Ray Tubes SELECT EL34

The EL34 is the output tube behind a lot of warm British midrange, and the quality of your set decides how much of that comes through. The SELECT EL34 is a new-production power pentode that Ray Tubes builds to its own audio specifications and keeps only when it ranks among the best of its batch.

A classic output tube, chosen by listening.

The Design

SELECT takes the reliability and consistency of Ray Tubes' CORE line as its starting point and aims at one thing: more nuanced sound. Ray Tubes builds each tube with manufacturing partners to its own audio specifications, then sells only the best tubes from each batch; Ray Tubes says fewer than 5% of production meets its standard. Audio engineers with decades of experience take part in the selection from start to finish, including listening sessions in real-world conditions. The pins are gold-plated for corrosion resistance and improved conduction.

Every Ray Tubes tube passes a seven-step process in three phases. Phase one checks reliability: soldering inspection under a microscope and a 24-hour burn-in. Phase two measures critical parameters, matches tubes by current draw, and tests for microphonics. Phase three is an amplifier test with listening by Ray Tubes' sound engineers, plus targeted expert listening sessions on randomly chosen tubes. Measurements are recorded under each tube's serial number.

How It Sounds

Ray Tubes describes the SELECT EL34 as strong in the bass and rich in mid-to-high detail: solid, elastic, controlled low end; full, natural mids with a warm, expressive tone; clear, bright treble with good extension that suits long listening; and an expansive soundstage with precise imaging. Head-Fi's Deleeh called it very well built, with very good sound for a new-production tube at a very good price, and Audio Video Magazine's Fernando Andrette called it a safe, satisfying upgrade.

Where It Fits

The EL34 is a power pentode introduced by Mullard in 1955, usually found in an amplifier's output stage, and it became tied to British music through amplifiers such as Marshall and Vox. Check your amplifier's manual for the tube type, then choose a single tube, a matched pair, or a matched quad for your output stage. Have your amplifier's bias checked whenever you change output tubes. Ray Tubes publishes a compatibility list, and we can check your amp with you.

Warranty and Break-In

Ray Tubes' One Year Warranty covers manufacturing defects for twelve months, tied to the original invoice and the serial number on the box, so it transfers to a new owner. If one tube in a matched pair or quad fails, Ray Tubes replaces the whole set. Give new tubes 48 to 96 hours of use to break in; early quirks such as slight background noise or imbalance usually fade as hours accumulate. Each tube comes with a user handbook with burn-in guidelines and a certificate of authenticity and warranty.

Press Recognition

• Positive Feedback, Tom Gibbs (June 2025), reviewing a full set of Ray Tubes Select and Reserve tubes in his EVO 300 amplifier. Gibbs said the upgrade improved his impression of the amplifier by an order of magnitude. Read the review at Positive Feedback
• Head-Fi, Deleeh, reviewing the EL34 SELECT. These are owner impressions rather than a professional review. Read the review at Head-Fi

Wondering whether the SELECT EL34 suits your amplifier, or how many tubes you need? Give us a call. We'll check your amp's tube complement with you.

Specifications

• Tube type: EL34
• Socket: 8-pin
• Max anode dissipation: 25 W
• Max screen dissipation: 8 W
• Output power: More than 10 W in Class A1 (single tube); more than 35 W in Class AB1
• Max anode voltage: 800 V
• Max screen voltage: 500 V
• Max grid voltage: about 15 V
• Heater: 6.3 V, 1.5 A
• Transconductance: 11 mA/V
• Amplification factor: 11
• Internal resistance: 15 kΩ
• Pins: Gold-plated
• Availability: Single, matched pair, or matched quad
• Includes: User handbook with burn-in guidelines; certificate of authenticity and warranty
• Warranty: One year, transferable