Sophia (blue) EL-34-ST Tubes

[retired farmer]

That one is on my list for dissection. Because they bought most of the 9a base plate dies when Telefunken closed their doors. So the plates are the same, but not the metallurgy, I want to compare and contrast the cathode and the grid winding to a Telefunken.

What shoots the new current tubes for a lot of people is the use of copper in the metallurgy. Which the electromagnetism effect changes how well the harmonics propagate in the tube. Granted some are made for things like guitar amps that most of these side harmonics are intentionally cancelled out, Some EE that are not specialized in audio will tell you any modulated distortion should be cancelled out. But they say other crazy things like there is no difference with resistors or capacitors either.

If you want to try a set of cheap reflecktor 6922 tubes at parts connection Chris Johnson bought out the personal stash of the arc engineer who past away. They are marked sovtec but the structure is the same as the reflecktor 6922s. I have a couple of those sets in a drawer as well. The last I saw them they were very cheap. Like very very cheap.

 

[retired farmer]

Well you were right I didn't give the gold lion 6922s enough break in time
They seems to be changing back and forth. From bright and edgy to ok. Lots of bounce in the music. Better timing than the reflectors. Give them some more time and see what happens. Perhaps put the set of four in the monoblocks instead of the pair in the cd player. I must say I didn't think that they were not broken in enough lol live and learn. Thank you everyone!

 

[RussD]

I agree they probably need more burn-in but the Sophias are certainly fuller and warmer sounding.

Hi Dave, and hi everyone. First post here, thanks for having me. I’m in the market for a new quad of el34’s since the whistles and shrieks have started recently. Where are we on the Sophia Electric el34 vs Gold Lions? My system has been in full bloom lately, but as you know - when the candle burns brightest the end is nigh.
I started years ago with Sovtecs- which were my first tubes and sounded full and very smooth- tho less detail.
Then winged C’s- very strong in clarity and soundstage- maybe a little shrill- not as warm sounding and though excellent they didn’t wrap a blanket around me for hours on end.
I moved on to Gold Lions a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed them - punchy, smooth and deep bass, but great in all range. Overall lush and beautiful and friendly. A great match for my speakers. And I’d happily have them again.
I’ve got the C’s back in business for now.
But I’m wondering if there’s another tube to synergise with my system to help create that wonderful musical blanket that I love?
Are you still suggesting the Sophia Electric el34’s as a worthy contender to the Gold Lions?
To recap I prefer warmth and depth to harsh clarity, and I love forward clear midrange, air and pace.
Any other tube ideas welcome
many thanks!

 

[matakana]

Hi Dave, and hi everyone. First post here, thanks for having me. I’m in the market for a new quad of el34’s since the whistles and shrieks have started recently. Where are we on the Sophia Electric el34 vs Gold Lions? My system has been in full bloom lately, but as you know - when the candle burns brightest the end is nigh.
I started years ago with Sovtecs- which were my first tubes and sounded full and very smooth- tho less detail.
Then winged C’s- very strong in clarity and soundstage- maybe a little shrill- not as warm sounding and though excellent they didn’t wrap a blanket around me for hours on end.
I moved on to Gold Lions a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed them - punchy, smooth and deep bass, but great in all range. Overall lush and beautiful and friendly. A great match for my speakers. And I’d happily have them again.
I’ve got the C’s back in business for now.
But I’m wondering if there’s another tube to synergise with my system to help create that wonderful musical blanket that I love?
Are you still suggesting the Sophia Electric el34’s as a worthy contender to the Gold Lions?
To recap I prefer warmth and depth to harsh clarity, and I love forward clear midrange, air and pace.
Any other tube ideas welcome
many thanks!

You should consider JJ KT 77.

 

[RussD]

You should consider JJ KT 77.

I just read the same thing over at canoukaudiomart, will look into that. Thx

 

[DaveC]

Hi Dave, and hi everyone. First post here, thanks for having me. I’m in the market for a new quad of el34’s since the whistles and shrieks have started recently. Where are we on the Sophia Electric el34 vs Gold Lions? My system has been in full bloom lately, but as you know - when the candle burns brightest the end is nigh.
I started years ago with Sovtecs- which were my first tubes and sounded full and very smooth- tho less detail.
Then winged C’s- very strong in clarity and soundstage- maybe a little shrill- not as warm sounding and though excellent they didn’t wrap a blanket around me for hours on end.
I moved on to Gold Lions a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed them - punchy, smooth and deep bass, but great in all range. Overall lush and beautiful and friendly. A great match for my speakers. And I’d happily have them again.
I’ve got the C’s back in business for now.
But I’m wondering if there’s another tube to synergise with my system to help create that wonderful musical blanket that I love?
Are you still suggesting the Sophia Electric el34’s as a worthy contender to the Gold Lions?
To recap I prefer warmth and depth to harsh clarity, and I love forward clear midrange, air and pace.
Any other tube ideas welcome
many thanks!

Hi Russ,

I've been using some old seam-top Japanese tubes, probably Matsushita. Not sure they're a ton better than new Gold Lion, but my Russian tubes often lose vacuum, had that happen which prompted the switch.

