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Character of EL-84 amps

I did a lot of auditioning of ProAc speakers at Arizona Hifi...super excellent guys. I listened for the first two visits to a Leben EL-84 integrated, with around 20 wpc. It sounded lovely. Maybe the nicest amp I have ever heard. On the third visit I switched mid visit to the big Leben and pre, with 6550s. A much different sound. But, I keep thinking back, and think that I really liked the EL-84 sound. It seemed lighter, airier, less thick and heavy. More pleasant and easier to listen to. At the time I thought it possibly a bit thin. Now I think maybe I want that sound.

I have not heard other EL-84 amps. There is the RM-10. Manley makes one with 4 EL-84s per side. I have a Scott integrated I never liked, but maybe I can mod it.

Is it generally true of EL-84 amps that they are lighter and airier, more delicate, in sound than EL-34/6550/6L6 etc amps? Or should I not assume what is true with Leben is true with all EL-84 amps?

Thanks,
Jim
river251
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Al, I had a friend, many moons ago, that had the Pilot 232. I am not comfortable commenting except to say that it drove his Valencias with authority and clarity. Unlike the Dyna ST-35 or the little Heaths, it was one of the great EL84 amps. I would love to have one in house to really have a proper listen, or even to restore.

River, my taste runs to the RM-10 over the RM-9, though YMMV! And, of course, the RM-9 is the more universal amp based solely on output power.
mikirob
950 posts
 
I believe Dennis Had, formally of Cary, is rebuilding old EL 84s such as Pilot and Magnavox and selling them on EBay. They look great and reviews seem extremely positive. Ever since I got my RM10 many years ago from JohnnyR I've Ben smitten by the EL 84. The Leben has wonderful tone. When one pops up used I'll be in the hunt. Second Viridian, the 7189 tube is fabulous.
river251 OP
143 posts
 
Mikirob, I have seen those and emailed with Dennis a little. He had a 6L6 SE but I was worried about the low watts. I'm sure his Magnavox EL84 rebuilds are great.

Viridian the RM-10 puts out the same power as the 8B so I'd be OK unless I get a bigger house. It's the only one that does that with 4 EL84s I know of.

Jim
clio09
2,978 posts
 
River251,

In addition to the RM-10 I have heard the Snapper and Leben. The Leben was quite nice, the Snapper okay, but something about the RM-10 just clicked for me. Not to mention a used RM-10 MkII at around $1000 is a lot of amp for the money IMO.

The 6moons review includes some interesting comments from Roger Modjeski on the design. Also, I think you can go to the Music Reference site and read the manual and design philosophy. The manual is one of the best audio reads there is IMO.
river251 OP
143 posts
 
Thanks Clio09. I would love try one, but it's hard to find one to audition.

Jim
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