EL34 Help?

[tobytheplatypus]

ok, i got some new tubes for my TR today

6x Svetlana EL34's (or so i thought).
Now on the boxes (all have the same Svetlana box), each ahs a sticker.
they all say:
"EL-34 PASS"

4 of them say "lp: 53 Gm: 7,700" and 2 of them say "lp:46 Gm: 7,700", and the 2 look very different
does this mean i have 2 of the wrong tubes? i trust the guy, but i dont know if he knew i needed all 6 at the same time...
can anyone clear this up for me?

 

[tobytheplatypus]

also, the 2 with the 46 on the box say EL34WXT (black bottom on them, glass doesnt reach the edges around) and say "Sovtek" on them, the other 4 just say EL34 (brown bottoms, glass comes to the edge around) and say "Svetlana" on them.

 

[tobytheplatypus]

no one? I'm not installing the tubes till y'all tell me i can, as I know nothing about tubes...lol

 

[domct203]

also, the 2 with the 46 on the box say EL34WXT (black bottom on them, glass doesnt reach the edges around) and say "Sovtek" on them, the other 4 just say EL34 (brown bottoms, glass comes to the edge around) and say "Svetlana" on them.

Well if 2 of the tubes say Sovtek then they are not all Svetlana's. If you were expecting (and paid for) all Svetlana's then you better contact the seller. It may be possible that Sovtek is making the Svetlana's now, but it sounds likes they may be different tone wise.

As far as it hurting anything, it would be a good idea to measure the bias draw to see if they all draw about the same. As long as they are w/in 5mA or so you'll be OK, just make sure you pair the tubes together.


Dom

 

[tobytheplatypus]

how can i measure bias draw?
do i need special equipment to do so?

 

[domct203]

There are other brands but here is an idea.
http://taweber.powweb.com/biasrite/br_page.htm

I use the BR-AH with my own meter.

IMO a bias probe is a good investment if you are going to try tubes other than Mesa or GT.

Dom

 

[recto-robbie]

I swear, on another thread just below this one I offered my best advise to you. I dont want to tell you I told you so,, so I wont,, but I feel like you got ripped my friend. This tech sounds like a friend of yours but I would have to question his professionalism if you stated you wanted svetlana's and he sent you 4 and received 2 sovteks??? I would most deffinatly hold off installing these and see about a return. I mean come on. Ive never heard of this except maybe on a bias adjustable amp.
YOU need to make sure these run correctly in your boogie.
And just an added note,,, the svetlana's you mentioned dont even sound like winged c's to me. They should have a =C= on them.
Like I said in the last thread,,, call dougs tubes or eurotubes,, tell them what amp your buying tubes for and you can count on the correct tubes being sent to you. Very important.
And one more thing,,, you simply wanted to buy new tubes for your amp, and now your looking into buying a bias probe also. Domct203 makes sence above and I guess it may come in handy some day owning a bias prob but I will tell you first hand,, ive ordered from dougs tubes and eurotubes numerous times for 3 different boogie amps and a peavey fixed bias. Ive probably bought no less than 15 different sets of power tubes from them and not once have I had any issue ever,,, even without a bias probe.
Do yourself a big favor and return these tubes,,,, and call doug or eurotubes.

 

[tobytheplatypus]

problem is im in canada and dont have alot of money to spend on tubes :\ shipping + dutires = the suck

i dont think he sold me the different ones on purpose, all the boxes are exacrtly the same (minus the 2 numbers on the sticker), so he may have not known the 2 sovteks were in there..

 

[domct203]

.......And just an added note,,, the svetlana's you mentioned dont even sound like winged c's to me. They should have a =C= on them.

The current production =C= is made by S.E.D.

Here is some info from GuitarAmplifierBluprinting.com:

Reflector Corp, in Saratov makes most of the tubes marketed by New Sensor Co. of New York under the "Sovtek" brand name. Some of these are old Russian types, others are made especially for export. Types in production: 2A3, 300B, 12AX7 (3 variations known), EL34 (3 versions), 6CA7 fat, 5AR4, 5881, 6922, 6EU7, 6L6GB, 6V6GT, 6072A, 6973, 7199, 7591, 7868, EL84 (2 versions), KT66, KT88, KT90, 6P15P. "Sovtek" also markets 5U4G, 5Y3GT, 6SN7, 6SL7, three 12AX7s and a few other types made at other factories.
There is no "Sovtek" factory. "Sovtek" is only an American brand name owned by New Sensor. New Sensor now owns the Svetlana brand name and is using it on tubes manufactured by Reflector. The Electro Harmonix tubes are also made by this plant. In 2005 New Sensor bought the names of Mullard and Tung-Sol and are placing these names on tubes of their New Sensor banner.

So with all that, it is not suprising to see "Sovtek" tubes in a "Svetlana" box.

Dom

 

[18&Life]

how can i measure bias draw?
do i need special equipment to do so?

You don't need equipment !!!!!!!!! :shock:
just put them in your a.s.s and wait for ....................ahhhhhhhhhhhh
that's it :lol:

 

[fishyfishfish]

O.K. The problem lies with buying something that does not match the specs of your amp. If you wanted some EL34's, you should of called Mesa, and or gone to an authorized dealer. Boogie is more than specific about using their tubes, granted I hate their EL34's but I at least know what I am getting and the $42.00 I spend on a pair of tubes has a six month warranty.

 

[tobytheplatypus]

yea, i decided to email thetubestore. gonna see how much after shipping its going to cost me (i also dont have a credit card which poses a problem, i asked them if i can send a money order/bank draft, so we'll see)

 

[tobytheplatypus]

Svetlanas + sovteks = returned

ordering this friday:
Mesa Triple Rec High gain retube kit with 6L6GC's
Description: A Sextet of JJ 6L6GC's for a deeper tone from the power section. For the front end 3 hand picked high gain JJ ECC83S's for V1, V2, V3, a standard ECC83S for V4 and a balanced ECC83S for V5. Lots of depth and a scorching lead tone.

Mesa Triple Rec GZ34 Rectifier Upgrade
Description: If you like the Rectifier tube sound but you find the stock 5U4's too mushy then here is the answer! Three of the JJ GZ34's which are plug and play. These will maintain the Rectifier tone but put the mush on hold.

i've emailed back and forth with Eddie @ Eurotubes (i thought they were a european company or somethin' lol) and he's got me all setup.

 

[domct203]

The JJ 6L6 is a nice tube, and Eurotubes should set you up right. I've tried their 6L6's and E34L's and they all biased right where Bob said they would. I still think a bias probe is good insurance though, especially when trying non-Mesa tubes in an amp still under warrenty.

If you like the punch and power of the JJ's, you should try the SED =C= 6L6. IMO it's a lot tighter, and smoother when pushed. They sounded the best to ME over the JJ 6L6 & Mesa STR-440 in my Roadster.

Dom