The EL34 is probably one of the two boldest models currently used by most manufacturers. At present, it is still produced in China, Russia, and Slovakia, with a lot of output and low prices. However, many tube enthusiasts would like to buy some old and new products, or even used EL34 to use. The author is a Marantz 8b user. In the past four years or so, it has been the same as many others. I have collected old EL34 everywhere, and finally got a little gain. I will talk about all kinds of old EL34. (reference picture)
Origins
Today, the amazingly old new clothes (New Old Stock, NOS) EL34, when they were launched in the mid-1950s, were not expensive at all. In the late 1950s, and the 6550, KT88, Compared with KT66, EL37 and even 5881, it is much cheaper. According to records, the expensive Marantz 2 was the first classic class to choose EL34 (1955), but the one that made EL34 popular is undoubtedly the highest-selling Dynaco ST-70 in audio history (from 1958 to 1977, even A total of 500,000 factory machines and self-installed kits, two million units of the EL34 alone are used), and the Marshall Guitar Amp, which has played a significant role in the electronic guitar industry (EL34 has been used since 1965), since then EL34 has become one of several mainstream boldness.
In 1954, the Philips factory in the Netherlands was the only place to produce EL34. The earliest Dutch-made EL34 was produced today by what we commonly call the [iron hoop] EL34, because it has a metal base, EL34 of that period, regardless of The ones printed on CBS, Siemens, Mullard, or Amperex are all produced by Philips of the Netherlands. A few years later, the German giant Telefunken also joined the battle group, and another [iron hoop] EL34 appeared, but its screen body is obviously different from the Dutch production, and it can be distinguished even if it is far away. In 1959, the year after the Dynaco ST 70 was launched, the EL34 production line was also opened in the British Mullar plant. The first generation of EL34 produced in the UK used the larger diameter and tall brown electric power used by Mullar at the time. Wooden base (we call it "Dark Brown"), a batch of "Dark Brown" printed with the words Dynaco at that time became the follower of the early ST-70 (but today a set of four NOS "Dark Brown") EL34 is more expensive than a new net ST-70). Today, the three old classics EL34 most admired by fame, namely Philips in the Netherlands, Telefunken in the former West Germany, and Mullard in the UK, all came out that year.
In the 1960s, these three manufacturers still dominate the EL34 market, but their products have changed significantly. The EL34 of the Netherlands changed to a light brown bakelite base, and the former West German Telefunken also changed to brown electric. Wooden base, by 1963, the British Mullar guts no longer used [large coffee seat], but used the more common common coffee seat, and from this time on, the British Mullard also occupied the EL34 market, most manufacturers issued The EL34 is supplied by it. In a later period, Siemens, another former West German manufacturer, announced the production of a product with a screen voltage of up to 800 volts (a lot higher than the original Mullar specification of 650 volts), but this particularly slim EL34 is based on The OEM method is produced in the former East Germany. Although this EL34 specification is relatively impressive, it is not in the classics because it is not as good as the above three major EL34 brands in production and even in sound effects.
In the 1970s, the production of EL34 changed again. Philips, the originator of EL34, took the lead in discontinuing this bile production line. The entire EL34 of the Philips Group was produced by Mullar in the United Kingdom. Soon after, the former West Germany Teletunken also terminated the production of EL34. However, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Sylvania of the United States. In order to take care of the huge vacuum tube market of guitar amplifiers, the so-called STR (Special Test Requirement) 6CA7 / EL34 was introduced in 1973. This STR version was supplied to Mesa-Boogie ’s guitar amplifiers in large quantities. Later, GE in the United States also joined the competition. Together, this product, which looks like the 6L6GC "fat boy gallbladder", is well-known [accepted] and is a good companion for guitar amplifiers. However, it is different from any European-made EL34 in structure, so the sound effects are also different.
Entering the 1980s, the cold winter period of the vacuum tube industry, Mullard, who was the representative of the British industry, finally closed the plant in 1982, leaving only two major American factories still hot to continue producing the "fat boy". The development of the newly installed EL34 included the former Czech Tesla EL34, which was popularly held by the American gallbladder company Groove Tube in the mid and late 1980s, and the E34L, which was later developed by the factory itself, while in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Two US-made "fat boy" EL34 have been discontinued, and Yugoslav El's spire model, China's "Dawn" produced, Russia's Sovtek EL34G and 6CA7 "fat boy" and Svetlana "bald boy" version, a few months ago See also the so-called improved version of Sovtek EL34WXT, and Tesla's new company Teslovak's new variety E34LS after the reorganization of Tesla.
