why is it that...

[callous_frigid_chill]

a lot cheaper tube amps use el84s? The crate amps, my carvin, the Peavey classic series, the Pro and blues juniors, the Epi amps, all have el84s. All though there certainly are some exceptions, does anyone know why this is?

 

[cream123]

Re: why is it that...

this is a completely noobish answer and will probably be way off, but i will see what i can do.
from what i understand el84's pull out lower power than most other tubes, wouldn't this put less strain on the things inside of the amp allowing costs of pieces inside of the amp to be lower therefore lowering the price....
just my 2 cents

 

[Robert S.]

Re: why is it that...

Its a wattage and tone thing when it comes to EL84s.

Smaller amps, simple circuits and all the amps listed are on the inexpensive side as a marketing decision. You can spend a lot of money on an EL84 amp if you try. The ptp AC30 is one example of an expensive EL84 amp, the Mesa 20/20 is another.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: why is it that...

Its a wattage and tone thing when it comes to EL84s.

Smaller amps, simple circuits and all the amps listed are on the inexpensive side as a marketing decision. You can spend a lot of money on an EL84 amp if you try. The ptp AC30 is one example of an expensive EL84 amp, the Mesa 20/20 is another.

Big +1.

There are plenty of amps out there that are highend gear and expensive that use EL-84s (some examples of manufacturers include Bad Cat, Matchless, Fargen, Valvetech, Mesa, Divided By 13, Aiken, JMI, etc.)

Robert's right on, I think it's a marketing decision. Smaller wattage means less parts, it's easier to manufacture more because it isn't as complicated and I think beginners flock towards simpler, smaller amps when they start off, so a cheaply made amp isn't a bad marketing idea.

 

[Corbic]

Re: why is it that...

Also, compared to the prices of other tubes, EL84s seem to be a little less in price. And what Robert S. said.