So far, the one and only EL34 based amplifier I listened to "transfixed", in fact was an integrated amplifier, the Kondo Overture - simply marvellous!
Going for around 25 grand in $AUD, I was bit hesitant to engage in that kind of expenditure for just 32 watts. Then again as I used it for a short while on my previous Quads ESL2905's, I realised this is no ordinary 32w integrated, rather this is a pure Class A design, and when you look inside, the multiple transformers and ultra-highend quality parts throughout, OK now I understand why the 20 grand and over tag...
Anyway, it was the most beautiful one month experience of a pure class A integrated I ever had driving the Quads at their finest, and when it was rightfully returned to the owner, after an overseas stint, I was indeed very sad. Until! I managed to get the CJ CAV45 EL34 based and another integrated! Oh my! For a fraction of that cost (Kondo Overture) and no pure Class A or anything, just 45w of pure AB push-pull design in pentode mode, it was the most enjoyable amplifier I've ever used to date! The level of musicality was unsurpassed.
Fast fwd to 2019, now this is a very different system, and no more EL34's but the superb musicality of CJ amplification with the CLX's continues...
Cheers to those fantastic EL34 designs!
RJ