Page 1 of 2

EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2020 3:08 pm
by Jops
Don't post here much anymore but need some help tracking down a EF86...

Don't want NOS.

Don't want EH (ex musicworks).

Would prefer JJ but Tonelounge doesn't show them.

Is there anywhere else to get valves in NZ?

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 7:42 am
by Anvil Amps Alan
I have never stocked a JJ EF86.
Seriously, why would you not prefer a German or UK or even Japanese NOS valve?
The manufacturing techniques back then were far better and EF86 is still prone to
becoming microphonic.
I always replace EF86 with NOS because I can be confident that there will be no problems.

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 7:58 am
by Jops
The only reason I said no to NOS is the cost, Trade me has some on there for around the $90 mark at the moment. That's the only place I can find them.

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 8:50 am
by Anvil Amps Alan
I have some 021 2957454 Alan.

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:51 am
by MikeC
I have a NOS Philips one you can have for $25.00. Is your amp a head or combo? EF86's not good in combos due to the vibration factor which makes them go microphonic.
Philips EF86.jpg
Philips EF86.jpg (136.84 KiB) Viewed 5134 times

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:55 am
by Jops
Awesome response lads. Thank you so much! Will be in touch with either one of you! :thumbup:

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 2:25 pm
by RectifiedAmps
To be fair, EF86s are no more prone to microphonics than any other similar-sized pentode that gets used in preamps. They received a bad reputation from their problems in AC30s, which was as much due to poor design by Vox as it was to anything else. Merlin Blencowe has a good article on it here: http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/pentode.html

In short, any EF86 or other pentode regardless of age or brand will be subject to microphonics when used in the first gain position if designed for similar ridiculous levels of gain as the old AC30s.

They sound far better when used downstream in the preamp anyways...

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2020 3:47 pm
by MikeC
RectifiedAmps wrote:To be fair, EF86s are no more prone to microphonics than any other similar-sized pentode that gets used in preamps. They received a bad reputation from their problems in AC30s, which was as much due to poor design by Vox as it was to anything else. Merlin Blencowe has a good article on it here: http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/pentode.html

In short, any EF86 or other pentode regardless of age or brand will be subject to microphonics when used in the first gain position if designed for similar ridiculous levels of gain as the old AC30s.

They sound far better when used downstream in the preamp anyways...
Interesting article. Still best to avoid them in combos though!

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:00 pm
by Mini Forklift
MikeC wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2020 10:51 am I have a NOS Philips one you can have for $25.00. Is your amp a head or combo? EF86's not good in combos due to the vibration factor which makes them go microphonic.Philips EF86.jpg
Hi Mike. Do you still have this EF86? If so Id like to grab it from you if that's okay

Thanks in advance

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:06 pm
by MikeC
Don't have it sorry - Jops nabbed it!

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:33 pm
by Jops
And I blew it up. True story! Died a few weeks ago :rofl:

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:40 pm
by Bg
thats the nature of the beast :)

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:41 pm
by Mini Forklift
Anyone else have one for a non-stupid price? Chur

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 6:46 pm
by Dharmajester
Mini Forklift wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:41 pm Anyone else have one for a non-stupid price? Chur

I think i've an old Telefunken I removed from my HC30 years ago as it was a bit noisey ( bacon an eggs on the go scenario) but your welcome to it as a spare. Brian may be headed down here over the hols, if so I'll give it to him to pass on.

Re: EF86 or 806 where to get?

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 7:08 pm
by MikeC
Jops wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 5:33 pm And I blew it up. True story! Died a few weeks ago :rofl:
Bugger, did you blow it up (if so, how) or did it die? Was NOS I believe!