British VIII Book of MULLARD EL34
Among the EL34 purchased by the author, Mullard is the majority.
First, there are two models produced during the period of "Big Brown". The two large deaerator rings (commonly known as "double circles") of the first phase are facing inward, one level and the other slightly upward (the slope depends on the individual (Manual), the two deaerator rings in the second phase have a narrow diameter and are installed horizontally in a row, which will become the established model of the Mullard "double circle" EL34 in the future. Except for the above differences, there is almost no obvious difference , And the products produced in these two phases, according to the tiny Mullard's unique production number on the gallbladder, are all Xf1 phases.
Next is the "Brown Block" period, and the brown color of this "Brown Block" is also different from the previous one. The dark color looks like black. There are three types of EL34 in this period. The first two models are "double circle" structures. For example, not only are the bases thinner, but the "circles" are also thinner, and even the mica pieces are different. The upper part is still the traditional ten-claw mica piece, and the lower one is round. The products produced are all based on the Xf2 article number, but the subdivision number is changed from the three-digit number in the old days to the four-digit number, indicating that the output has increased a lot. The two "double circles" are produced, the biggest difference is the previous one Eight pins are available, and the latter one does not contain the unneeded sixth pin. The last version of the "Coffee Block" period was the beginning of a new generation of generations. It was in the late 1960s, when Mullard began to use a single deaerator ring (commonly known as "single ring", except for a large ring device in the middle In addition, there is no difference between the appearance and the previous production.
In the 1970s, the EL34 of the "Black Block" period 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 Block" period. The biggest difference is naturally the color of the base. From dark brown to black. The difference of the second paragraph is mainly seen in that the joint of the screen electrode is changed from spot welding produced in the previous stage to open-hole tenon-position installation. Both models were included in the Xf3 article number period, and also witnessed the transition of Mullard from the "Great Shield" period to the "Xiaokouzao" period. To the last one, the main surface modification was seen in a pair of mica pieces changed to an approximately round, but there are four sharp-angled varieties, this EL34 was included in the Xf4 and Xf5 article number period, is also the last generation of British Mullard EL34.
It can be seen from the above that the British Mullard EL34 can be divided into two models of "Big Brown", three models of "Brown", and three models of "Black", a total of eight varieties. The changes in each issue are seemingly insignificant and irrelevant changes on the surface, and it will not affect the replay effect, but as the author said in the previous essays, these changes often reflect the cost savings from the factory. The slight surface changes actually reflect the fact that the factory will also make changes in invisible places such as materials, manufacturing, quality control, etc., which affects the different sounds of products produced in different periods. This is a true fact, and Mullard is not alone, even Western Electric is no exception. After explaining the original situation, how did these eight issues of Mullard EL34 perform? The author has used Marantz 8b for nearly four years, summed up his experience, and consulted some good opinions. In addition to the earlier and more beautiful the near golden rule, they can also be roughly divided into five levels according to performance. The first level is the two models of the "Dark Brown Block" period. It has a noble tone and strong power. It is the top-level EL34. Compared with any EL34 from any manufacturer, it can be invincible. The second level is the two "double circle" varieties of the "Bronze" period. Its vocal and instrument texture are slightly inferior to those of the "Big Brown", but the overall effect is also very close, especially the balance is the same in the future. The products produced by the factory can't be matched. Many people say that the Marantz 8b has a beautiful sound but the low frequency is thinner. However, if you can use these two issues, you will not have similar problems. The third level is the third paragraph of the "Brown Block" period and the first paragraph of the "Black Block" period. The performance of this level can be said to be significantly different from the previous two levels, especially in the mid and low frequency performance. Fortune, fortunately, the tone still has Mullerd's usual style. The fourth level is the second version of the "Black Block" period. The balance and timbre are very similar to those of the previous level, but the audio and video are slightly blurred. The fifth level is of course the third paragraph of the "Black Block" period, which is a bit of a regression in every aspect, but the tone still has a family tradition, which is significantly better than most of the new EL34 in this respect.
