Mullard EF86 Quad – British Made BVA / 6267 Pentodes (Vintage / Tested Strong)
This listing is for a matched quantity of four (4) Mullard EF86 (6267) vacuum tubes. Manufactured in Great Britain, these tubes are widely regarded as the pinnacle of pentode design. Unlike modern reproductions, original Mullard tubes are prized for their rich harmonic content, creamy midrange, and a smooth top-end that defines the classic “British Invasion” guitar tone. The internal construction features the high-quality mesh screen/shielding that made Mullard famous for low-noise/low-microphonic performance, a critical factor for sensitive preamp circuits.
Condition and Transparency Mullard EF86 Quad
We believe in complete honesty regarding vintage electronics.
Provenance: These tubes are sold as Vintage / Tested. We do not claim they are NOS (New Old Stock) as they lack original boxes, but their physical condition is clean, with flashing (getter) that appears healthy and silver, indicating they have not seen heavy use or air ingress.
Visuals: The glass shows the classic white “Mullard” shield logo and the “BVA” (British Valve Association) code. Please review the high-resolution photos to see the exact cosmetic state of the getter and pins.
Testing Protocol: We have verified this quad using a Kyoritsu K-119 Tube Tester. As shown in the gallery, each of the four tubes drives the needle well into the green “GOOD” zone (registering between 60-70 on the scale). This indicates strong cathode emission and verifies that the tubes are electrically sound and ready for operation.
Applications Mullard EF86 Quad
The Mullard EF86 is the “Secret Weapon” component for specific legendary equipment:
Vox AC30 & AC15 (Heritage Series): The EF86 channel is responsible for the aggressive, high-gain tone that 12AX7s cannot replicate.
Dr. Z & Matchless Amps: Boutique amplifiers often use the EF86 for its touch sensitivity.
Vintage Hi-Fi: Essential for restoring Quad II mono-blocks, Leak, and Radford preamplifiers where low noise floor is paramount.
History: The Mullard Blackburn Legacy
Mullard, founded in 1920, became a subsidiary of Philips but maintained its independent manufacturing excellence in the UK. The Blackburn factory was renowned for its chemical engineering and vacuum pumping processes, which resulted in tubes that lasted significantly longer than their competitors. The “BVA” mark on these tubes is a seal of quality, ensuring they met the strict standards of the British trade association during the mid-20th century.
Technical Specifications Mullard EF86 Quad
Type: A.F. Pentode (High Gain).
Base: B9A (Noval).
Filament: 6.3V / 0.2A.
Origin: Great Britain (UK).
Markings: Mullard Shield / BVA / EF86.
Plate Structure: Internal Shielded Mesh/Screen for low microphonics.
Testing Status: Passed (Emission Test > Good).
Quantity: 4 Tubes (Quad).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these tubes a matched quad?
We sell them as a set of four that all test “Good” with similar emission strength on our Kyoritsu tester. However, we do not have a digital curve tracer to guarantee a 1% electrical match for push-pull operation. For preamp tubes like the EF86, extreme matching is less critical than it is for power tubes.
How do you ship them without boxes?
We are experts in shipping fragile glass. Each tube will be individually wrapped in thick bubble wrap, placed in a small individual cardboard sleeve (white generic box), and then “floated” in a larger shipping carton with packing peanuts or air pillows to prevent shock damage.
Why choose vintage Mullard over new production?
Modern EF86 tubes are notorious for being “microphonic” (they rattle and make noise when the amp is loud). Vintage Mullards were engineered with superior internal suspension and materials, making them much quieter and more mechanically stable, which is why they justify their price.
