Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: EL84 v.s. El34 - TONAL differences
Seriously, third time?
Thread:
Seriously, third time?
Thread:
EL84 v.s. El34 - TONAL differences
- Thread starter Kommerzbassist
- Start date
GilmourD
Burritotoneologist
Re: EL84 v.s. El34 - TONAL differences
Unless you use a Yellow Jacket.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
Unless you use a Yellow Jacket.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
hermetico
New member
Re: EL84 v.s. El34 - TONAL differences
Wait!.
In some amps, this isn't true.
VHT has several amps that allow you to throw the most common power tubes (EL84, 6V6GT, 6L6, EL34, KT66, ...).
So... differences are relevant... sometimes.
To me, they are somewhat similar, or at least closer one to the other than any of those compared to the "american way" (6V6GT, 6L6).
Compared to those, they have less boomy or big low end, more prominent mids or mid-highs and a direct cut-the-mix sound. They naturally put your guitar on the mix.
Differences are bigger, the hotter you run both tubes.
The EL34 has some bite (attack) more explosive than the EL84 and its harmonics are more complex and 3D-like.
I love the crunchy-warm EL84 in Class A design and, EL34 delivering big stadium rock in Class A/B design.
Said this. Everything makes no sense by itself.
Amp design is key. Tubes you choose for pre-amp, power amp and rectifier (if a tube one) make a big difference.
Tube brand/model behave very differently.
Speakers and cabs make a huge difference...
Usually each amp designed for a certain tube, will sound awesome if you find the right brand/model.
At the end, it's all about which power do you really need and, how you can crank the tubes (were they deliver their own spice).
Running those tubes cold, will sound very close (bored, lifeless) so, go for the power you can hold.
Wait!.
In some amps, this isn't true.
VHT has several amps that allow you to throw the most common power tubes (EL84, 6V6GT, 6L6, EL34, KT66, ...).
So... differences are relevant... sometimes.
To me, they are somewhat similar, or at least closer one to the other than any of those compared to the "american way" (6V6GT, 6L6).
Compared to those, they have less boomy or big low end, more prominent mids or mid-highs and a direct cut-the-mix sound. They naturally put your guitar on the mix.
Differences are bigger, the hotter you run both tubes.
The EL34 has some bite (attack) more explosive than the EL84 and its harmonics are more complex and 3D-like.
I love the crunchy-warm EL84 in Class A design and, EL34 delivering big stadium rock in Class A/B design.
Said this. Everything makes no sense by itself.
Amp design is key. Tubes you choose for pre-amp, power amp and rectifier (if a tube one) make a big difference.
Tube brand/model behave very differently.
Speakers and cabs make a huge difference...
Usually each amp designed for a certain tube, will sound awesome if you find the right brand/model.
At the end, it's all about which power do you really need and, how you can crank the tubes (were they deliver their own spice).
Running those tubes cold, will sound very close (bored, lifeless) so, go for the power you can hold.
Last edited:
Re: EL84 v.s. El34 - TONAL differences
Wattage plays a big role on how and when the tubes will break up.
A good example is Friedman Runt series.
The runt 20 is equipped with EL84’s but it’s bigger brother, the runt 50 has EL34’s
Listen to both and see if you can spot the difference.
Tho some characteristic of a tube influence the sound for sure, an amp sound is always a sum of all of its parts.
Hope this helps...
Cheers!
MKW Guitar
YouTube.com
Mkwguitar@gmail.com
Wattage plays a big role on how and when the tubes will break up.
A good example is Friedman Runt series.
The runt 20 is equipped with EL84’s but it’s bigger brother, the runt 50 has EL34’s
Listen to both and see if you can spot the difference.
Tho some characteristic of a tube influence the sound for sure, an amp sound is always a sum of all of its parts.
Hope this helps...
Cheers!
MKW Guitar
YouTube.com
Mkwguitar@gmail.com