PH34LELPS and TELEFUNKEN EL34 gallbladder
Netherlands Philips is the founder of EL34, but its story is not as colorful as Mullard. Its production period began in 1955 and lasted nearly 15 years. During the above period, the most fascinating thing is naturally the so-called "iron hoop" EL34, but the original product of this issue is also divided into two models. The first one will call it "long seat iron hoop" (see picture). Its structure It is exceptionally sturdy. It is different from any EL34 in the future. It is probably a prototype product with some experimental properties, so there is very little circulation. The second one is more common, and it also determines the general appearance of all EL34 in the future, but it also has its obvious features, such as it has a "flat top", "black mercury" like its predecessor, and it has a unique Deaerator discs (only Yugoslav El was imitated in the future), and of course there is the "iron hoop" bearing the production number. In the 1960s, the "iron hoop" was no longer, and the Dutch EL34 also entered the "coffee period", and it can also be roughly divided into two models, but the difference between the two is only slight, both have a pair of D-shaped The deaerator frame, and a "flat top" (but not so flat) that is very similar to the predecessor, but the light brown seats are made earlier, and the later ones are much darker, but if you don't put the two Comparing them together can be very confusing. As far as performance is concerned, I have never heard of the first-generation "iron hoop" because I haven't found four identical models of the same period, but the second-generation "iron hoop" has been used. Its dynamics are very fierce and the mid-low frequency bounce is full. No other EL34 can. As for the "Coffee" period, the difference between the early and late versions is not large. If compared with the predecessor, the power is obviously not as good, but the tone is very similar. Yu Guanghui.
The former West German Telefunken produced the EL34 at a time similar to Philips in the Netherlands. It started production only a few years later than Philips and ceased production a few years later. It also experienced the "iron hoop" period and the "brown seat" period. The products produced in the "Coffee Block" period have the so-called "double circle" period and "single circle" period, and all use Telefunken's unique deaerator ring called "fat circle" by the author, which is exactly the same as the 12AX7 used by the same manufacturer. It is divided into several models, the main difference lies in the shape of the opening of the screen body, which has a long frame, a round hole, a variety with a special U-shaped additional wing on the screen, and this one is the rarest. In addition, the construction of the "single lap" period is very different from that of the "double lap" period. Except for the "fat circle", the remaining aspects are very similar to the EL34 made by the former East Germany. Also, since Telefunken officially ceased production of EL34 in the 1970s, Telefunken continued to publish EL34 for some time, but unfortunately those that were installed in the original box and even had military seals were only produced by the former East Germany and only printed with Telefunken The trademark and some numbers that look like the original article number are only those products that naturally have no "fat circle". In terms of timbre performance, I have no chance to appreciate the quality of the "Iron Hoop" period. In the "Double Circle Brown Seat" period, I only have one set with a long frame on the screen. It has a beautiful sound quality and a balanced effect. It is indeed Produced in high quality, but some friends pointed out that the U-shaped additional wings are more beautiful, and I really want to find a set to come back and compare.
What is the original "Siemens" EL34?
After many years of research on this issue, the results are surprising. In the 1950s, the EL34 printed with the Siemens logo was actually supplied by Philips of the Netherlands. By the 1960s, the vast majority of Siemens EL34 was produced by the British Mullar, and a small part was still supplied by Philips of the Netherlands. The article number on the body is confirmed. By the mid-1970s, Siemens EL34 began to appear in former East German products until the 1990s. During these decades, Siemens EL34 has been in circulation on the market, but it seems that there is no product produced by the former West German factory.
