Introduction of old EL34 tube

EL34 is probably one of the two most powerful tube amplifiers used by manufacturers now. It is still produced in China, Russia and Slovakia. The output is large and the price is cheap. However, many tube amplifier enthusiasts prefer to buy some old-installed new products, or even second-hand EL34. I am a user of Marantz 8b. In the past four years, like many of my peers, I have searched for old-installed EL34 everywhere, and finally got some results. I will talk about the various things about old-installed EL34. (Reference picture)

Origin and lineage

The brand-new old-installed (also known as New Old Stock, referred to as NOS) EL34s that are now priced amazingly were not expensive tubes when they were launched in the mid-1950s. By the late 1950s, they were much cheaper than the popular 6550, KT88, KT66, EL37, and even 5881 at that time. According to records, the expensive Marantz 2 was the first classic power amplifier to use the EL34 (1955), but the EL34 was undoubtedly popularized by the Dynaco ST-70, which has the highest sales in the history of audio (from 1958 to 1977, a total of 500,000 units, including factory machines and self-assembled kits, and 2 million EL34s were used for the machine alone), and the Marshall Guitar Amp, which is very important in the electronic guitar industry (it has loved using the EL34 since 1965). Since then, the EL34 has become one of the mainstream strong bold models.

In 1954, the Philips factory in the Netherlands was the only place to produce the EL34. The earliest Dutch-made EL34 is what we commonly call the [iron hoop] EL34 today, because it has a metal base. The EL34 of that period, whether printed with CBS, Siemens, Mullard, or Amperex, was all produced by Philips in the Netherlands. A few years later, the German giant Telefunken also joined the battle, and another "iron hoop" EL34 appeared. However, its screen and body were obviously different from those of the Dutch product, and it could be distinguished even from a distance. In 1959, the year after the launch of the Dynaco ST-70, the British Mullard factory also opened the EL34 production line. The first generation of EL34 produced in the UK used the larger diameter and taller dark brown bakelite base (we call it the "big brown base") that Mullard used at the time. The "big brown base" printed with the word Dynaco in batches became the early ST-70 tubes (but today a set of four NOS "big brown base" EL34 is more expensive than a new ST-70). The three most popular classic old EL34s among tube fans today, namely the Dutch Philips, the former West German Telefunken, and the British Mullard, all came out in that year.

Entering the 1960s, these three manufacturers still dominated the EL34 market, but their products had changed significantly. The EL34 of Philips in the Netherlands changed to a light brown bakelite base, and the former West German Telefunken also changed to a brown bakelite base. In 1963, the British Mullard tube no longer used the "large brown base" but the more common ordinary brown base. From then on, British Mullard also occupied the EL34 market, and most of the EL34s issued by manufacturers were supplied by it. Later, another former West German manufacturer Siemens announced the production of a type with a screen voltage of up to 800 volts (much higher than the original Mullard specification of 650 volts), but this particularly slim EL34 was produced in the former East Germany on an OEM basis. Although the specifications of this EL34 are more impressive, it is not as good as the above three EL34 brands in terms of production and sound quality, so it has never been included in the classic list.

In the 1970s, the production of EL34 changed again. Philips of the Netherlands, the originator of EL34, was the first to terminate the production line of this tube. The EL34 of the entire Philips Group was concentrated in the production of Mullard in the UK. Soon after, Teletunken in the former West Germany also stopped producing EL34. However, on the other side of the Atlantic, Sylvania of the United States. In order to cater to the huge vacuum tube market of guitar amplifiers, it launched the so-called STR (Special Test Requirement) 6CA7/EL34 in 1973. This STR version was supplied in large quantities to Mesa-Boogie guitar amplifiers. Later, GE of the United States also joined the competition and jointly produced this "fat boy tube" that looked like 6L6GC. This product was famous for being "tough" and was a good companion for guitar amplifiers. However, since it was different from any European EL34 in structure, the sound effect was also different.

Entering the 1980s, the vacuum tube industry was in a cold winter. Mullard, the representative of the British industry, finally closed its factory in 1982, leaving only two major American manufacturers to continue to produce the "fat boy tube". The development of the new EL34 includes the former Czech Tesla EL34, which was made popular by the American tube selling company Groove Tube in the mid-to-late 1980s, and the E34L developed by the factory later. After the two American "fat boy" EL34s were discontinued in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were the Yugoslav El's pointed top model, the Chinese "Dawn" product, the Russian Sovtek EL34G and 6CA7 "fat boy version" and Svetlana "bald boy" version. A few months ago, the so-called improved version of Sovtek EL34WXT and the new product E34LS of Tesla's reorganized new company Teslalovak appeared.

The eighth edition of the British MULLARD EL34 gallbladder

Among the EL34s I have purchased, Mullard ones account for the majority.

First, there are two models produced during the "big coffee seat" period. The two large deaerator rings (commonly known as "double rings") of the first period are facing inwards, one horizontal and the other slightly tilted upwards (the tilt depends on the individual workmanship). The two deaerator rings of the second period are smaller in diameter and installed horizontally in parallel, which has become the established pattern of Mullard's "double ring" EL34 in the future. Apart from the above differences, there is almost no obvious difference between the two periods of production. According to the small Mullard-specific production number on the gallbladder, these two periods of production are both Xf1 period.

