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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2012 21:09:11 GMT
Noticed last night that one of the EL34 power valves in my Shanling STP-80 Integrated was glowing much less brightly than the other three. Still sounded fine, but I'm a bit wary about using it now. Can't remember if it has a protection circuit in case a valve blows.
It seems its time to replace the valves .
Does anyone know of/had experience of/able to recommend a reputable company that can supply reasonably priced matched pairs of EL34 valves?
Jeff
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2012 21:21:35 GMT
Jeff You could try swapping the pair around to make sure that it is the actual valve, and not a circuit problem due to a resistor etc. Alex
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2012 22:13:25 GMT
O.K. Alex, will do...
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Post by Deleted on Feb 12, 2012 22:22:42 GMT
Thanks for reminding me to do that Alex, I guess it would have been major expense if I would have had to send it away for repair. For a start it weighs over 18 Kg's Just swapped them over, it is just the valve thank goodness . . . Jeff
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2012 0:09:15 GMT
Jeff I am pleased to hear that. I don't imagine that 2 pairs of matched EL34 will come too cheaply though. Regards Alex
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XTRProf
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Pssst ! Got any spare capacitors ?
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Post by XTRProf on Feb 13, 2012 8:42:51 GMT
Eh, Alex taking kindly to valves?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2012 9:09:38 GMT
Eh, Alex taking kindly to valves? Chong Because of my age ,and working in Telecommunications as well, I have probably had a great deal more experience with valves than the vast majority of members, and would have been likely playing around with them when you were still in nappies. Even the acorn types 954 and 955 and 6CW4 NuVista triodes. as well as the battery operated types such as 1T4,1S4 and 3V4 etc. Alex
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2012 15:41:46 GMT
Jeff I am pleased to hear that. I don't imagine that 2 pairs of matched EL34 will come too cheaply though. Regards Alex Hi Alex, I think I did not bad. Managed to find a set of 2 matched pairs of Electro Harmonix EL 34 EH's (for less than £55 shipped) which are the exact valves which were originally fitted to my amp. I realise that this was an opportunity to change the sound but after literally years of experimentation with speakers and amps, I had arrived at a sound I really liked. The combination of the STP-80 with Electro Harmonix valves and B & W CDM7NT is brilliant. The temptation to try another valve in case that one sounds even better was there but I realised it was "Grass is greener" syndrome and fought it off. Besides i don't have enough disposable income at the moment to start valve rolling with power valves. And after all that effort I didn't want to upset the applecart. I just want to listen to music now.Anyway, for anyone else looking to buy larger power valves, I would thoroughly recommend Karltone. I spoke on the phone to Karl, who's a nice bloke and was very helpful. www.karltone.co.uk/electro-harmonix-el34-eh-198-p.aspJeff
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2012 20:19:07 GMT
Hi Jeff That sounds like quite a reasonable price, especially when P and P is included.The affordable types seemed to be going from a low $26 a pair to $44 a pair, not including P and P. Alex
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XTRProf
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Pssst ! Got any spare capacitors ?
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Post by XTRProf on Feb 15, 2012 6:56:37 GMT
Eh, Karl only talks of computer perfection.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 17, 2012 0:31:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2012 0:55:16 GMT
My EL34's arrived on Wednesday, quick delivery When I was on the phone to Karl I remember him saying he was going to the Post Office with my valves for 5 o'clock to catch the post. Recorded, signed for and well packed. Valves in their boxes inside a roll of bubble wrap filled with those polystyrene pellets in a sturdy cardboard box. I wasn't able to fit them till Friday morning. Happy Bunny, my B&W's are singing again Jeff
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Post by ozelui on Apr 3, 2012 6:38:59 GMT
Hello there! You may want to check this EL34 shootout from tubestore: thetubestore.com/el34review.htmlThough I have not ordered from them, I have heard wonders of Upscale Audio. I like a lot their tube testing procedures. Also I would like to heard if there is a "serious" UK tube supplier who I can rely on. :-) From my own experience, do buy from a dealer who matches & tests tubes and gives them some hours of burning-in time...Last time my Prologue Two was used as a Test Bench with a new set of Electro Harmonix KT88´s and ended up in repair shop with severe distortion on left channel and an open cathode resistor....
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