How much is worth
The old-fashioned EL34 is one of the fastest and boldest 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 KT88 sold for nearly ten thousand, while a set of the United Kingdom Mullard's "Brown Seat Double Ring" EL34 is only about 3,000 yuan. Today, four years later, the price of the same set of GEC is still nearly 10,000 yuan, but the same set of EL34 is priced at more than 5,000 yuan. In the EL34 group, the most expensive bidder is naturally the Dutch "iron hoop" variety, which ranges from 1,500 yuan to more than 2,000 yuan per branch. The difference is so large because they are mostly used second-hand gallbladders, new and old are not First, if there are nearly the same number of new periods and can be put together, I am afraid it will take more than 8,000 yuan to have a transaction. In addition to it, the highest bids are the "Great Brown Seat" British Mullar variety and the Dutch Philips "Brown Seat Double D Frame" variety printed with the Amperex "Blowing Horn" label. You can buy them with the original box NOS "easy" , But the price is close to a set of 7,000 yuan (in new terms). As for the general "double circle" Mullard or Telefunken, or "double D frame" Phllips, a set of about 5,000 yuan is sold for NOS. Relatively speaking, the cheapest "single lap" Mullar also sells a set of more than 2,000 to 3,000 yuan, depending on the number of periods. Due to the large number of Marantz 8b and 9 users in Hong Kong, these NOSs that are in short supply will only sell more and more expensive!
Counterfeit and misprint
EL34 is probably one of the vacuum tubes where the most counterfeiting occurs. The most common one is Mullard. The deeper impression is the use of the Tesla "double circle". Mullard "double circle" is used because both are dark brown seats, but The installation of the "circle" is not the same, and the mica piece is not the "Mandarin mica" of the Muller "double circle fibular" model; it is also used in China to take the Mullar "black seat single circle" model, because everyone uses the same shape of the mica piece However, the size and diameter of the "circle" are different, and the most important thing is that these counterfeit goods do not have the small article number printed on the original Mullar factory, so they can be seen at a glance. In addition to counterfeiting, it is also common for manufacturers to sell bile labels. Those that are not counterfeit are easy to cause misleading. For example, the aforementioned Siemens, Telefunken after the mid-seventies, and Amperex after the eighties have this. In case, be careful when buying. As for the wrong printing, the most interesting is the British Mullar "Brown single circle" variety with the Philips logo. Most of them are printed with the words Made In Holland. Everyone belongs to the same group. The information can never be wrong, but the wrong printing appears. The situation is really puzzling.
Conclusion
The EL34 enthusiasts I know are mostly Marantz amplifier users, and many of them have a lifelong passion for Marantz products, so they will also buy two or three sets of spare gallbladders, or like the author. Several comparisons made back and forth, which made those royal NOS so expensive, why do n’t we buy some new and cheaper products? The author also bought a lot of new EL34 for Marantz 8b, but the result is still to use those old royals. The reason is that I do n’t need to say more.
Origins
Today, the amazingly old new clothes (New Old Stock, NOS) EL34, when they were launched in the mid-1950s, were not expensive at all. In the late 1950s, and the 6550, KT88, Compared with KT66, EL37 and even 5881, it is much cheaper. According to records, the expensive Marantz 2 was the first classic class to choose EL34 (1955), but the one that made EL34 popular is undoubtedly the highest-selling Dynaco ST-70 in audio history (from 1958 to 1977, even A total of 500,000 factory machines and self-installed kits, two million units of the EL34 alone are used), and the Marshall Guitar Amp, which has played a significant role in the electronic guitar industry (EL34 has been used since 1965), since then EL34 has become one of several mainstream boldness.
In 1954, the Philips factory in the Netherlands was the only place to produce EL34. The earliest Dutch-made EL34 was produced today by what we commonly call the [iron hoop] EL34, because it has a metal base, EL34 of that period, regardless of The ones printed on CBS, Siemens, Mullard, or Amperex are all produced by Philips of the Netherlands. A few years later, the German giant Telefunken also joined the battle group, and another [iron hoop] EL34 appeared, but its screen body is obviously different from the Dutch production, and it can be distinguished even if it is far away. In 1959, the year after the Dynaco ST 70 was launched, the EL34 production line was also opened in the British Mullar plant. The first generation of EL34 produced in the UK used the larger diameter and tall brown electric power used by Mullar at the time. Wooden base (we call it "Dark Brown"), a batch of "Dark Brown" printed with the words Dynaco at that time became the follower of the early ST-70 (but today a set of four NOS "Dark Brown") EL34 is more expensive than a new net ST-70). Today, the three old classics EL34 most admired by fame, namely Philips in the Netherlands, Telefunken in the former West Germany, and Mullard in the UK, all came out that year.