Next is the "brown base" period, and the brown color of this "brown base" is also different from the previous one, it is as dark as black. There are three models of EL34 in this period, the first two are of "double circle" structure, compared with the previous products, not only are their bases thinner, the pair of "circles" are also a little thinner, and even the mica pieces are different. The upper piece is still the traditional ten-claw mica piece, and the lower piece is changed to a round shape. Both products are numbered Xf2, but the subdivision number is changed from the old three-digit number to a four-digit number, indicating that the production has increased a lot. The biggest difference between these two "double circle" products is that the former model has all eight pins, while the latter model does not have the unnecessary sixth pin. The last model of the "brown seat" period was the beginning of a new generation of varieties. It was in the late 1960s when Mullard began to use a single degasser ring (commonly known as a "single ring". Except for a large ring installed in the middle, it looked no different from the previous products on the surface.

Entering the 1970s, the "black seat" period EL34 began to appear. This period can be divided into three models. The first model is exactly the same as the last model of the "brown seat" period. The biggest difference is naturally the color of the base changed from dark brown to black. The difference of the second model is mainly seen in the change of the plate connection from the spot welding of the previous products to the open hole mortise and tenon installation. Both of these models were included in the Xf3 period, and also witnessed Mullard's transition from the "big shield" period to the "smiling date" period. In the last model, the main surface change was seen in the change of a pair of mica sheets to a type that is almost round but has four sharp corners. This EL34 was included in the Xf4 and Xf5 periods, and it is also the last generation of British Mullard EL34.

As can be seen from the above, the British Mullard EL34 can be divided into two "big brown seat" models, three "brown seat" models, and three "black seat" models, a total of eight varieties. On the surface, the changes in each issue are some insignificant and unimportant changes, which should not affect the replay effect. However, as the author said in previous articles on the topic, these changes often reflect that the manufacturer wants to save costs. Those minor surface changes actually reflect that the manufacturer will also make changes in invisible places such as materials, manufacturing, and quality control, thus affecting the different sounds of different issues. This is an absolute fact, and it is not only Mullard, but also Western Electric. After explaining the reasons, how did these eight issues of Mullard EL34 perform? I have used Marantz 8b for nearly four years. After summarizing my own experience and referring to the opinions of some peers, I can say that the earlier the better the sound, which is almost a golden rule. They can also be roughly divided into five levels according to their performance. The first level is the two models of the "Big Coffee Seat" period. They have noble sound and powerful power. They are the top EL34s. Compared with any EL34 from any manufacturer, they are invincible. The second level is the two "double-circle" varieties of the "Coffee Seat" period. Its vocals and instrument textures are slightly inferior to those of the "Big Coffee Seat", but the overall effect is also very close, especially the balance is even more unattainable by the later products of the same factory. Many people say that the Marantz 8b has a beautiful sound but a thin low frequency. However, if you can use the original products of these two periods, there will be no similar problems. The third level is the third model of the "Coffee Seat" period and the first model of the "Black Seat" period. The performance of this level is obviously different from the first two levels, especially in the performance of the mid- and low-frequency, which lacks the momentum. Fortunately, the sound quality still has the usual style of Mullard. The fourth level is the second model of the "Black Seat" period. The balance and sound quality are very close to the previous level, but the sound image is slightly blurred. The fifth level is of course the third model of the "Black Seat" period. It has regressed a bit in all aspects, but the sound quality still has the family tradition, and in this respect it is obviously better than most new EL34s.

PHlLlPS and TELEFUNKEN EL34 tubes

Philips of the Netherlands is the founder of EL34, but its story is not as colorful as Mullard. Its production period began in 1955 and lasted for nearly 15 years. During the above period, the most fascinating thing was naturally the so-called "hoop" EL34, but it turned out that this product was also divided into two types. The first type I would call the "long seat hoop" (see picture). Its structure is extremely solid, different from any EL34 that came out later. It was probably a prototype product with a bit of experimental nature, so the circulation was very small. The second type is more common, and it also determined the general appearance of all future EL34s, but it also has its own obvious characteristics, such as it has a "flat top" and "black mercury" like its predecessor, and it has a unique degassing agent disc (only Yugoslav El has imitated it in the future), and of course the "hoop" with the production number pressed on it. In the 1960s, the "iron hoop" was no longer used, and the Dutch EL34 also entered the "brown seat period". It can be roughly divided into two types, but the difference between the two is only very slight. Both have a pair of D-shaped degassing frames and a "flat top" very similar to the predecessor (but not as flat). However, the light brown seat is an earlier product, while the later one is much darker. However, if you don't compare the two together, it will be easy to confuse them. In terms of performance, the author has never heard the first generation of "iron hoop" because he has not found four of the same model at the same time. The second generation of "iron hoop" has been used. Its dynamics are very sharp and the mid-low frequency bounce is full, which is unmatched by any other EL34. As for the "brown seat" period products, the difference between the early and late products is not big. If compared with the predecessor, the power is obviously not as good, but the sound quality is very similar. The mid-high frequency extension is more thorough than the British Mullard products of the same period, but it is not too brilliant.

