Another dead EL34 set!

[aeroic]

Would you two shut up!? Now, I have to yank my E34Ls and pop in the 5881s tomorrow. Thanks a lot! Heck, my Svet 6550s should be arriving tomorrow.
Eric, I thought you loved the TS EL34s? Not that it matters unless you want a blown amp or blown power tubes!

Rich, the problem I think is that its often hard to tell unless you are doing an exact side by side comparison. Nick's rig sounds pretty good as it is with the EL34s, I mean its still a MOD 50. But that same rig next to mine with Tung Sol 5881s and its a night and day difference.

I dont understand Nick's continued resistance to swapping his tubes. But actually its fine with me if he likes his rig getting spanked by mine at every gig!

I tried the TS5881s in my rig (without changing the speakers to V30s), and I much prefered the 6550s to the TS5881s w/ the T75 / CL80 combo. I have to say, the TS5881s EAT UP V30s..and sound great as a combo.

The TS5881s were too "middy" and a weird "crunch" w/ the T75 / CL80 combo. So...for those going w/ the T75 / CL80 combo...the 6550s are (in my honest opinion) the way to go. If you are going V30s, then the TS5881s are the way to go.

Tried hooking up the RT2/50 today, and blew 2 sets of my 6550s...NOT cool. I think they were going though, as a set of them blew the fuses in my Mod50. *sigh*, now I don't have any tubes except 5881s lying around and a set of E34L's. Time for another tube order!

Oh...and the sovteks that came w/ the RT2/50.

Eric

 

[Szar]

This is why I use 6L6s!

 

[aeroic]

This is why I use 6L6s!

I've had 6L6s die too! I've used tons of tubes...and no tube is immune to failure. Points to the 5881s that just kicked the bucket and blew another set of fuses!

Eric

 

[Szar]

This is why I use 6L6s!

I've had 6L6s die too! I've used tons of tubes...and no tube is immune to failure. Points to the 5881s that just kicked the bucket and blew another set of fuses!

Eric

I need tubes crafted from the ground up bones of Superman!

 

[aeroic]

This is why I use 6L6s!

I've had 6L6s die too! I've used tons of tubes...and no tube is immune to failure. Points to the 5881s that just kicked the bucket and blew another set of fuses!

Eric

I need tubes crafted from the ground up bones of Superman!

I hear you man! Threw the GT E34L's and the TS5881s in there...also did some trying w/ the EH 6L6's and the SED EL34 Winged...and man...the GTE34L's are killer tubes...and they mix really well with the TS5881s. The EH 6L6's were grainy compared to the TS5881s...and the SED EL34's were harsh and sterile next to the GTE34L's. The GTE34L's are definitely rounded in the upper mids...and a bit warmer than the TS5881s. With the TS5881s sparkle and clarity and the GTE34L's warmth...man that's a killer combo! Can't wait to get a set of 6550s back so I can add that to the mix. It's so nice to "tube test" w/ the RT2/50. That channel button is so damn cool...channel switching power tubes...what a concept. I don't see myself using that any other time though. I see myself using it stereo instead. What a cool power amp though!

Eric

I'm loving the RT2/50 so far. Different sounding than the VHT 2/90/2. More open sounding. Only issue I have w/ it is the presence knob does diddly squat until you crank it to about 3 oclock. Other than that, it's friggin awesome!

I definitely feel a VHT 2/90/2 sale occuring in the future!

Eric

 

[muudrock]

This is why I use 6L6s!

I've had 6L6s die too! I've used tons of tubes...and no tube is immune to failure. Points to the 5881s that just kicked the bucket and blew another set of fuses!

Eric

I need tubes crafted from the ground up bones of Superman!

I hear you man! Threw the GT E34L's and the TS5881s in there...also did some trying w/ the EH 6L6's and the SED EL34 Winged...and man...the GTE34L's are killer tubes...and they mix really well with the TS5881s. The EH 6L6's were grainy compared to the TS5881s...and the SED EL34's were harsh and sterile next to the GTE34L's. The GTE34L's are definitely rounded in the upper mids...and a bit warmer than the TS5881s. With the TS5881s sparkle and clarity and the GTE34L's warmth...man that's a killer combo! Can't wait to get a set of 6550s back so I can add that to the mix. It's so nice to "tube test" w/ the RT2/50. That channel button is so damn cool...channel switching power tubes...what a concept. I don't see myself using that any other time though. I see myself using it stereo instead. What a cool power amp though!

