which El84's for rocket build? uk

[norburybrook]

Yes, as always you guys over your side of the pond seem to have it good when it comes to prices and availability of things like this.

We tend to pay 2x what you guys pay for most everything !!! you'd cry if you had top pay our gas(petrol) prices


Marcus

[pdf64]

Just got a pair of these http://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=1410 seem pretty good.

[Structo]

Not sure I can tell a lot from auditioning EL84 type tubes.

But I like the idea that a EL84 is on the bright side, since the high frequencies are the first to degrade as a tube ages.

The only amp I have owned with EL84's is my Carvin Belair which has four.
They call it a 50w amp, maybe not but it is loud as hell.

[renshen1957]

Out of the 4 brands you listed, JJ's for sure...I also like the standard grade 6P14P, I'm pretty sure that Z-Wrecks come with the mil-spec version of those, the 6P14P-EV.

+1 on the 6P14P-EV The EV tube is rated for more hours than the standard 6P14P, took more abuse, too.

Best regards,

Steve

[Synchu]

In terms of reliability, besides EV designated 6P14P, I would recommend EH as well.
I ran filaments on a pair of those at 12v for some months (yep, who else hates heaters wiring?) wondering why the amp eats tubes like crazy. Everything else went south considerably faster. Tung Sols (reissues) were the close second, Sovteks third and JJs seem to take least abuse of all.
Niki

[gktamps]

This is from RUTUBES:

Hello
All these lamps have the identical characteristic. BUT.....Differ time of a life
6P14P - 3000hr
6P14P-V - 1000hr
6P14P-EV - 5000hr
6P14P-ER - >10000hr
6P14P-K - 3000hr and tube is steady against vibration!!!! This tube is very rare.
Also tubes 6P14P-EV and 6P14P-EB It is one type tube.
__________________
Click here to visit the ruTubes.com

ALSO SEE:

http://www.tubes.ru/techinfo/HiFiAudio/6p14pev.html

[norburybrook]

THanks guys, I went with JJ's for now, got EH for the pre amp valves for a change. I'll see how it sounds and if I'm not happy I can get some Russian military spec valves later.

should start building this weekend so I'll keep you posted.


I've a feeling speaker choice is going to make more of a difference than output valve makes.

The Z Wreck cab which does sound great uses a Celestion alnico blue and a gold. that's a lot of money just for the speakers here in the UK.


Marcus

[lumox0013]

I thought it would not make a huge difference as well. ( I was wrong) I own (baldwin)classic black plate rca's , sovtek, tad,vintage volvo's (#2 s) but when I put the Telam polish millitary el84's in my rocket it sparkled like no other. roll as many tubes as you can get a hold of . the telams are hard to find but they rock. cheers Lumox
(((( ps the same goes for the recto I am currently running a GE 5v4 because I cant aford a mullard 5ar4 I own several other 5ar4's and they dont shine like the GE.