Ok... I've had the Mullard EL34 XF2 (M34) since Monday now and as they were used, seemed to settle in quite fast. They're 1966 double O getter versions. Below are my thoughts of them compared to the Psvane EL34-ph Philips Replicas (P34ph) using a 1965 Mullard M8136 ECC82 (M8136).
When first listening to the M34 with the M8136, what struck me was how many similarities there were between them and the P34ph. Yes you can tell they’re different but equally, you can tell they’re related in some way. Both reach deep and have excellent soundstage and imaging with similar tonal balance. I found the differences were the size of the soundstage and the amount of decay which seemed to give the M34’s a more open feeling. The texture and micro detail were also very impressive as well. The P34-ph aren’t bad in any of these areas, just not quite as good.
My two channel system you could feel the music hanging in the air with clear placement of notes, instruments and singers etc. The M34’s achieved a similar effect but with headphones.
The P34’s do a similar thing but again, just not quite to the same extent. For instance, with the M34 I became more aware that some instrument placements felt like they were actually in the room with me while still holding the main element in front centre stage. It would make me jump as it sounded like someone had just came into the room. Mind you, I do know that the M8136 is more than a little responsible for this but combined with the M34’s it takes it a step further. The P34ph would do the same thing for some tracks but not as consistently as the M34’s.
What I would say is that when listening for long periods of time (7hrs or so while working), I think I may prefer the P34ph as they’re a little less demanding on the ears. There is so much going on with the M34’s that it sometimes felt a little more tiring. Or, am I coming down with another cold?!?
While the M34 bettered the P34ph in terms of soundstage and decay, I did feel that the P34-ph had a cleaner, dare I say, more precise sound. Less air?!? The layering is more distinct which gave it a rather nice clarity, definite sound. In terms of tone, they were very similar to the M34 but seemed to have a little more weight, warmth… or less upper mids / highs than the M34. That surprised me a little as I was expecting the M34’s to be a thicker sound. Maybe that’s why I like the P34ph for longer listening sessions?!?
I did feel that the P34ph were better for electronic genres due to the cleaner more distinct layering. That said, rolling the 12au7 will most likely allow you to fine tune the M34’s to suit.
I feel the M34 makes a very interesting addition to the P34ph. I don’t think it’s a case of one or the other and hats off to Psvane for making a really good stab of the Philips replicas, even if they don’t match the Mullards 100%. I’d still buy them again in a heart beat. Add a handful of 12au7’s, you should be able to find exactly what you want depending on mood and genre!