Eric

I'm loving the RT2/50 so far. Different sounding than the VHT 2/90/2. More open sounding. Only issue I have w/ it is the presence knob does diddly squat until you crank it to about 3 oclock. Other than that, it's friggin awesome!

I definitely feel a VHT 2/90/2 sale occuring in the future!

Eric

Eric,

You know I love the GT E34L's. I just dropped a set in my new RT2/50 with some TS 5881s and I have to agree, that is a killer setup. I already had one of the Ruby EL34's blow after only 2 weeks so I'm back to the GTs. I think the SVET 6550s are next in line to try in the Randall.
I'm also totally diggin the switchable channels. Running both into an Egnater 4x12. I like being able to change the flavor of the module by changing the output tubes at the push of a button.

 

[aeroic]

This is why I use 6L6s!

I've had 6L6s die too! I've used tons of tubes...and no tube is immune to failure. Points to the 5881s that just kicked the bucket and blew another set of fuses!

Eric

I need tubes crafted from the ground up bones of Superman!

I hear you man! Threw the GT E34L's and the TS5881s in there...also did some trying w/ the EH 6L6's and the SED EL34 Winged...and man...the GTE34L's are killer tubes...and they mix really well with the TS5881s. The EH 6L6's were grainy compared to the TS5881s...and the SED EL34's were harsh and sterile next to the GTE34L's. The GTE34L's are definitely rounded in the upper mids...and a bit warmer than the TS5881s. With the TS5881s sparkle and clarity and the GTE34L's warmth...man that's a killer combo! Can't wait to get a set of 6550s back so I can add that to the mix. It's so nice to "tube test" w/ the RT2/50. That channel button is so damn cool...channel switching power tubes...what a concept. I don't see myself using that any other time though. I see myself using it stereo instead. What a cool power amp though!

Eric

I'm loving the RT2/50 so far. Different sounding than the VHT 2/90/2. More open sounding. Only issue I have w/ it is the presence knob does diddly squat until you crank it to about 3 oclock. Other than that, it's friggin awesome!

I definitely feel a VHT 2/90/2 sale occuring in the future!

Eric

Eric,

You know I love the GT E34L's. I just dropped a set in my new RT2/50 with some TS 5881s and I have to agree, that is a killer setup. I already had one of the Ruby EL34's blow after only 2 weeks so I'm back to the GTs. I think the SVET 6550s are next in line to try in the Randall.
I'm also totally diggin the switchable channels. Running both into an Egnater 4x12. I like being able to change the flavor of the module by changing the output tubes at the push of a button.

Yeah man...I was digging it for sure. That RT2/50 has some punch to it man. Holy cow is it a great power amp. Has some bite, punch, and some friggin muscle. For the $ I spent on it, I'll definitely be selling my VHT.

I wish I had a set of 6550s available to test next to them. My TS 6550s took a crap, my Sovtek 6550s sounded like crap (overly compressed 6550...) and my old Svet 6550s took a crap too! Those GTE34L's smoke the SED EL34s. Didn't have time to try the GTE34L's next to the TSEL34B's, but I'm assuming that it will get killed by the GTE34L's.

Nick, you should really try the GTE34L's. I really think those will be what you want. They make the SED EL34's sound pueny. Having heard the TS5881s and GTE34L's together in the RT2/50, I think that'd be a KILLER blend of tones for you and Matt.

Eric

 

[muudrock]

Nick, you should really try the GTE34L's. I really think those will be what you want. They make the SED EL34's sound pueny. Having heard the TS5881s and GTE34L's together in the RT2/50, I think that'd be a KILLER blend of tones for you and Matt.

I was just about to say that! Nick you should really try those..

 

[aeroic]

Nick, you should really try the GTE34L's. I really think those will be what you want. They make the SED EL34's sound pueny. Having heard the TS5881s and GTE34L's together in the RT2/50, I think that'd be a KILLER blend of tones for you and Matt.

I was just about to say that! Nick you should really try those..

I was really digging that combo a lot. I'll be curious to see how 6550s stand up to that combo in the RT2/50. Definitely a winner though! The TS5881s are really crunchy and good high end...where the GTE34L's are really warm and punch in the mids and lower mids. Great mix!

