How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

B

Benthedemon007

New member
Would it sound more "marshally"? Because the amp is made in England and cheaper than the dsl40, I'd prefer it but I've heard it wouldn't sound as good as the dsl40. So if it had el34s, how would it sound?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

El 34 and el84s are not interchangeable. El34 uses a large 8 pin base where an el84s is smaller and has a nine pin base. Theoretically it could be done by replacing a considerable amount of parts, but at that point it'd be way easier and cheaper to by a dsl40.
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

Benthedemon007 said:
Would it sound more "marshally"? Because the amp is made in England and cheaper than the dsl40,
Click to expand...

EL84s are used in the classic 18 watt Marshalls, Vox AC30s, and most modern Orange amps below 50 watts, including the Tiny Terror. So certainly a British sound. Maybe a slightly different British sound from EL34 but British nonetheless. They are also used in the Fender Blues Jr for an American sound. This indicates that it is more the circuit design than the tube type. Also the speaker is very important

Some would prefer EL34, or 6L6 types, but this is more of a big bottle vs small bottle thing. The bigger bottle tubes retain a more articulate low end when pushed.

So don't be afraid of EL84s if they sound like you want. Test drive the amps your considering.
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

You don't own this amp do you? I do. I don't worry about what type of tubes are in it. I just play it.

I invite you to focus more on playing rather than details like these. I will say that the older 401 is better than the new 40c. that amp sounds thin.
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

There is a mod to swap in EL84s in place of EL34s called Yellow Jackets. Perhaps a reverse yellow jackets? But EL34s would require different transformers and most everything to support them.
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

EL84s sound fine. Stop reading forums and go listen to real amps in person.
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

Wasn't there a Marshall TSL 601? A 60-watt version of the TSL 122? That should give you an idea.

Bill
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

Why would it NOT sound very similar to the new DSL40c if you somehow made it run with EL34's ?
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

Just run it as is. Converting it to EL34s would be an expensive endeavor.

If you simply want a change, I gear good things about Mullard Reissue EL84s.
 
Re: How would a DSL401 sound with el34s?

The TSL amps are regarded as inferior to the DSL range.

I meant no offense by my post up there, I just mean to say that i think the OP is worrying too much and playing too little.

I used to worry a lot too man, but the amp sounds great with the el84s. Honestly. I get complemented on it all the time and I only use a korg tuner between my les paul and the pedal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top