EL84 Power & Integrated Amp Thread

There are all manner of EL84 amps, both modern and vintage. What do you have, had, or want?

Linear Tube Audio ZOTL10 ZOTL10

 

Music Reference RM-10 Music Reference RM-10 Vacuum Tube Amplifer

 

Had a Music Reference RM10 for a while couple decades ago. The quintessence of midrange magic. Lots of shortcomings in terms of clarity and low end control, but it sure had that magic. I also love that tube in a guitar amp context.

 

Audio Note Kits EL84 Single Ended Monoblocks ANK Audiokits - EL84 Pentode Monoblocks Tube Amplifier

 

Decware Zen Triode The DECWARE Zen Triode SET Amplifier model SE84UFO / SUPERZEN

 

Kingko KA-101 KINGKO AUDIO

 

Audio Note OTO - the king of the EL84

 

Icon Audio Stereo 20 PP Stereo 20 PP | Icon Audio

 

Leak Stereo 20

 

Cayin TA- 30

 

Manley Labs Stingray -- Stingray II | Manley Labs

Leben CS-300XS -- Leben Hi-Fi Stereo Company

 

HH Scott 299 integrated, a classic from 1959 using stock 7189 tubes -- a sweet EL84 variant.

 

How would an EL84 integrated do with rock music pushing fairly efficient (90dB) speakers vs. an integrated using EL34 tubes? Are there generalizations that can be made or is it impossible to say (simply depends on the amp)? Obviously power output is likely about 10 watts vs 20 watts, generally speaking. This tube is intriguing as there are quite a few relatively affordable amp options out there that use it.

 

Leak Stereo 20 here. I fully rebuilt it a few years ago with fresh caps and resistors throughout so its pretty much as new now. Used within its 10 Watt performance envelope it is a lovely amp IMO, a real keeper. Sounds great into the large Lockwood Tannoys and surprisingly good into my little inefficient JR149s (very similar to LS3/5As) too. I've also got a Decware SE84UFO that I use with a pair of Klipsch La Scalas, a nice little amp, but rather more hum than I'd ideally like in this context (the Klipsch are so efficient they find it in anything).

 

Another 299 (a) owner here. Spinning up some sweet sounds from a friend's radio show now.

 

I love EL84 tube amps. The tubes aren't ridiculously expensive.

 

'59 Fisher X-100. I sold my Fisher 400 after buying this!

This li'l guy really sings beautifully with my pair of Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary speakers.

 

Beautiful amp! Congrats.

 

Such simple elegance.

 

Oh wow... 7.5 ips??

 

Yes it is.

 

SCORE!

 

EL84 PP class A (~12w/ch) can work with 90db speakers in small to medium sized rooms, especially if you are driving stand-mount speakers and have one or two powered sub-woofers to supplement the low bass.

jeff

 

Quad VA-One, dac, integrated speaker amp and headphone amp.

Quad VA-One | The Ear