Mark,
Get it. The SET EL84 / 6BQ5 Magnavox tube amps sound exceptional. Yes, that is the SET amp that I was hoping for in my last console purchase, and indeed my wish came true.
I'm currently working on a few audio projects, so I haven't had time to fully restore my EL84 SET yet. The rectifier lights, everything powers up, but I've got a ground issue somewhere. I'm going to gut it completely and re-wire it without the stupid Maggotbox EQ circuitry in the output stage.
If you wish, I can easily guide you through that resto-mod job. Also, if you wish, I'd be willing to buy that amp from you if you can acquire it, or even possibly make a trade for something I've got that you may want.
It's pretty tough to smoke the OT's on one of those amps. If you jump a heater (most commonly occurs when relocating or modding the pilot light), it's a possibility, but in stock form, most likely not. If you see any abnormalities in the waxy paper surrounding the OT's, that's a good sign, otherwise, they are probably in perfect shape. Those OT's were hand wound in Chicago, they're small but oh so sweet.
P.S. - Stereophile rated the EL84 Magnavox amps as the 4th best sounding tube amp of all time.
P.P.S. - You'll need speakers that are somewhere in the 96 dB or greater range regarding sensitivity.
