Tone difference: EL84 vs. 6L6?

[Top Jimmy]

The Mesa F-30 has EL84's, the F-50 has 6L6's. I wanted an F-30 but the F-50's seem easier to find and saw a good deal on one. Gonna sound much different? I have only played the F-30's.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Tone difference: EL84 vs. 6L6?

Man, I'd almost say there are more differences in tone between those two tube types (all other things being equal) than there are similarities.

FWIW I think the F50 sounds much, much better than the F30. Then again I'm not a big fan of EL84s.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Tone difference: EL84 vs. 6L6?

A few years back, I had an F50, and I've played the F30 on a number of occasions.

Looking back, I should have got the F30. Its got more "british" midrange characteristics with the EL84s, and for a gain channel thats what I prefer.

The F50 has the better clean channel though, IMO. The 6L6 sound is much more Fendery/American. The gain channel is more highs and lows than midrange.

Both are extremely nice amps. Very well made and loud as hell.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Tone difference: EL84 vs. 6L6?

6L6's tend to have a big strong bottom, el84's tend to have a smaller looser bass response

6L6's tend to have clean focuesd mids that arent as prominant, el84's tend to have thick upper mid range focus which is very punchy

6l6s have a bright and open top end, el84's are also bright but more compressed and break up earlier

 

[SFW]

Re: Tone difference: EL84 vs. 6L6?

Of those two amps, I prefer the F30. IMHO, the EL84s work better with the circuit. But once again, that's just MHO.