Does anyone have advice on which brand of output tubes are better... Sovtek EL-34G+ or JJ EL-34L?
+2
Bugs
JJB
6 posters
Output Tubes - a choice
Bugs- Posts : 90
Join date : 2009-04-17
JJB wrote:Does anyone have advice on which brand of output tubes are better... Sovtek EL-34G+ or JJ EL-34L?
I do not know about the Sovteks, but I have used JJs, Tung Sol EL 34B, and Genalex KT66. Of the three I like the Tung Sol and Genalex the best. The Tung Sols are typically rounded off on the highs and lows like an EL34 and have a great mid range, the Genalex are more linear and provide a very nice sound.
Bob Latino- Admin
- Posts : 3276
Join date : 2008-11-26
Location : Massachusetts
One of the best "value" EL34 tubes out there are the Chinese Shuguang made tubes. These tubes may be sold under the Shuguang name or sold under the "Ruby" or "Valve Art" brand names. It is the SAME tube whether either of the three brand names is stamped on the outside. These tubes are very well made and are a good value at $50 - $60 for a quad. Read some reviews below on the Shuguang made EL34 tubes ....
Shuguang EL34B thread on the Vintage Amps Forum
The Tubestore EL34 reviews
On the other side of the coin the Genelex Gold Lion KT66's are probably (IMHO) the best sounding tube that you can use in an ST-70 but they ARE expensive at $140 to $150 a quad. If you have an older original ST-70 that has not been rebuilt it probably doesn't make sense to use the Genalex tubes.
Bob
Shuguang EL34B thread on the Vintage Amps Forum
The Tubestore EL34 reviews
On the other side of the coin the Genelex Gold Lion KT66's are probably (IMHO) the best sounding tube that you can use in an ST-70 but they ARE expensive at $140 to $150 a quad. If you have an older original ST-70 that has not been rebuilt it probably doesn't make sense to use the Genalex tubes.
Bob
JJB- Posts : 2
Join date : 2010-01-24
I appreciate all the advice. I happen to have a set of Sovteks and JJs and wondered which to use. thanks for all the info and the links... JJB
Bugs- Posts : 90
Join date : 2009-04-17
JJB wrote:I appreciate all the advice. I happen to have a set of Sovteks and JJs and wondered which to use. thanks for all the info and the links... JJB
If you already have them, try both pairs and see which you like the best. That's part of what makes tube amps interesting, rolling tubes to see what you like the best.
Listens2tubes- Posts : 15
Join date : 2009-04-08
Location : New Jersey
I have used the Winged =C= EL34 and Genalex KT77 and like them equally. Though, the 77's hold bias better. 
Sled108- Posts : 40
Join date : 2010-02-03
The JJ KT77's Sound Fine for the Price..$70-$80 a Quad..
Jhoman- Posts : 25
Join date : 2010-01-03
Age : 64
Location : Meridian, MS
I really like my Ruby KT88s and a Ruby rectifier, these sound sweet coupled with my Mullard 4024s in my pre.