In the 1960s, these three manufacturers still dominate the EL34 market, but their products have changed significantly. The EL34 of the Netherlands changed to a light brown bakelite base, and the former West German Telefunken also changed to brown electric. Wooden base, by 1963, the British Mullar guts no longer used [large coffee seat], but used the more common common coffee seat, and from this time on, the British Mullard also occupied the EL34 market, most manufacturers issued The EL34 is supplied by it. In a later period, Siemens, another former West German manufacturer, announced the production of a product with a screen voltage of up to 800 volts (a lot higher than the original Mullar specification of 650 volts), but this particularly slim EL34 is based on The OEM method is produced in the former East Germany. Although this EL34 specification is relatively impressive, it is not in the classics because it is not as good as the above three major EL34 brands in production and even in sound effects.
In the 1970s, the production of EL34 changed again. Philips, the originator of EL34, took the lead in discontinuing this bile production line. The entire EL34 of the Philips Group was produced by Mullar in the United Kingdom. Soon after, the former West Germany Teletunken also terminated the production of EL34. However, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Sylvania of the United States. In order to take care of the huge vacuum tube market of guitar amplifiers, the so-called STR (Special Test Requirement) 6CA7 / EL34 was introduced in 1973. This STR version was supplied to Mesa-Boogie ’s guitar amplifiers in large quantities. Later, GE in the United States also joined the competition. Together, this product, which looks like the 6L6GC "fat boy gallbladder", is well-known [accepted] and is a good companion for guitar amplifiers. However, it is different from any European-made EL34 in structure, so the sound effects are also different.
Entering the 1980s, the cold winter period of the vacuum tube industry, Mullard, who was the representative of the British industry, finally closed the plant in 1982, leaving only two major American factories still hot to continue producing the "fat boy". The development of the newly installed EL34 included the former Czech Tesla EL34, which was popularly held by the American gallbladder company Groove Tube in the mid and late 1980s, and the E34L, which was later developed by the factory itself, while in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Two US-made "fat boy" EL34 have been discontinued, and Yugoslav El's spire model, China's "Dawn" produced, Russia's Sovtek EL34G and 6CA7 "fat boy" and Svetlana "bald boy" version, a few months ago See also the so-called improved version of Sovtek EL34WXT, and Tesla's new company Teslovak's new variety E34LS after the reorganization of Tesla.
British VIII Book of MULLARD EL34
Among the EL34 purchased by the author, Mullard is the majority.
First, there are two models produced during the period of "Big Brown". The two large deaerator rings (commonly known as "double circles") of the first phase are facing inward, one level and the other slightly upward (the slope depends on the individual (Manual), the two deaerator rings in the second phase have a narrow diameter and are installed horizontally in a row, which will become the established model of the Mullard "double circle" EL34 in the future. Except for the above differences, there is almost no obvious difference , And the products produced in these two phases, according to the tiny Mullard's unique production number on the gallbladder, are all Xf1 phases.
Next is the "Brown Block" period, and the brown color of this "Brown Block" is also different from the previous one. The dark color looks like black. There are three types of EL34 in this period. The first two models are "double circle" structures. For example, not only are the bases thinner, but the "circles" are also thinner, and even the mica pieces are different. The upper part is still the traditional ten-claw mica piece, and the lower one is round. The products produced are all based on the Xf2 article number, but the subdivision number is changed from the three-digit number in the old days to the four-digit number, indicating that the output has increased a lot. The two "double circles" are produced, the biggest difference is the previous one Eight pins are available, and the latter one does not contain the unneeded sixth pin. The last version of the "Coffee Block" period was the beginning of a new generation of generations. It was in the late 1960s, when Mullard began to use a single deaerator ring (commonly known as "single ring", except for a large ring device in the middle In addition, there is no difference between the appearance and the previous production.
In the 1970s, the EL34 of the "Black Block" period 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 Block" period. The biggest difference is naturally the color of the base. From dark brown to black. The difference of the second paragraph is mainly seen in that the joint of the screen electrode is changed from spot welding produced in the previous stage to open-hole tenon-position installation. Both models were included in the Xf3 article number period, and also witnessed the transition of Mullard from the "Great Shield" period to the "Xiaokouzao" period. To the last one, the main surface modification was seen in a pair of mica pieces changed to an approximately round, but there are four sharp-angled varieties, this EL34 was included in the Xf4 and Xf5 article number period, is also the last generation of British Mullard EL34.
