Best EL34 amps

[Ron Resnick]

No, I have not heard the Challenger, but for a similar topology I am more comfortable sticking with the MB-185 Mk. III.

Your MB-185 uses EL-34s?

Please describe for us the differences in sound you hear between the triode mode and the tetrode mode.

 

[awsmone]

Triode mode on electrostatics is wonderful

obviously tetrode is more powerful, and 'clean'

Triode is more earthy and inmate, with greater image palpability and density, microdymaics and timbre are enhanced

interestingly bass/midbass has more slam, and speed, but less ultimate power, drums more skin and body, as well as pitch

where it gets really interesting is varying the feedback, a great feature!

i listen to classical and jazz, so for rockers i cannot answer to their preferences

 

[Exlibris]

This year, I've heard the Unison Research S6 on three speakers: my AN-Es, the Odeon 28, and the Cube Audio Nenuphar.
I really enjoy the sound of this amp. In addition to being organic and natural-sounding (very nuanced on vocals), it has a 'propulsiveness' to it that brings musicians out into the room in a soundfield that is wonderfully layered. It really does draw me into the performance and provide an immersive listening experience (when the recording allows).
Unfortunately it is an integrated and I have a linestage. I could have my technician modify the unit to be a power amp, however.
I'm just curious as to what else is out there in EL34 amps that can be run in triode for about 30 watts. I have no interest in pentode or amps that parallel lots of tubes for huge power.

 

[Vinyl Valet]

Like several of the other guys, I have an Ars Sonum Filarmonia driving late model (the ones before Black Magic) Merlin TSM speakers. I've also swapped in the far more inexpensive Klipsch RP-600M monitors which sound remarkable with this amp.

 

[morricab]

This year, I've heard the Unison Research S6 on three speakers: my AN-Es, the Odeon 28, and the Cube Audio Nenuphar.
I really enjoy the sound of this amp. In addition to being organic and natural-sounding (very nuanced on vocals), it has a 'propulsiveness' to it that brings musicians out into the room in a soundfield that is wonderfully layered. It really does draw me into the performance and provide an immersive listening experience (when the recording allows).
Unfortunately it is an integrated and I have a linestage. I could have my technician modify the unit to be a power amp, however.
I'm just curious as to what else is out there in EL34 amps that can be run in triode for about 30 watts. I have no interest in pentode or amps that parallel lots of tubes for huge power.

The little Mastersound Dieundici isn’t bad at all...makes nice music with my Decware HDT single diver speakers.

 

[Gregadd]

ConradJohnson MV 50.

 

[Kcin]

Vintage Marantz of course for EL34.
Hard to beat for this tube variety . I have most of the squad except for the Model 9- the Model 2's are killer.

 

[Exlibris]

Other than Kondo, it seems EL34 amps are either modestly priced or vintage.

 

[cuntigh]

Air Tight ATM1 and ATM3. I have the last for more than 20 years and still happy. I know both very well and I compared them to many. I still find them fantastic for sound and reliability.

 

[Exlibris]

Air Tight ATM1 and ATM3. I have the last for more than 20 years and still happy. I know both very well and I compared them to many. I still find them fantastic for sound and reliability.

Thank you! I'm just reading a Art Dudley's review of the ATM-1s now.

 

[bonzo75]

I compared the new airtight el34 to their integrated 300b on Cessaro Wagner and devore Orangutan. With the Wagner the el34 gave it more life as the Wagner needed that power. On devore the 300b which is only 10w was much superior.

I have also compared the Kondo el34 on devore. Did not like.

EL84 is a much more lyrical tube though you lose a bit of bass so you need to match properly. The cube EL84 from Poland sound nice on the horns Universum

 

[Exlibris]

Shindo Corton-Charlemagne Monoblocks.

Shindo Montrachet.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

So far, the one and only EL34 based amplifier I listened to "transfixed", in fact was an integrated amplifier, the Kondo Overture - simply marvellous!
Going for around 25 grand in $AUD, I was bit hesitant to engage in that kind of expenditure for just 32 watts. Then again as I used it for a short while on my previous Quads ESL2905's, I realised this is no ordinary 32w integrated, rather this is a pure Class A design, and when you look inside, the multiple transformers and ultra-highend quality parts throughout, OK now I understand why the 20 grand and over tag...

Anyway, it was the most beautiful one month experience of a pure class A integrated I ever had driving the Quads at their finest, and when it was rightfully returned to the owner, after an overseas stint, I was indeed very sad. Until! I managed to get the CJ CAV45 EL34 based and another integrated! Oh my! For a fraction of that cost (Kondo Overture) and no pure Class A or anything, just 45w of pure AB push-pull design in pentode mode, it was the most enjoyable amplifier I've ever used to date! The level of musicality was unsurpassed.

Fast fwd to 2019, now this is a very different system, and no more EL34's but the superb musicality of CJ amplification with the CLX's continues...

Cheers to those fantastic EL34 designs!
RJ

 

[Exlibris]

This year, I've heard the Unison Research S6 on three speakers: my AN-Es, the Odeon 28, and the Cube Audio Nenuphar.
I really enjoy the sound of this amp. In addition to being organic and natural-sounding (very nuanced on vocals), it has a 'propulsiveness' to it that brings musicians out into the room in a soundfield that is wonderfully layered. It really does draw me into the performance and provide an immersive listening experience (when the recording allows).
Unfortunately it is an integrated and I have a linestage. I could have my technician modify the unit to be a power amp, however.
I'm just curious as to what else is out there in EL34 amps that can be run in triode for about 30 watts. I have no interest in pentode or amps that parallel lots of tubes for huge power.

One more listening note: with the EL34 amp it's as if listening is done with the whole body. Switching back to my lower-powered 45, I feel that I'm only listening from the neck up; it's more cerebral and less tactile. Which amp would I prefer on >100dB speakers? I have no idea.

 

[Exlibris]

The little Mastersound Dieundici isn’t bad at all...makes nice music with my Decware HDT single diver speakers.

I see that Decware builds EL34 amps as well.

 

[morricab]

I see that Decware builds EL34 amps as well.

Yep, haven’t tried those because I don’t do PP amps anymore.

 

[morricab]

I see that Decware builds EL34 amps as well.

Oh, I see they have one . Maybe I will try it out!

 

[Exlibris]

Oh, I see they have one . Maybe I will try it out!

Which one? I only came across PP ones on their site.

 

[morricab]

Which one? I only came across PP ones on their site.

It’s called SE34I.5

 

[Exlibris]

It’s called SE34I.5

Oh, I see now.
I was only looking at the high-powered ones.