Millenium 4-20 (Maplin Electronics)

[Richard]

Yes, the Maplin metalfilms used to say Philips in the catalogue I think. Nice resistors, brighter and clearer than carbon films. Perhaps best not to stuff the whole amp with them (I did exactly that with a pair of Quad IIs ) as they can get tinkly bright but not gritty. Of course they might reveal rough valves (but not GEC KT66's).

If it's a bit gritty I'd look to the EL34s. Chelmer aren't a maker so they could be from various manufacturers. I had KEL34 for a few years (Mike's modified amp is looking very similar) and a pair of very nice monobloc 5-20s for a couple of years too. I love EL34's and will build another amp for them sometime unless WD bring one out

Best overall EL34 I found were Svet winged C sweet, open and neutral sounding. Bounciest were the big sounding fat bottle EI CA7s a little rough but great fun on rock. JJs are creamy smooth but a little closed in compared with the others. Some Chinese are sweet and there are new EH and Mullard branded ones now which I've not tried - but give the cheap small bottle EIs a swerve, probably not many around now.

Rich