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Quad NOS Tubes for Simulclass Mesa


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Posted

Two Philips/Sylvania 6L6GC, two RFT East German ("Siemens") EL34s - perfectly matched for drop-in operation for Mesa Mark II/III/IV Simulclass amps.

Finding a pair of NOS 6L6s that bias properly in stock Mesas is tough enough; finding EL34s that idle hot enough with the 6L6 bias is nearly impossible. These are new, unused except for matching and burn-in time. $300 shipped CONUS.

Posted

Man, I am just boxing up my '83 MKIIC+ and Mike B. told me he had a quad of the Mesa STR 415's @ $300, but that they were later production and had lots of rejects from their pile when they tested and matched them. I have been on the fence about springing for some quality tubes for my Mesa since it is being "born-again" in a sense. This seems like a great deal. What is the life expectancy of the el34's, do you know? I heard the Phillips 6l6's are good for 10,000 hours of use.

That makes it seem reasonable if I can swap tubes now and let my kids worry about the next quad :lol: .

Z

Posted

What is the life expectancy of the el34's, do you know? I heard the Phillips 6l6's are good for 10,000 hours of use.

Hard to say, depends of course upon how they're used. No EL34 will last as long as an American 6L6, it's just not part of the design. The RFTs are the last of the 'real' Euro EL34s, and should be compared to late production Mullard and Amperex as opposed to Tesla/Reflektor/et al.

I've sold tubes (and other stuff) to plenty of dudes here, so there are references available!

Posted

Yeah, no worries AdmiralB, I have been here long enough to know that there is some history with you and vacuum tubes going into Mesa Boogies :lol: .

I'm just trying to decide (as I have been for awhile) if it is worth the extra $$ for the NOS tubes VS current production units. For some it is an easy choice, but I have never ponied up before and honestly don't know what the diff would be.

I do know that my MKIIC+ was the best sounding amp I have ever owned with the stock STR-415's (x4) on board, until they finally cashed in. I have yet to try the el34's in the outside sockets. Hmmm.

Z

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