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Components and Circuits For discussions about component types, alternatives and availability, circuit configurations and modifications etc. Discussions here should be of a general nature and not about specific sets. |
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10th May 2022, 11:56 am | #1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Leven, Fife, Scotland
Posts: 823
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EL34M valves
Hi Folks, Not sure what category this should be in, please feel free to move it.
I have a few EL34M valves and wondered what the significance of the "M" was. I have read online that it refers to a Mullard copy or that it's for Marshall amps. Can any of the valve experts shine any light please. There are no manufacturer names on it or any numbers etched into the glass. Many thanks, Norman |
10th May 2022, 3:05 pm | #2 |
Octode
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Llandeilo, West Wales, UK.
Posts: 1,092
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Re: EL34M valves
Post a picture or two please.
GT (Groove Tubes) TAD (Tube Amp Doctor) and some Marshalls used the 'EL34M' name. Most are Chinese rebrands, but a picture will help. Lore has it that they are original Mullard in sound and maybe structure, but...
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10th May 2022, 5:47 pm | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Leven, Fife, Scotland
Posts: 823
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Re: EL34M valves
Here are a couple of pictures as requested. The pics aren’t great, a combination of bad light and shaky hands. Well that’s my excuse. The valves have double getters like the Mullard folk like. Any information gratefully received, Norman
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10th May 2022, 5:59 pm | #4 |
Octode
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Wallasey, UK.
Posts: 1,314
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Re: EL34M valves
The EL84M valve is often advertised by sellers as a 'ruggedised' version of the EL84 made by Sovtek with the M standing for military grade, presumably for the export market. A bit like the 6P14P-EV which can handle a higher anode voltage. I've not come across the M with EL34s though.
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10th May 2022, 6:36 pm | #5 |
Octode
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Llandeilo, West Wales, UK.
Posts: 1,092
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Re: EL34M valves
Those are Chinese for sure. Look at the 'tin foil' (square crinkled) getters.
Treat them as ordinary EL34s, no special magic.
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10th May 2022, 11:16 pm | #6 |
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Mareeba, North Queensland, Australia
Posts: 2,704
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Re: EL34M valves
They might be Chinese, but my money is on Sovtek, maybe Svetlana. WHATEVER country of origen they will be a far cry from Mullards. My local supplier has the " M " as being Mullard copies, which immediatly suggests they are not Mullards.
Joe |
11th May 2022, 10:15 am | #7 |
Octode
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Llandeilo, West Wales, UK.
Posts: 1,092
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Re: EL34M valves
Sorry Joe,
Not Russian. One of the Chinese Shuguang EL34 styles. (There are several others). Side micas and square pan getters are clear in this shot. You are correct they are not Mullards, but do seem pretty reliable. Alan
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11th May 2022, 10:58 am | #8 |
Nonode
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Folkestone, Kent, UK.
Posts: 2,172
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Re: EL34M valves
I wonder how long before Shuguang valves become collectors item? We're told (TAD newsletter) the factory closed down with the intentions of relocating to a bigger premises but the Chinese government wouldn't allow this for some reason so the company has effectively gone out of business?
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11th May 2022, 11:09 am | #9 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Leven, Fife, Scotland
Posts: 823
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Re: EL34M valves
Thanks for the replies, I found Watford Valves has the same type but no brand name. I also found them on Ebay but again no manufacturer. I will assume they are Chinese and will advertise as such. Many thanks for your opinions and knowledge. I guess this can be closed now, Norman
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