changing el84s to 6v6s is it just a socket change?

[karpathion]

i'm just curious. if you try to change a duel el84 amp over to a a duel 6v6 power section, is all that is needed is a tube socket change, or are there other variables at play here? i just want to know if i can take an el84 baby sister(el34) tone, and make a more 6l6 style amp with the 6v6s.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: changing el84s to 6v6s is it just a socket change?

It's not really that simple, but actually 6V6's run at very similar conditions to EL84's. They both like the same approximate output impedance, so the same OT works for either. If the amp is cathode-biased, the same component values might work, but re-biasing is a good idea anyway.

Keep in mind that a good pair of 6V6's can put out a bit more wattage than EL84's. I would think most over-built, high-quality EL84 amps could handle the extra, but a cheapo with lightweight transformers might not. I would guess however, that you're not thinking of doing this on a good amp.

If you look at the old AX84 P1 project, guys posted versions of that amp with two output sockets, so you could plug in either tube (not both). With a push-pull and it's a bit more complex because of the additional socket and wiring.

Of course the biggest hassle is enlarging the holes in the chassis.

 

[Ascension]

Re: changing el84s to 6v6s is it just a socket change?

Got a quick solution for you!
Try the new TAD EL 84's in your amp!! They sound much more like a set of 6V6's than a set of traditional EL 84's. I just dropped a pair into my 25 watt Zinky Blue Velvet and the differerence between those and the Sovetec EL 84's that came out was night and day.
Trust me these are not too shabby and you can get um for $30 + shipping a matched pair or $60 a matched quad from http://www.dougstubes.com/news.html or for a buck or so more from http://thetubestore.com/tadel84.html !!
I have owned a few amps with both power tubes. These TAD 84's are a new design, they sound and respond much more like a pair of 6V6's than traditional EL 84's.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: changing el84s to 6v6s is it just a socket change?

It is NOT just a socket change...some specs can be similar but others are not.

Most EL84 amps have transformers that simply will not support a pair of 6V6.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: changing el84s to 6v6s is it just a socket change?

I'd think it would be way easier to just trade it on a real 6V6 amp