This tube has the date code vk which means June 1949. On the tube is printed KöW - don't know what that means. On the right it says Ulm which is the location of the factory.
That's RöW. The top part of the R is missing. RöW Ulm = Röhrenwerk Ulm.
This tube has the date code vk which means June 1949. On the tube is printed KöW - don't know what that means. On the right it says Ulm which is the location of the factory.
Hi UT,
EL11 and EL12 sounds similar to my ears.
Yes and no. The "house sound" is similar, but they do not sound the same. How do I know? I ordered a TFK EL12 but it sounded too thin in the bass, and I finally figured out that I got an EL11 tube instead. The silk screening was worn where the numbers were printed, and a very close look revealed the number 11 with most of the second 1 missing. (I became convinced of this after studying pictures of other similar TFK tubes offered for sale on eBay.)
I'm back to using Psvane 6SN7 and Mullard 6080. Spend a whole day yesterday with these tubes with a variety of music. I prefer these over the EL tubes setup. The former is more relaxed and non fatiguing to me, has all the clarity and details with a realistic and wide soundstage.
However as there is a big camp of lovers of EL tubes here, I shall not rain on their parade. It just seems ironic to me that Elise and Euforia being design for 6SN7 and 6AS7 specifically have led many to seek other tubes instead, particularly pentodes. I know it's a big turn around for me but this is where I am at now after tube rolling for more than a year with Elise.
I'm back to using Psvane 6SN7 and Mullard 6080. Spend a whole day yesterday with these tubes with a variety of music. I prefer these over the EL tubes setup. The former is more relaxed and non fatiguing to me, has all the clarity and details with a realistic and wide soundstage.
However as there is a big camp of lovers of EL tubes here, I shall not rain on their parade. It just seems ironic to me that Elise and Euforia being design for 6SN7 and 6AS7 specifically have led many to seek other tubes instead, particularly pentodes. I know it's a big turn around for me but this is where I am at now after tube rolling for more than a year with Elise.
And @UntilThen, just for good old times sake:
After I finish listening to this I'm going to smash all my ELL11/12s and throw them in the recycling bag
Hi pct,
Oh no, don't do that! Send them to me - I still enjoy them (until my hearing and taste changes).......
Originally Posted by UntilThen /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I never did question the sonic wonders of the EL tubes. I'm just taking the high road of caution and staying with recommended tubes by FA. However this is for everyone to decide. You have far too many good recommended tubes in your possession. Use them or sell the GECs to me. Yup both 6AS7 and 6080 by GEC.
Wait, are people abandoning the EL-tubes?
OMG A voice from the past!!!. Glad to see you are still around)))
The whole EL saga on this thread has been interesting to say the least. I won't speak for others. Some seem concerned about running tubes that are not approved by FA because of warranty issues. But if EL11s are used for drivers and EL12 of EL12a for powers, the heater current is low. There's also been an entire sub-plot involving EL12 spez and adapters for that tube.
For me, I love my EL11-ST/EL12n combo, and I'm sticking with it for now.
Let's us know what has been going on with you ))))