The period of production of EL34 by Telefunken in former West Germany was very similar to that of Philips in the Netherlands. It started production several years later than Philips and stopped production several years later than Philips. It also experienced the "iron hoop" period and the "brown seat" period. The "brown seat" period also had the so-called "double ring" period and the "single ring" period, and all of them used Telefunken's unique degassing agent ring, which I call the "fat ring", which is exactly the same as the one used by the 12AX7 of the same factory. The former is divided into several models, and the main difference lies in the shape of the opening of the screen body. There are rectangular frames, round holes, and a type with a special U-shaped additional wing on the screen, and this type is the least common. In addition, the workmanship of the "single ring" period is very different from that of the "double ring" period. Except for the same "fat ring", all other aspects are very similar to the EL34 made in the former East Germany. Also, after Telefunken officially stopped producing the EL34 in the mid-1970s, Telefunken continued to release the EL34 for a while. Unfortunately, those that were packed in the original boxes and even had military seals were only products from the former East Germany, with only the Telefunken trademark and some numbers that looked like the original product numbers printed on them. Those products naturally didn't even have the "fat circle". In terms of timbre performance, I have no chance to appreciate the quality of its "iron hoop" period. As for the "double circle brown seat" period, I only have one set with a rectangular frame on the screen. It has beautiful and outstanding sound quality and balanced effects. It is indeed a high-quality product. However, a friend pointed out that the one with the U-shaped additional wing sounds better. I really need to find a set to compare in the future.

What is the original "Siemens" EL34 tube?

After years of research on this question, the result was unexpected. In the 1950s, those EL34s with Siemens logo were actually supplied by Philips of the Netherlands. In the 1960s, most Siemens EL34s were produced by Mullard of the United Kingdom, and a small number were still supplied by Philips of the Netherlands. These can be confirmed by the product number on the tube. In the mid-1970s, Siemens EL34 began to appear in the former East German products until the 1990s. During these decades, Siemens EL34 has been circulating in the market, but it seems that there are no products produced by the original factory in the former West Germany.

How much is it worth?

The old EL34 is one of the most powerful tubes that has soared in value in recent years. Compared with the classic GEC KT88, the increase is the most obvious. Four years ago, a set of four GEC KT88s sold for nearly 10,000 yuan, while a set of British Mullard "brown seat double circle" EL34 only sold for about 3,000 yuan. Today, four years later, the same set of GEC still sells for nearly 10,000 yuan, but the same set of EL34 is priced at over 5,000 yuan. Among the EL34 group, the most expensive ones are naturally the Dutch "iron hoop" varieties, ranging from NT$1,500 to more than NT$2,000 each. The main reason for such a large difference is that most of them are second-hand tubes, with different new and old. If you encounter a nearly new set with the same issue number, it may cost more than NT$8,000 to make a deal. In addition to it, the highest bids are the "big brown seat" British Mullard varieties and the Dutch Philips "brown seat double D frame" varieties with Amperex "blowing trumpet" logo. Buying them can "easier" buy NOS with original boxes, but the price is close to NT$7,000 per set (new). As for the general "double circle" Mullard or Telefunken, or "double D frame" Phllips, they are sold for about NT$5,000 per set in NOS. Relatively speaking, the cheapest "single circle" Mullard also sells for more than NT$2,000 to more than NT$3,000 per set, depending on the issue number. As there are many Marantz 8b and 9 users in Hong Kong, the NOS with limited supply will only become more and more expensive

!

EL34 is probably one of the most counterfeited vacuum tubes. The most common counterfeit is Mullard. The most memorable ones are Tesla "double coil" tubes counterfeited to Mullard "double coil" tubes, because both have dark brown bases, but the "coil" is not assembled the same way, and the mica sheet is not the "mandarin duck mica" of Mullard's "double coil philopodary base" tubes; there are also Chinese products counterfeited to Mullard's "black base single coil" tubes, because the mica sheets used are the same shape, but the thickness and diameter of the "coil" are different. The most important thing is that these counterfeit tubes do not have the small product number printed by the original Mullard factory, so they can be seen at a glance. In addition to counterfeiting, it is also common for manufacturers to print labels on tubes. Those are not considered counterfeiting, but they are easy to mislead. For example, the aforementioned Siemens, Telefunken after the mid-1970s, and Amperex after the 1980s all have this situation, so be careful when purchasing. As for the misprint, the most interesting one is the British Mullard "brown seat single coil" variety with Philips logo, most of them are printed with "Made In Holland". They all belong to the same group, and the information cannot be wrong, but this misprint happened, which is really puzzling.

Conclusion

The EL34 enthusiasts I know are mostly Marantz tube amp users. Many of them have a lifelong love for Marantz products, so they will also buy two or three sets of spare tubes, or buy a few more like me to compare back and forth, which makes those ace NOS so expensive. Why don't we buy some affordable new products? I have also bought many new EL34s for Marantz 8b, but in the end I still have to use those old ace products. I believe I don't need to say more about the reason.