It can be seen from the above that the British Mullard EL34 can be divided into two models of "Big Brown", three models of "Brown", and three models of "Black", a total of eight varieties. The changes in each issue are seemingly insignificant and irrelevant changes on the surface, and it will not affect the replay effect, but as the author said in the previous essays, these changes often reflect the cost savings from the factory. The slight surface changes actually reflect the fact that the factory will also make changes in invisible places such as materials, manufacturing, quality control, etc., which affects the different sounds of products produced in different periods. This is a true fact, and Mullard is not alone, even Western Electric is no exception. After explaining the original situation, how did these eight issues of Mullard EL34 perform? The author has used Marantz 8b for nearly four years, summed up his experience, and consulted some good opinions. In addition to the earlier and more beautiful the near golden rule, they can also be roughly divided into five levels according to performance. The first level is the two models of the "Dark Brown Block" period. It has a noble tone and strong power. It is the top-level EL34. Compared with any EL34 from any manufacturer, it can be invincible. The second level is the two "double circle" varieties of the "Bronze" period. Its vocal and instrument texture are slightly inferior to those of the "Big Brown", but the overall effect is also very close, especially the balance is the same in the future. The products produced by the factory can't be matched. Many people say that the Marantz 8b has a beautiful sound but the low frequency is thinner. However, if you can use these two issues, you will not have similar problems. The third level is the third paragraph of the "Brown Block" period and the first paragraph of the "Black Block" period. The performance of this level can be said to be significantly different from the previous two levels, especially in the mid and low frequency performance. Fortune, fortunately, the tone still has Mullerd's usual style. The fourth level is the second version of the "Black Block" period. The balance and timbre are very similar to those of the previous level, but the audio and video are slightly blurred. The fifth level is of course the third paragraph of the "Black Block" period, which is a bit of a regression in every aspect, but the tone still has a family tradition, which is significantly better than most of the new EL34 in this respect.
PH34LELPS and TELEFUNKEN EL34 gallbladder
Netherlands Philips is the founder of EL34, but its story is not as colorful as Mullard. Its production period began in 1955 and lasted nearly 15 years. During the above period, the most fascinating thing is naturally the so-called "iron hoop" EL34, but the original product of this issue is also divided into two models. The first one will call it "long seat iron hoop" (see picture). Its structure It is exceptionally sturdy. It is different from any EL34 in the future. It is probably a prototype product with some experimental properties, so there is very little circulation. The second one is more common, and it also determines the general appearance of all EL34 in the future, but it also has its obvious features, such as it has a "flat top", "black mercury" like its predecessor, and it has a unique Deaerator discs (only Yugoslav El was imitated in the future), and of course there is the "iron hoop" bearing the production number. In the 1960s, the "iron hoop" was no longer, and the Dutch EL34 also entered the "coffee period", and it can also be roughly divided into two models, but the difference between the two is only slight, both have a pair of D-shaped The deaerator frame, and a "flat top" (but not so flat) that is very similar to the predecessor, but the light brown seats are made earlier, and the later ones are much darker, but if you don't put the two Comparing them together can be very confusing. As far as performance is concerned, I have never heard of the first-generation "iron hoop" because I haven't found four identical models of the same period, but the second-generation "iron hoop" has been used. Its dynamics are very fierce and the mid-low frequency bounce is full. No other EL34 can. As for the "Coffee" period, the difference between the early and late versions is not large. If compared with the predecessor, the power is obviously not as good, but the tone is very similar. Yu Guanghui.
