What modifications would be necessary to put EL34 tubes in a 6L6 amp?

[Corbic]

Specifically, the Peavey Valveking.

These are at a great price at the moment, one I could easily afford. The cleans sound great, and the distortion is good too, but could use some improving. I was wondering if it would be possible to use EL34 tubes in this amp instead of the 6L6s it currently uses. Possibly KT66 tubes, or the JJ 6V6 tubes. I was just wondering what I would have to do to change the tube type in one of these amps.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: What modifications would be necessary to put EL34 tubes in a 6L6 amp?

In a nutshell: One of the pins of the output tube sockets has to be connected (it may already be) and the amp will need to be rebiased hotter.

6V6 should run without any mods save a possible rebias.

 

[BigBazz]

Re: What modifications would be necessary to put EL34 tubes in a 6L6 amp?

I dont think its a good idea, the peavey valveking distortion circuit is much like the peavey 5150 circuit, the actual distortion on that amp is pretty damn awesome, now im part of the peavey amps forum and the general idea is that changing to EL34's will muddy up the amp.

The valveking needs no improving distortion wise (in my opinion), theres nothing in the same price bracket that sounds close to as good as it.

Bear in mind the valveking is based on the 5150 ( it sounds just like one, the distortion channel atleast ), its a hard rock or mainly metal amp, just happens to have a better clean channel than the 5150.

Maybe do it for experiments sake but id put a bet that it sounds best with 6L6.


Infact, i tried it side by side with a Peavey JSX and i preffered the Valveking.