Whats your favorite EL34 for hiwatt custom 50?

[fusionid]

I keep hearing winged cs. Any other strong opinions?

[mhuss]

NOS Mullard XF2s.

--mark

[Zells]

Yes, vintage unused Mullards are the best in terms of longevity and sound. XF2s are considered to be the pinnacle, but XF3s and XF4s are hardly any different other than being from later manufacture dates. Hiwatt amps were designed to be used with these tubes. Dave Reeves was employed by Mullard prior to becoming a full time amp guru.

Winged =C= tubes are well liked among the current production options. I also like the J/J E34L (not the same thing as their EL34). Both of these are nowhere close to being vintage Mullard quality.