The former West German Telefunken produced the EL34 at a time similar to Philips in the Netherlands. It started production only a few years later than Philips and ceased production a few years later. It also experienced the "iron hoop" period and the "brown seat" period. The products produced in the "Coffee Block" period have the so-called "double circle" period and "single circle" period, and all use Telefunken's unique deaerator ring called "fat circle" by the author, which is exactly the same as the 12AX7 used by the same manufacturer. It is divided into several models, the main difference lies in the shape of the opening of the screen body, which has a long frame, a round hole, a variety with a special U-shaped additional wing on the screen, and this one is the rarest. In addition, the construction of the "single lap" period is very different from that of the "double lap" period. Except for the "fat circle", the remaining aspects are very similar to the EL34 made by the former East Germany. Also, since Telefunken officially ceased production of EL34 in the 1970s, Telefunken continued to publish EL34 for some time, but unfortunately those that were installed in the original box and even had military seals were only produced by the former East Germany and only printed with Telefunken The trademark and some numbers that look like the original article number are only those products that naturally have no "fat circle". In terms of timbre performance, I have no chance to appreciate the quality of the "Iron Hoop" period. In the "Double Circle Brown Seat" period, I only have one set with a long frame on the screen. It has a beautiful sound quality and a balanced effect. It is indeed Produced in high quality, but some friends pointed out that the U-shaped additional wings are more beautiful, and I really want to find a set to come back and compare.
What is the original "Siemens" EL34?
After many years of research on this issue, the results are surprising. In the 1950s, the EL34 printed with the Siemens logo was actually supplied by Philips of the Netherlands. By the 1960s, the vast majority of Siemens EL34 was produced by the British Mullar, and a small part was still supplied by Philips of the Netherlands. The article number on the body is confirmed. By the mid-1970s, Siemens EL34 began to appear in former East German products until the 1990s. During these decades, Siemens EL34 has been in circulation on the market, but it seems that there is no product produced by the former West German factory.
How much is worth
The old-fashioned EL34 is one of the fastest and boldest 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 KT88 sold for nearly ten thousand, while a set of the United Kingdom Mullard's "Brown Seat Double Ring" EL34 is only about 3,000 yuan. Today, four years later, the price of the same set of GEC is still nearly 10,000 yuan, but the same set of EL34 is priced at more than 5,000 yuan. In the EL34 group, the most expensive bidder is naturally the Dutch "iron hoop" variety, which ranges from 1,500 yuan to more than 2,000 yuan per branch. The difference is so large because they are mostly used second-hand gallbladders, new and old are not First, if there are nearly the same number of new periods and can be put together, I am afraid it will take more than 8,000 yuan to have a transaction. In addition to it, the highest bids are the "Great Brown Seat" British Mullar variety and the Dutch Philips "Brown Seat Double D Frame" variety printed with the Amperex "Blowing Horn" label. You can buy them with the original box NOS "easy" , But the price is close to a set of 7,000 yuan (in new terms). As for the general "double circle" Mullard or Telefunken, or "double D frame" Phllips, a set of about 5,000 yuan is sold for NOS. Relatively speaking, the cheapest "single lap" Mullar also sells a set of more than 2,000 to 3,000 yuan, depending on the number of periods. Due to the large number of Marantz 8b and 9 users in Hong Kong, these NOSs that are in short supply will only sell more and more expensive!
Counterfeit and misprint
EL34 is probably one of the vacuum tubes where the most counterfeiting occurs. The most common one is Mullard. The deeper impression is the use of the Tesla "double circle". Mullard "double circle" is used because both are dark brown seats, but The installation of the "circle" is not the same, and the mica piece is not the "Mandarin mica" of the Muller "double circle fibular" model; it is also used in China to take the Mullar "black seat single circle" model, because everyone uses the same shape of the mica piece However, the size and diameter of the "circle" are different, and the most important thing is that these counterfeit goods do not have the small article number printed on the original Mullar factory, so they can be seen at a glance. In addition to counterfeiting, it is also common for manufacturers to sell bile labels. Those that are not counterfeit are easy to cause misleading. For example, the aforementioned Siemens, Telefunken after the mid-seventies, and Amperex after the eighties have this. In case, be careful when buying. As for the wrong printing, the most interesting is the British Mullar "Brown single circle" variety with the Philips logo. Most of them are printed with the words Made In Holland. Everyone belongs to the same group. The information can never be wrong, but the wrong printing appears. The situation is really puzzling.
Conclusion
The EL34 enthusiasts I know are mostly Marantz amplifier users, and many of them have a lifelong passion for Marantz products, so they will also buy two or three sets of spare gallbladders, or like the author. Several comparisons made back and forth, which made those royal NOS so expensive, why do n’t we buy some new and cheaper products? The author also bought a lot of new EL34 for Marantz 8b, but the result is still to use those old royals. The reason is that I do n’t need to say more.
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