Current EL-34 manufactures

[Blues Hound]

Starting a HRM build and going with EL-34s and wanted to see if JJ is the bast available.

I use their 6L6GCs and really like them.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Steve

[xtian]

There are only three to choose from, really. JJ, Russian or Chinese. All good, though I've certainly used JJs the most. I like Russian tubes, too.

[Roe]

There are only three to choose from, really. JJ, Russian or Chinese. All good, though I've certainly used JJs the most. I like Russian tubes, too.

3 countries, but more variants than 3. the EH is good, the Mullard RI can be muddy (the tung-sol el34b is clearer and crisper). the tad ones are ok, but like typical chinese el34s they do draw less screen current than old el34s.

[Abe5150]

My 183 build with tube store branded EL-34s lasted about 4 years and sounded great but not sure what manufacturer they came from.

[alnight]

My personal preference these days is JJ. I find them to be less harsh than the others. I recommend getting a "burned in" set from Eurotubes or someplace that does that. I've had a few make some fairly big moves after a few hours of use when I thought I'd just let them cook in with the amp.

JJ makes several EL34 variants. My favorites for an ODS style amp are the EL34 and the 6CA7.

[Blues Hound]

Thanks for the responses everyone, much appreciated, looks like I will start with the JJs.

Steve