tungsram el84

[westerhever]

can anyone recommend these (nos, yellow labeled) ?
how do they compare to mullards,telefunken and the likes?

 

[Timbre Wolf]

can anyone recommend these (nos, yellow labeled) ?
how do they compare to mullards,telefunken and the likes?

I highly recommend them. They're tonally well-balanced, and they have a wonderful clarity. I have genuine Mullard EL84 ('60s), and actually prefer the Tungsram. I have no Telefunken EL84, so can't compare.

Though that sounds like an incredible endorsement, believe it or not, they're not my favorite! I do prefer '50s Dutch Philips (Sittard-made), for even better clarity, but they're too rare and expensive. For slightly less chime, and earlier breakup, I prefer black-plate Sylvania 6BQ5. The Tungsram are there with these, in the top three, for me.

I have also tried black-plate RCA, Tesla (not JJ), Valvo, Amperex ('60s), Matsushita, Telam, Sovtek and JJ EL84.

I say - if you can get 'em, go for it!! :AOK

 

[westerhever]

great info. thank you !
is there a difference as for white/yellow labels or
anything else i should pay attention to ?

 

[Timbre Wolf]

I have not sampled white v. yellow versions, and have only yellow (I believe). As far as I know, the internals did not change significantly. I think it is best to make sure you've got a seller who is reliable and thorough in testing and matching.

- T

 

[Swarty]

I have some that are actually labeled Mullard/Gt Britain.