Telefunken EF86 tubes...

[mediumgrade]

If any of you are looking for a good EF86 tube upgrade for the Eros, I highly recommend the Telefunken EF86 tubes I purchased from audiotubes.com. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the old stock Russian tubes the Eros comes with. They are solid performers for daily use that are quiet with a decent tone. HOWEVER, the Telefunkens are a definite upgrade. The mid-range is clearer and has a liquid/lifelike quality that is very captivating. The tone is also absolutely excellent. On some mediocre 70s rock records, I found that highs were both clearer and more vivid while also being less harsh to listen to.

I won't bore folks with a long winded review. Just consider me a very happy camper!

 

[Ericmaze]

nice. did you buy the red tips at $159ea or the 'classic' others at $109ea?

 

[mediumgrade]

Classic. I was not aware of the other. Good?

 

[Ericmaze]

I've not tried either, am considering tho. I have a pair of Valvo in mine right now.

 

[Brooklynbottle]

Red tips are the medical grade. Especially selected for critical use. I have some red tip Amperex Au7's in my El 34 amp that are outstanding!
Hard to say if the 50% increase in price would yield a cost worthy improvement over the standard issue in the Eros 2.
I know the red tips in my application were worth the investment.

 

[bucketofguts]

• Posted by Paul Joppa (P) on February 25, 2025 at 09:29:12
  In Reply to: EF86 for phono stage? posted by SuperB on February 25, 2025 at 05:49:39:
  I found this doing some searching. What does it mean. "moderately successful"?
  
  

I have used the EF86, in the first stage of the Bottlehead "Eros" phono stage design. It's been moderately successful.

 

[Paul Joppa]

It means I was trying to be modest and not exploit the forum on which you found the post. (I don't remember where I posted it, but most forums prohibit advertising.)

In fact, I'm quite proud of it. It differs only slightly from the custom studio tape preamps that we occasionally have made, and has been a steady seller for a long time.

 

[bucketofguts]

Thank you! Now with some context that was a really good post.