NOS EL84 (6n14n) Power Tubes, Soviet Union Era. Price is for 4 tubes, a tight matched quad. USA Shipping only. See my other listing for matched pairs. Read on for details and history. NOTE: I can provide High or Low current measuring when requested. Your amp may run hot or you prefer an earlier breakup, in this case lower current measuring may be preferred. Or, you may prefer high current measuring for later breakup, maximum clean output (watch the bias, some cathode biased amps run the tubes very hard and an Average or Low current set may be more appropriate). Same specifications as the Sovtek EL84, though these were manufactured Pre 1993, prior to the demise of the Soviet Union and the Soviet Union Military Industrial Complex. These Soviet Union Era EL84's produced by Reflektor (in Saratov) were manufactured to military specifications and met military quality standards. I receive these in unused 200ct bulk pack cartons and are of outstanding quality.
Reflektor produced several versions, this is the ‘Standard’ or ‘No-Suffix’ version, labeled ‘6n14n’ with the flying saucer or fry pan getter (rather than the more common halo). These are what Dr Z ships in his new Z-Wreck, MAZ18 and MAZ8 amplifiers. These will work great where a sweet toned EL84 is needed.
Each tube is tested, grouped, burned in, then measured. During the burn in the tubes will drift about 10% (it varies per tube), then stabilize. I then measure the tube with a MaxiMatcher II (both current and transconductance), while simultaneously regulating voltage at 120v with a variac. This process yields repeatable accuracy and well match quads and pairs (2 point matched for both current and transconductance)
Why the Reflektor 6n14n? It started in 1994 when Ken Fischer of Trainwreck Amps stated in a Vintage Guitar Magazine Article that it was his favorite sounding EL84 available, and in fact he liked it better than everything except for the Vintage Telefunken. At the time, Tungsram and EI EL84’s were readily available (and affordable), as well as GE (which Matchless was using), yet Ken preferred the standard Grade EL84 sold by New Sensor, which was a rebranded Reflektor 6n14n.
The Soviet Union era Reflektor EL84/6n14n tone is characterized as having full mids and a sweet, detailed top end. When pushed into overdrive the tone is warm and complex, with a harmonic character that earned this tube its reputation. Its noteworthy to indicate that when Dr Z collaborated with Trainwreck to develop the Z-Wreck, Ken Fischer insisted on the Soviet Union era 6n14n. The 6n14n was required for the Z-Wreck to sound ‘right’, with ‘right’ being a current production amplifier with Trainwreck Tone as requested by Brad Paisley. This is not to say that the 6n14n is the greatest sounding EL84 for your amplifier, it may or may not be the sound your after, but if your looking for a full and sweet toned EL84 with a beautiful clean tone, and a rich overdrive, this is certainly a worthy contender.