I did get some new tubes, PSVANE EL34PH, which are Phillips metal-base replicas and have a metal base and gold pins. My initial impressions are very positive, they are in the same league as the Japanese tubes, which are Mullard design and made on old Mullard equipment, and the GLs. I haven't put many hours on them, so I need to switch back to the seam-tops and GL to compare. I have 3 good GLs, and I also have some other NOS Mullard and a bunch of NOS Winged-C. I had a pair of NOS JJs, they were excellent but one went out on me. I still like the Sophias but they are warmer than I need, not quite as clear as the others but they are a unique option and if you love 300Bs, these have a similar character.

 

[RussD]

Hi Russ,

I've been using some old seam-top Japanese tubes, probably Matsushita. Not sure they're a ton better than new Gold Lion, but my Russian tubes often lose vacuum, had that happen which prompted the switch.

I did get some new tubes, PSVANE EL34PH, which are Phillips metal-base replicas and have a metal base and gold pins. My initial impressions are very positive, they are in the same league as the Japanese tubes, which are Mullard design and made on old Mullard equipment, and the GLs. I haven't put many hours on them, so I need to switch back to the seam-tops and GL to compare. I have 3 good GLs, and I also have some other NOS Mullard and a bunch of NOS Winged-C. I had a pair of NOS JJs, they were excellent but one went out on me. I still like the Sophias but they are warmer than I need, not quite as clear as the others but they are a unique option and if you love 300Bs, these have a similar character.

Thanks for the response Dave. User experience is helpful and you sure aren’t short on valve choices
I will ultimately get the Genelex gold lions again since I know they put out the goods and match the speakers so well, but I think my next move will be JJ KT77 as I want to try them and for the price - well, it sounds like a bargain if all goes well. Or a reserve set.
I’m looking at a new styli vm95micro linear which should provide the detail.
Hopefully I’ll have a chance to hear those blue bottles some time.
Thx again for being helpful

 

[retired farmer]

Hi Dave, and hi everyone. First post here, thanks for having me. I’m in the market for a new quad of el34’s since the whistles and shrieks have started recently. Where are we on the Sophia Electric el34 vs Gold Lions? My system has been in full bloom lately, but as you know - when the candle burns brightest the end is nigh.
I started years ago with Sovtecs- which were my first tubes and sounded full and very smooth- tho less detail.
Then winged C’s- very strong in clarity and soundstage- maybe a little shrill- not as warm sounding and though excellent they didn’t wrap a blanket around me for hours on end.
I moved on to Gold Lions a few years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed them - punchy, smooth and deep bass, but great in all range. Overall lush and beautiful and friendly. A great match for my speakers. And I’d happily have them again.
I’ve got the C’s back in business for now.
But I’m wondering if there’s another tube to synergise with my system to help create that wonderful musical bl

anket that I lov
Are you still suggesting the Sophia Electric el34’s as a worthy contender to the Gold Lions?
To recap I prefer warmth and depth to harsh clarity, and I love forward clear midrange, air and pace.
Any other tube ideas welcome
many thanks!

I think you will love the Sophia Electric tubes. I bought a quad of kt 88s and I will buy 16 Sophia s el34s for my canary ca 160 monoblocks. Lol I need to open up the wallet abunch to buy that many. I sure love all the different tubes I have bought from them lush and beautiful. Lots of detail very musical and romantic sounding. Very fluid sounding. There might be better tubes out there but they are very good to my ears and still not ridiculous prices.

Regards

 

[Cellcbern]

Hi Russ,

I've been using some old seam-top Japanese tubes, probably Matsushita. Not sure they're a ton better than new Gold Lion, but my Russian tubes often lose vacuum, had that happen which prompted the switch.

I did get some new tubes, PSVANE EL34PH, which are Phillips metal-base replicas and have a metal base and gold pins. My initial impressions are very positive, they are in the same league as the Japanese tubes, which are Mullard design and made on old Mullard equipment, and the GLs. I haven't put many hours on them, so I need to switch back to the seam-tops and GL to compare. I have 3 good GLs, and I also have some other NOS Mullard and a bunch of NOS Winged-C. I had a pair of NOS JJs, they were excellent but one went out on me. I still like the Sophias but they are warmer than I need, not quite as clear as the others but they are a unique option and if you love 300Bs, these have a similar character.

Back in 2018, prior to the 2020 upgrade of my Pathos TT RR I had a modified Unison S6. In that amp I found the Psvane EL34PH to be clearly superior to all the other EL-34, KT77, and 6CA7 variants I tried, including the Sophia aqua EL-34's (a little bright, but maybe i didn't burn them in long enough). However I gave up on the Psvane tubes because of their short life/lack of reliability. If Psvane has addressed their reliability issues the EL34PH is a strong contender for best EL34/KT77/6CA7 tube available.

 

[RussD]

I think you will love the Sophia Electric tubes. I bought a quad of kt 88s and I will buy 16 Sophia s el34s for my canary ca 160 monoblocks. Lol I need to open up the wallet abunch to buy that many. I sure love all the different tubes I have bought from them lush and beautiful. Lots of detail very musical and romantic sounding. Very fluid sounding. There might be better tubes out there but they are very good to my ears and still not ridiculous prices.

Regards

Thanks for reply Retired Farmer. Your upcoming purchase are testimony of your satisfaction for sure. It’s a funny game reading reviews and recommendations- I sure do want to try them them. You said all the right things there!