Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Svetlana by New Sensor EL34 Tubes by vrogers3

Model:	EL34
Category:	Tubes
Suggested Retail Price:	$30/pr
Description:	Pentode power tube
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by vrogers3 ( A ) on December 30, 2003 at 11:24:38
IP Address: 65.26.140.119

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for the EL34

These are the "new" Svetlana tubes marketed by New Sensor and are not the St. Petersburg Svetlana's that are now known by the brand name SED. This tube appears to be very well constructed and I suspect made by Reflector, being that it's plate structure is identical to the EL34EH and the Sovtek EL34WXT. The only visual difference I can see between these three tubes is that the Svetlana (New Sensor) has different mica insulators and a brown base. It sounds much more like the EH branded tube than the Sovtek having slightly less midrange energy than the Sovtek and a top end like the EH, being a little bright but not overwhelming. It is unforgiving on poorly recorded source material without the "politeness" of the St. Petersburg tube. These are also the strongest EL34's I've used in the past 20 years. The 6CA7EH, SED EL34, WXT, and Shug EL34A's I've used all clip earlier than these tubes do. I also seem to get the same volume levels a few notches sooner on my volume control.
In summary I think this tube does a pretty good job of occupying the middle ground between the SED and the 6CA7EH. It does sacrifice a little of the liquid midrange of the SED for immediacy, but it's not as forward as the 6CA7EH. Dynamic, strong and well balanced with a slight top end boost for the over 35 crowd!!!

Product Weakness: This tube would be better embraced by consumers if it carried a different name. It does not sound like a St. Petersburg tube and will probably be forever perceived by some as a "fake" despite it's individual merits.
Product Strengths: Balanced and strong.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	2 Bridged AVA Super 70's
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	AVA Super PAS 4i
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony DVD, CAL CD, Linn Axis, FM3
Speakers:	Maggie 1.6's
Cables/Interconnects:	Custom
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 12 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments:	Plaster walls=slightly bright with tapestries
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	This tube would be better embraced by consumers if it carried a different name. It does not sound like a St. Petersburg tube and will probably be forever perceived by some as a "fake" despite it's individual merits.
Product Strengths:	Balanced and strong.