output tubes in his own reference amps. This opinion has a lot of weight. He also said that in his power amps output tubes affected the sound less than driver tubes. I currently have RCA black plates 12AU7 from 50s and like them.

Maybe I should forget about those very expensive Mullards, yeah, but the doubt remains.

I have NOS Mullard el84’s that I use in a Leben 300xs. They are special tubes. I would seek them out again along with some other NOS tubes. I

I’ve owned many amps over the years, even some of Kevin’s amps, and can say they make a difference to me. A sense or ease, a window into the notes and texture that is unmistakable to me. I do agree power tubes typically matter less, but if you want to go further you can.

If you have the funds to experiment with old and new I recommend it, but tubes are all magical in their own way so play within your comfort level.

Bjesien, is correct on the nos Mullards, they have a sense or ease. In my system it has a natural sparkle to them I’ve found no other can do. I have a class A that can only use kt-120 and kt-150’s so sometimes it’s nice to go back to the Mullard el34 sound. 

I had a quad of the Winged-C’s that seemed to keep going and going… Was going to get another set a few years back, but went a different route instead. Lots of misses.

Then I tried the Psvane EL34PH replica tubes. They are now my go to tube. Dynamic, very open sounding, very transparent and they seem to breathe air into the music. 
 

@jasonbourne71  

Show me where NOS Mullards are new production Russian tubes…….

bjesien: " window into the notes and texture". That’s exactly what I would seek if I wanted to take the sound to the next level, and I sure want it.

So, this is an opposite opinion - with EL34 there is no substitute for NOS Mullards.

In fact, Kevin did recommend NOS Mullards if I really wanted to push the sound quality and had the funds. He just said it was not necessary to get  excellent results.