E83F or E180F for input stage?

[silvaup4]

Krca45, you are correct that e186f is in e180f family, not ef80 family.

When wired as triode, I never found any e180f sounding good to be honest (Siemens factory, holland, Blackburn, US Amprex, just none sound to my satisfaction). Wide band for sure but a bit harsh treble and shallow mid. Bass is tight tho.
E186F Mullard UK made and E810F Holland are my go to.

 

[krca45]

Forgot to say all those that had mentioned were triode wired.

E180F also lacked deep bass but that is maybe due to circuit ( reaction with passive RIAA EQ ).

E186F pair that i have are made by Philips. Will buy some more. 🙂

E83F & E280F wait to be used.

 

[silvaup4]

Good luck and have fun!

I was blown away by E83F’s sweetness and naunce. After having the E186F, EF8010, E810F, I still believed E83F has its place.