Hi all. I have an SE34I.5 and am interested in rolling tubes. I've been running the stock TUNG-SOL tube config for the last year and it sounds really good. So here's me question. What other tubes might I consider that would really make a great impact for this amp? I'm running them into a matched set of Klipsch Heresy 2s.

So there is a throwback store in my neighborhood with many hundreds of old stock tubes. For example, he has a few RCA EL34's from the early 70's for 25 bucks each, and when I check Ebay, the same ones are selling for much more. I asked if he had 274 rectifiers and he said he'd have to get his helper (that wasn't there) to fetch them out of the back room. I take that as a good sign. Should I consider the RCA EL34's? and what other potentially nice tubes might I look for at this place?

Thanks,
Dan

I would say go for it and report back on what you think. If you don't already have a set of back up tubes, you should get back ups.

I would suggest that you search the forums about the 274B. There are some warnings out there about tube life with certain brands of 274B.

Wow great information. I really appreciate the feedback! I will report back after I pick up the EL34's this week. I asked if the tubes were tested and he said "they were by the factory" many years ago, and that they shipped him 8% extra on every order since that was the pass/fail rate on tubes back then. I suppose I can use the built-in testers on the amp to gauge their viability. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!
Dan