Members 44caliberKid Posted February 23, 2013 Members Share Posted February 23, 2013 My Mesa Nomad has a bias toggle that will allow me to load her with either of these. Currently using the stock 6l6s. At some point I'd like to experiment with the el84s but offhand what are the major differences between them, sonically and even functionally? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Wyatt Posted February 23, 2013 Members Share Posted February 23, 2013 6L6GC and EL34 are both relatively the same output, you can push the EL34 for more with higher plate voltages with the right amp design, but roughly you are looking at 25-30 watts max from each.The 6L6GC is generally a fuller, rounder more balanced tube, and offers more clarity and definition is running a highgain preamp, the El34 has a more mid-canteric tone. But ultimately, if running a clean power amp, you'll notice nothing more than subtle tonal differences. It's really when pushed to overdrive that the EL34 will get thicker, more complexe overdrive...which is why they are loved for using in things like the non-master-volume Plexi's and stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Viesczy Posted February 25, 2013 Members Share Posted February 25, 2013 EL34s have a midrange bite that people have been conditioned for years to equal a great one. To me, they just honk in an annoying way. The only EL variants I'm running right now are JJ E34Ls and the aggressive sounding Ruby EL34 variant (SBR? STR?). And the moment they go belly up, I'm moving to KT77s or 6CA7s (or back to 6L6s). Derek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Grant Harding Posted February 26, 2013 Members Share Posted February 26, 2013 I prefer EL34 for the strong mids and tight bass. Can't touch the shimmer of the 6L6 with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 44caliberKid Posted February 27, 2013 Author Members Share Posted February 27, 2013 Ok we'll then let me ask this...can I use any el34 in my amp? It seems there are several different kinds, the str447 or an str442? Does it matter? My amp only says el34. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members joshatlasstands Posted March 3, 2013 Members Share Posted March 3, 2013 I think the make converters..."yellow jacket tube converters". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members charveldan Posted March 10, 2013 Members Share Posted March 10, 2013 EL-34's are my favorite in old Marshalls. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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