Have to get a couple more pairs of GTE34L's for sure! The SED EL34's are going to wayside, and also the EH 6L6's.

Eric

 

[richedie]

I compared the GTE34Ls to the JJ E34Ls and found them similar but slightly different. Not enough for me to pick a winner. Right now I am loving the JJ E34Ls. So thick and tight, warm!
I haven't installed the Svet 6550s yet and my 5881s are still sitting there, LOL.

I hope to get a Randall RT2/50 - just not sure what I'll do for a preamp. Might even do the Fractal Audio thing. My buddy swears by JJ E34Ls and KT88s in that thing! Sounds HUGE.

 

[jmgman69]

This is why I use 6L6s!

I've had 6L6s die too! I've used tons of tubes...and no tube is immune to failure. Points to the 5881s that just kicked the bucket and blew another set of fuses!

Eric

I need tubes crafted from the ground up bones of Superman!

I hear you man! Threw the GT E34L's and the TS5881s in there...also did some trying w/ the EH 6L6's and the SED EL34 Winged...and man...the GTE34L's are killer tubes...and they mix really well with the TS5881s. The EH 6L6's were grainy compared to the TS5881s...and the SED EL34's were harsh and sterile next to the GTE34L's. The GTE34L's are definitely rounded in the upper mids...and a bit warmer than the TS5881s. With the TS5881s sparkle and clarity and the GTE34L's warmth...man that's a killer combo! Can't wait to get a set of 6550s back so I can add that to the mix. It's so nice to "tube test" w/ the RT2/50. That channel button is so damn cool...channel switching power tubes...what a concept. I don't see myself using that any other time though. I see myself using it stereo instead. What a cool power amp though!

Eric

I'm loving the RT2/50 so far. Different sounding than the VHT 2/90/2. More open sounding. Only issue I have w/ it is the presence knob does diddly squat until you crank it to about 3 oclock. Other than that, it's friggin awesome!

I definitely feel a VHT 2/90/2 sale occuring in the future!

Eric

Eric,

You know I love the GT E34L's. I just dropped a set in my new RT2/50 with some TS 5881s and I have to agree, that is a killer setup. I already had one of the Ruby EL34's blow after only 2 weeks so I'm back to the GTs. I think the SVET 6550s are next in line to try in the Randall.
I'm also totally diggin the switchable channels. Running both into an Egnater 4x12. I like being able to change the flavor of the module by changing the output tubes at the push of a button.

Yeah man...I was digging it for sure. That RT2/50 has some punch to it man. Holy cow is it a great power amp. Has some bite, punch, and some friggin muscle. For the $ I spent on it, I'll definitely be selling my VHT.

I wish I had a set of 6550s available to test next to them. My TS 6550s took a crap, my Sovtek 6550s sounded like crap (overly compressed 6550...) and my old Svet 6550s took a crap too! Those GTE34L's smoke the SED EL34s. Didn't have time to try the GTE34L's next to the TSEL34B's, but I'm assuming that it will get killed by the GTE34L's.

Nick, you should really try the GTE34L's. I really think those will be what you want. They make the SED EL34's sound pueny. Having heard the TS5881s and GTE34L's together in the RT2/50, I think that'd be a KILLER blend of tones for you and Matt.

Eric

Eric the 6550 along side the GTE34Ls are the BOMB with the 75/CL80s The biggest baddest tone ever! I have the same combo in my Mod100,cool you diggin the Randall,it's a cool amp,the ability to use multiple tubes is just it!!!

 

[richedie]

I am shocked Eric, I know you used to not like combining tubes........we all change!

 

[jmgman69]

I am shocked Eric, I know you used to not like combining tubes........we all change!

Isn't that why Bruce designed this shit,so we wouldn't get bored It is worth the price of admission though!

 

[aeroic]

I am shocked Eric, I know you used to not like combining tubes........we all change!

i never was against doing anything like that. i just never found a combo I actually liked! I'm a tweaker man. I try everything! Hence the reason I had like 30 speakers...and tons of different tubes. For me...I've found that the Svet 6550s are the best 6550 for me...the GTE34L is by far the best EL34 for my tastes, and the TS5881 is the best 5881 / 6L6 for my tastes. All offer something different.

Plus, I didn't have any other tubest at the moment to try in there, so those 4 sets were what I tried in my RT2/50, and I found some cool tones man.

Eric