EL84 Replacement Suggestions for Dr Z?

cacibi · April 5th, 2006, 01:33 PM

I always like to have a full backup set of tubes and fuses for my amps - so, since I just got my Maz Jr. - I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for replacement EL84's. Looks like KCA has reasonably priced NOS Tesla's. I've read reports online about reliability issues with the JJ's - but, you can't always believe what you read I guess.

Mr. Sparkle · April 5th, 2006, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cacibi

I always like to have a full backup set of tubes and fuses for my amps - so, since I just got my Maz Jr. - I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for replacement EL84's. Looks like KCA has reasonably priced NOS Tesla's. I've read reports online about reliability issues with the JJ's - but, you can't always believe what you read I guess.

I'd like the same information for my Savage Glas 30. The guys at Savage always use Sovtek and they discouraged me from the JJ's. Maybe Svet's?

Tremo · April 5th, 2006, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Sparkle

Quote:

Originally Posted by cacibi

I always like to have a full backup set of tubes and fuses for my amps - so, since I just got my Maz Jr. - I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for replacement EL84's. Looks like KCA has reasonably priced NOS Tesla's. I've read reports online about reliability issues with the JJ's - but, you can't always believe what you read I guess.

I'd like the same information for my Savage Glas 30. The guys at Savage always use Sovtek and they discouraged me from the JJ's. Maybe Svet's?

Svet doesn't make EL84s.

There are two Sovtek/EH versions, the "standard" and the heavy duty Military version. All reports say the standard, shorter life version sounds better, but the MIL version is a tank.

Ei makes an 84, but their QA has really been hit and miss. I hear they sound good when they work.

Is JJ having a process problem in their 84s that are causing field failures? I hear these sound good and last a while if you get good ones. Maybe buy them from Lard Valve, since he seems to give them the most comprehensive testing.

Then there's always NOS if you have the scratch.

FMA · April 5th, 2006, 05:25 PM

Have had JJs in my Pro Junior for some time now without any problems. Previously used Sovteks and they started ratltling. So far, the JJs are holding up pretty well...

jjh37854 · April 5th, 2006, 05:37 PM

I used the GTs last retube, they sound great, they are JJs according to the GT guys, but have been screened matched and rated for gain level. I have been very happy, and those guys are great over there, give em a call and they will work thru a full tube analysis with you, GT and others.

Also go ask Myles over on the Z board, the man has done a lot of research on this stiff and is a Z maniac.

paddywhack · April 6th, 2006, 10:35 AM

Mike at KCA has some NOS Teslas that are not JJ's....they're from the seventies....pricey at around 25 bucks each but Mike claims they're the best value in NOS el-84's....i need a quartet for my Maz 38 (ouch!)....so i'm gonna grab some soon before they're sold out....

April 5th, 2006, 01:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
cacibi Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,747	EL84 Replacement Suggestions for Dr Z? I always like to have a full backup set of tubes and fuses for my amps - so, since I just got my Maz Jr. - I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for replacement EL84's. Looks like KCA has reasonably priced NOS Tesla's. I've read reports online about reliability issues with the JJ's - but, you can't always believe what you read I guess. __________________ www.krisgeren.com

April 5th, 2006, 05:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,174	JJs are OK by me... Have had JJs in my Pro Junior for some time now without any problems. Previously used Sovteks and they started ratltling. So far, the JJs are holding up pretty well...

April 5th, 2006, 05:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
jjh37854 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Francisco Age: 35 Posts: 1,187 7 Photos	I used the GTs last retube, they sound great, they are JJs according to the GT guys, but have been screened matched and rated for gain level. I have been very happy, and those guys are great over there, give em a call and they will work thru a full tube analysis with you, GT and others. Also go ask Myles over on the Z board, the man has done a lot of research on this stiff and is a Z maniac.

April 6th, 2006, 10:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
paddywhack TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 61	Mike at KCA has some NOS Teslas that are not JJ's....they're from the seventies....pricey at around 25 bucks each but Mike claims they're the best value in NOS el-84's....i need a quartet for my Maz 38 (ouch!)....so i'm gonna grab some soon before they're sold out....