Replacement ECF80

[Bonky]

Hi, I have the upgraded WDKEL84; one channel has now a rustling noise on one channel. Swapping the ECF80s around moved the noise to the other channel so methinks I'll soon need some new valves.

I'm after recommendations. The stock valves have served me well but I don't mind paying a bit more if there's an increase in sq.

Many thanks,

Richard.

[A.N. Beal]

Hello. When I had a KEL84 I got RCA ECF80 valves from Watford Valves. They said they were made for RCA by Siemens and I found them very good (better than the standard valves supplied).

I have just checked the Watford Valves website and they have a wide variety of ECF80s available. The RCAs are still available but have gone up in price a bit. Watford are also NOS Mullards, which are likely to be very good, at a lower price than the RCA and they also have cheaper Pinnacles which they say were probably made by Tungsram and are very good.

Regards,

Alasdair

[bob orbell]

Most ECF80 are a bit hit and miss with regard to voltage, I tried many with a KAT6550 but they all sounded the same to me and my chum. Bob

[Bonky]

Thanks; I'll do some more research. Cleaning the pins on the present stock valves is my first step.Does anyone use deoxit?

Regards,

Richard

[John Caswell]

Hi Richard,
Pinnacle were a valve reseller so you could get any make of valve for the ECF80.
Buyer beware!
You could also look out for the E80CF which is a Hi reliability industrial version.
Also have a look at the FAQ to see my comments re all of them.

John

[Bonky]

Thanks John; will do; much appreciated.

Richard

PS I've done a search on the FAQs and can't find anything. Any chance you could give me a direct link?

Many thanks,

BW

Richard

[Greg.]

Here you go.

http://www.world-designs.co.uk/forum...ead.php?t=3203

[Bonky]

Thanks! I suppose what I really need is a short list of recommendations.
Golden Dragon seems to be the default

Yours,

Richard

[Greg.]

It seems there are few current manufacturers producing ECF80’s. Your best choice seems to be NOS from the likes of eBay or, as Alasdair suggests, Watford Valves who seem to have a good variety. Prices don’t appear over inflated at present, but no doubt this will change with time.

[A.N. Beal]

Dear Richard,

I agree with Greg that NOS seems best for ECF80 valves at present. As per my previous message I found that the RCA/Siemens valves were definitely very good. I haven't tried the others available from Watford Valves but NOS Mullard valves are usually highly rated. Taking into account what is said on the Watford Valves website and also what John says, their Pinnacle ECF80 valves are cheap and probably original Tungsram and therefore very good but this is not altogether certain, so if you don't mind taking a bit of a gamble they look 'worth a punt'.

Regards,

Alasdair