In the mid-1950's, Phillips introduced the EL-60 as an update to the pre-war EL-12 steel socket tube, originally designed by Telefunken in 1938. Aside from higher plate dissipation, several new features were introduced with this new Pentode.
Due to new (new at the time, long ago and far away in the 20th century) European tube standards, the pre-war Philips 9-pin socket (very similar to the American Octal) was changed to the newly introduced American 8-pin octal base. This tube was called the EL-34 — the tube that would change audio history.
Meanwhile, TELEFUNKEN GmbH was still manufacturing its EL-12 pentode line, and soon introduced its own EL-34, incorporating the design and mechanical structures of the EL-156. The TELEFUNKEN GmbH EL34 had the highest power rating, the best thermal dissipation, the longest life and the best sound.
The only other EL-34 that comes close to TELEFUNKEN GmbH's design is the Philips Mullard-made EL-34, which attempts to copy TELEFUNKEN GmbH's cathode design and mechanical structure.
Technically, there are two different TELEFUNKEN GmbH EL-34 systems: the single- and double-getter style tubes. Both are housed in several different glass envelopes with metal, Bakelite or Phenolic bases. Over the years, audio lovers have found subtle sonic differences, but it really doesn't mater much which one you use as they both sound fantastic!!
Both carry the same great Made in Germany quality and huge TELEFUNKEN GmbH sound. TELEFUNKEN Elecktroakustik is proud to announce that we have obtained a limited quantity of genuine Made in Germany medical-grade, single-getter EL-34 tubes. These tubes, originally made for medical equipment, were recently discovered in TELEFUNKEN GmbH's historic German tube factory, but sound absolutely astoundingly great in the right guitar or bass amp.
They were strictly tested and matched, but never delivered and forgotten for nearly 25 years. TELEFUNKEN Elecktroakustik offers them now as matched duets and quartets.
If you're looking to make your Marshall® guitar amp, many Fender® amps, Musicman®, etc. amps sing like you've heard on a million amazing records... then these are the tubes you’ve been looking to add for "that sound"!!!
