EL34 guys...I have a question.

[King Crimson]

I'm currently using the original Ruby EL34B-STR power tubes in my amp ( new sets, just same specs.) Since I've had my amp I have switched from the original preamp Chinese 12AX7 8th generation to the Tung-Sol 12AX7-Reissue and like what I hear measurably better to my ears.

Do any of you have any experience with the Tung-Sol EL34B that would care to chime in with and your thoughts on these two power tubes?

The Tube Store claims that the Shuguang EL34-B tube is sold by Ruby Tubes as their EL34B-STR (my current power tubes.)
http://thetubestore.com/shuguangel34b.html


The Tube Depot claims that the Tung-Sol EL34B is better.
http://www.tubedepot.com/ts-el34b.html

The Tube Store is $11 less than the Tube Depot.
There is a definite difference in the construction looking at the pics of both.

The Tube Store Shuguang EL34-B


The Tube Depot Tung-Sol EL34B

[guitarded_1]

Originally Posted by King Crimson

The Tube Store claims that the Shuguang EL34-B tube is sold by Ruby Tubes as their EL34B-STR (my current power tubes.)
http://thetubestore.com/shuguangel34b.html

This is correct. Can't comment on the Tung Sol, but after trying many other tubes, the BSTR is my "go to" EL34.

[ericb]

Originally Posted by guitarded_1

This is correct. Can't comment on the Tung Sol, but after trying many other tubes, the BSTR is my "go to" EL34.

Hey GUitarded (Sorry don't know your real name!) , have you had a chance to compare the B-STR's to the B-HD's yet? I just ordered some of the STR's but was curious if the BHD's actually sound as good but just can take higher plate and/or screen voltages.. . Also the only person I found a price on the BHD's was Doug's Tubes. IS he the only guy in this country carrying the BHD's? Does anyone know?

Eric

[King Crimson]

Originally Posted by ericb

IS he the only guy in this country carrying the BHD's? Does anyone know?

Eric

Eric, did you mean "HT" and not "HD?" I've never heard of an EL34 HD power tube.

[ericb]

Originally Posted by King Crimson

Eric, did you mean "HT" and not "HD?" I've never heard of an EL34 HD power tube.

ugh UES... EL34BHT.. . Just a typo and you are correct!!!

Still haven't read 1 single post from anyone about a TONAL comparison between the el34bstr's and the el34bht's ... Just the voltage handling difference...

ERic

[King Crimson]

Originally Posted by ericb

ugh UES... EL34BHT.. . Just a typo and you are correct!!!

Still haven't read 1 single post from anyone about a TONAL comparison between the el34bstr's and the el34bht's ... Just the voltage handling difference...

ERic

No big. You'll find that every single one of my posts are complo[hphejhejekbw flawless and entirely wellffdwgfsofjwgv punctuated.

If figured as much, though. The way these tube manufacturers relabeled their stuff, unless you put the darn thing under a microscope, your guess is probably better than mine.

I’m happy with Ruby’s version for now. Any other information about this subtle strain on EL34s would be much appreciated.

David

[guitarded_1]

I haven't had a chance to put the BHT's in my Shiva yet. My Bias Rite FINALLY gets here on Fri. I got my BHT's from Lord Valve. He said the same thing that Doug said...pretty much the same tone as the BSTR. I won't be able to tell what the differences are between the BSTR and the BHT in the Shiva, largely due to the fact that the Shiva came loaded with SED's. Nevertheless, I plan to post my general thoughts on the BHT, as well as how they stack up to the SED in the same amp.

If you want a nice change of pace when purchasing tubes, call Lord Valve. You will always get your money's worth in sheer entertainment. That guy is hilarious...and he knows damn near everything there is to know about tubes.

[pureoldsound]

Some EL34B-STR info http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/el34.html scroll down

[ericb]

Originally Posted by guitarded_1

I haven't had a chance to put the BHT's in my Shiva yet. My Bias Rite FINALLY gets here on Fri. I got my BHT's from Lord Valve. He said the same thing that Doug said...pretty much the same tone as the BSTR. I won't be able to tell what the differences are between the BSTR and the BHT in the Shiva, largely due to the fact that the Shiva came loaded with SED's. Nevertheless, I plan to post my general thoughts on the BHT, as well as how they stack up to the SED in the same amp.

If you want a nice change of pace when purchasing tubes, call Lord Valve. You will always get your money's worth in sheer entertainment. That guy is hilarious...and he knows damn near everything there is to know about tubes.

I used to order tubes from him since the mid-late 90's but that's when I used to get emails with the Tubelists /prices on them.. He'd always include some Caiglabs pro-gold, or anti-static cloth, or some gift with the tubes also.. BUT I don't get the emails any more and stopped ordering.. If anyone has one , could they forward me the tube /price list?
ericbr1@comcast.net I'd appreciate it!

Eric

[King Crimson]

Originally Posted by pureoldsound

Some EL34B-STR info http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/el34.html scroll down

Thanks for the information., pureoldsound. However according to the time stamp the information is a bit outdated being nearly six years in the past.

I beleive that Tung-Sol has the mark on the EL34B at this time, for my purposes.

I'll let you know...I've ordered a duet to start with from Doug's Tubes. I've always experienced good results with Doug over the years.

[MightyGuru]

Bump for a TS EL34B review...how'd they do?

[Greazygeo]

The Ruby EL34B-STR is a nice sounding tube, but to me doesnt sound like an EL34. I think it leans more towards a 6CA7 tone.....its a bigger more balanced sounding tube. I like these alot.....

[ericb]

Originally Posted by Greazygeo

The Ruby EL34B-STR is a nice sounding tube, but to me doesnt sound like an EL34. I think it leans more towards a 6CA7 tone.....its a bigger more balanced sounding tube. I like these alot.....

I recently have tried the Chinese El34B's in 1 of my amps and so far they sound absolutely great. REALLY like them... .It's a Ceriatone 2204-type amp.. . I say 2204 -type as it's a 2204 clone, but it's different than the Marshall 2204 I've had since the mid 80's. Either way it's a tremendous sounding amp I've built into a 1x12 combo in a Bluesbreaker style cab and the Chinese el34b's are awesome in it thus far

Eric

[gldtp99]

Originally Posted by Greazygeo

The Ruby EL34B-STR is a nice sounding tube, but to me doesnt sound like an EL34. I think it leans more towards a 6CA7 tone.....its a bigger more balanced sounding tube. I like these alot.....

I agree with this----i use the non-Ruby Shuguang EL34B's in some amps----if you're looking for an EL34-type with more bottom end (bigger, more balanced) then these would be a good choice.................gldtp99

[3 Mile Stone]

I tried a pair of Tung Sol EL34B in my amp and I thought they sounded really good. It had some characteristics of a 6L6, namely the clean sounds had a little more sparkle on them. The mids on the higher gain tones were still nice and recognizably EL34 ish though. Great tubes I think.