[goldwerger]

The Mullard won't top it but will get close, imo.

The difference between the two in my system is pretty pronounced. Mullard sounds amazing, but the Telefunken takes it over the top.

Where did you buy that Telefunken?

 

[Redflamingolingo]

Where did you buy that Telefunken?

Ebay about 2 years ago. It was Nos in original box for around $450.

No regrets. It absolutely rocks.

 

[goldwerger]

Ebay about 2 years ago. It was Nos in original box for around $450.

No regrets. It absolutely rocks.

Congrats.. thanks, will keep an eye out for that one..

 

[Toonartist]

The Mullard won't top it but will get close, imo.

The difference between the two in my system is pretty pronounced. Mullard sounds amazing, but the Telefunken takes it over the top.

Yeah, I have the standard ECC82 version dated 1968 and that sounds incredible. I think I'll be watching out for a ECC802s version once I'm confident it's not one of the many fakes out there.

First up though will be a pair of EL34 Mullards. That said, the Psvane EL34-ph are very impressive but the original Mullard itch does need to be scratched I think

 

[Redflamingolingo]

Yeah, I have the standard ECC82 version dated 1968 and that sounds incredible. I think I'll be watching out for a ECC802s version once I'm confident it's not one of the many fakes out there.

First up though will be a pair of EL34 Mullards. That said, the Psvane EL34-ph are very impressive but the original Mullard itch does need to be scratched I think

Oh, I thought you were talking about Mullard 12au7.

Those EL34 Mullards will be amazing in your system for sure.

 

[Toonartist]

I’m aiming for both, EL34 and 12au7 Mullards. Except, the 12au7 will be the 1950/60 m8136 variant of the 12au7.

Incidentally, I looked to see if Telefunken made EL34’s… and they do!

The bad news is the best ones (metal bases) are quite rare and when you do find them
They’re often between £1.5k - £2.5k for the pair. There are some plastic base one for less but they are still more expensive than the Mullards.

I think I’ll go for the Millard EL34s . I think my bank balance will need to recover first after the amp and all the other tubes before considering £2k on the Telefunken EL34s

 

[Dim666]

Has anyone tested the Abyss-1266 Phi TC with the Nirvana ? I'm on a probable purchase

 

[goldwerger]

Has anyone tested the Abyss-1266 Phi TC with the Nirvana ? I'm on a probable purchase

I’ve heard it on my system when @HiFiHawaii808 brought his 1266 over. It’s sounded great to me, but he knows that headset better than me so perhaps he can comment on that..

 

[Arcamera]

Slowly going through my numerous headphones with the Nirvana...Today I've pulled out the Quad ERA-1. Sounding so fine...This is an underrated/underrecognized headphone. Or for the price at least/in its price class, I'd say. Such a beautifully balanced sound. (Still a little bright for my preference, but almost all of my headphones are a little too bright for me-- EQ has become a great friend).

 

[Arcamera]

This amp has been hazardous to my occupational productivity. And sleep.

 

[samr33]

This amp has been hazardous to my occupational productivity. And sleep.

I can understand that

 

[Toonartist]

This amp has been hazardous to my occupational productivity. And sleep.

I know the feeling . I listen to it most of the day while I work and often find myself grinding to a halt as I get absorbed in the music.

The Mullard M8136 / 12au7 turned up today. Very similar to the Telefunken, potentially a bit more sun bass but it needs to run in properly first. But as with the Telefunken, it sounds very good from the off.

The etched date code confirms it was made by Mullard Radio Valves Co in Mitcham UK 1st week in Nov 1965.

 

[Arcamera]

Just put in a Psvane UK EL34/12au7-S Art Series set-- I'm pleasantly surprised! I was under the impression for some reason that they were going to be a bit too bright/analytic for my tastes. But so far at least, they're not. Smooth, detailed, with the best soundstaging I've heard so far. Really nice. While my other two sets--the stock EH/JJ and Russian Mullard/RFT--are not bad, they sound a little rough around the edges in comparison. I'm sure the NOS you all have or are chasing are greater, but these are not bad at all. A reasonable price too. Colour me impressed.

I guess I've officially gone down the tube-rolling rabbit hole. Damn. Going to do my best to chill with these Psvanes for a while. Besides, I've got power conditioners, cords, and interconnects to obsess over next. "Welcome to Head-Fi..."

 

[Toonartist]

When setting off down that rabbit hole, you might only get so far before bumping into me

It doesn't surprise me that the Psvane are performing well, the EL34-PH are extremely good and I've read very positive reviews of the 12au7-S Art Series as well. Yes, some of the NOS tubes maybe better but I also value good quality new stock as we may not be able to get our hands on the NOS tubes we like all the time.

I have one more ECC82(ish) to get a hold of and after that I'll be keeping eyes peeled for a good pair of Mullard/Philips EL34's.

That Mullard M8136 is very good... easily equal to the Telefunken, maybe a little better but I think rather than better it's just a slightly different presentation and as result, will be a preference thing as to which you would prefer. I also want to re-plug the Oyaide RCA cables.

 

[Arcamera]

With the Psvanes in the Nirvana, I'm getting wonderful amounts of detail and timbral accuracy. Must...stop...listening and...go to bed.