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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ก.ย. 2019
- This is a comparison video of 4 different types of JJ power tubes. All 4 of these tubes sound great in their own respect. I did not use any pre or post production except a few low cuts and a volume boost. My Hughes & Kettner Triamp is set to 100watts and the master volume is set to just above 75% to ensure plenty of power tube saturation.
I recorded this video with an Audix i5, an sm57 and a very low signal from a Palmer PDI-03 Speaker Simulator into a Behringer X-32.
Channel 1B:
EL34: 2:14
E34L: 2:48
6CA7: 3:22
6L6GC: 3:56
Channel 3A:
EL34: 4:30
E34L: 5:04
6CA7: 5:37
6L6GC: 6:10
Tubes purchase from eurotubes.com & tubedepot.com. Always us a reputable distributor when buying tubes to ensure you get the best quality. Not all tubes are equal.
My Verdict & Preferences: (In order from least favorite to favorite)
EL34: These tubes are the first tubes I bought for my amp. They were slightly different from the stock tubes only they changed the tightness of the low end and took away some of the brittleness of the stock Sovtek tubes. I think these tubes aren't as clean as the other tubes. They are very saturated but, not as clear. Still a great tube. (Ranks 4th)
6CA7: These tubes are a really good unfortunately uncommon tube. If you like a 6L6 sound but a 6L6 is too mid scooped and thick for your liking try this tube. I will say this tube is pretty different from anything I've used before. I don't think they are as bright and clear as either an EL34 or a 6L6. Really great midrange balance and warm. (Ranks 3rd)
E34L: This tube has gotten some flack on TH-cam wherever I've seen it demoed. This is such a great tube. It is very aggressive, tight and has a thick midrange but retains a lot of clarity. I've found I can drive my presence more with this tube because it can sound a little flatter, thus actually increasing the tone quality of my amp (at least in my opinion). (Ranks 2nd)
6L6GC: Now some tubes in other amps will sound completely different. I did not like the 6L6s in my old Dual Rec. but I love them in this amp. Mainly because the tone quality is far superior and the breakup isn't crunchy, but smooth. Thus, the extended highs of a 6L6 don't ruin the smoothness. I'm sure you metal guys might know what I'm talking about. There is a slight volume decrease in this tube, but when tuned and turned up this tube is warm, thick, clear and aggressive. (Ranks 1st)
Love the E34Ls and 6CA7.
like the thick bass on the 6CA7s.. just what i was looking for . thanks
I have been using both the E34L's and EL34II's and I very amazed to see how the standard EL34 had thicker more detailed mids!!!
Well excecuted. Thank you for taking the time (and £££) to do the video.
I have a high end electrostatic headphone amp. It came with PSVANE EL34 tubes, I switched to Mullard XF2s, then Electro-Harmonix 6CA7. Of the 3 I like the 6CA7 the best
6CA7 for me; it seems to have a lot more dynamics, like you can feel the pulses of the chugging more rather than the relatively flatter range of the others
This was a really great demo, but I’m searching for mids (classic rock tones) in the land of scoop, so not sure if I should trust my ears but the 34L seems to have the most mids. I’m running 6CA7 in my 100w superbass, and it gets boomy and shrill with volume. Looking for something flatter/middy with early breakup and wooly tones cranked. The g12m’s aren’t vintage but are comparable with custom warmer speakers I have in other cabs so I think I’m on the right track.
This vid helps me rule out the GC’s, but I’ve read from others 34’s produce excessive heat in the amp. Is that your experience? Great job doing apples to apples 👏👏
Thanks for the comment. Take a listen to my other Power Tube vid and see if that is more help.
th-cam.com/video/YIXjOe_HyZI/w-d-xo.html
I have not had issues with the EL34s overheating. The 6CA7s are more mid scooped for sure. If you are looking for a mid heavy classic rock tone be sure to check out the 6550 if your amp can run them. Also, JJ tubes are the tubes to use for a thick midrange, which is why I use them and the E34L is gonna be heavier in the midrange I think. They don't have the high-end sparckle of the standard EL34 so beware of that in your clean channels.
That is a really good demo !!..........thanks for posting !!................I think for me the EL34L is a clear winner !.......it had more complex mids than the plain EL34 and I have JJ6CA7's in my Jubilee and that are darker sounding and a little muddy but after hearing your demo ,.......I'm gonna try the L's or maybe the II's ......need to find a clip of those.
What kind of shift in tone are you looking for? You might look at kt77s or 6550s if you want an extended high end with an aggressive low end. I’m sticking with the 6L6s for now just because I’ve used EL34s for so long...also you might check out my video comparing phase inverter tubes. There’s quite a bit of tone shaping capabilities there too.
Need more people so spread this video more
Is it normal to see a little blue glow in the tube while playing ? I see that glow every time a “attack” my guitar.
The 6l6GC is a bit too midrange scooped for my taste. I run 6CA7 in my trainwreck clone. They're fat and round yes I'd agree sonically between an el34 and 6l6gc sound.
What's the impedance winding of the output transformer? You can't make a fair comparison if your output transformer is wound for EL34's but you're testing 6L6's, etc.
2:15, 2:42
2:49, 3:16
3:23, 3:50
3:57, 4:24
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Very helpful, thank you
I have a EVH 100S EL34 but I am so used to 6L6's (this is my first EL34) that I am having a hard time with the tone. I would like to tame the highs a bit and get a creamier gain (this amp seems a little crunchy even under high gain). I ordered a quad of 6ca7s based on what I read. Think that will get me there?
If you are used to 6L6s I think you might like the 6CA7s. I think they are even more scooped sounding than 6L6s. I'm guessing you're unhappy with the lower mids of the EL34s also? Not sure how the highs will change in your amp in particular. You should however have an easier time verses the straight up EL34 sound.
Have you thought about just putting 6L6s in it?
Give me an example of what you mean by "creamier."
@@mmagoon67 6L6's would require a socket modification right? The amp comes stocked with 4 EL34. To my feel, when I crank the gain it is a little crackly as opposed to a smooth type of gain. I am not sure if the lower mids bother me...I tend to feel that the top end has too much sizzle and once I dial it down it starts to muddy the tone. I greq up playing a Peavey Ultra...Didn't really get into trying different amps until about 4 years ago.
@@travis3656 This is interesting. I used to own a Dual Rec and the first thing I did was switch out the 6L6s for EL34s because the EL34s smoothed the crunchiness for me. So it's interesting to me that you are having the exact opposite problem with the EVH.
As far as I know you can fit a 6L6 into an EL34 socket. You just have to bias the amp properly of course. Look into this before you take my word for it as all amps are different.
Also, once you get your power tubes dialed in you might try different preamp tubes. If your looking for a smoother gain I swear up and down by the JJ Gold Pin tubes. I do not know of a richer, smoother gain with any other preamp tube. I do not recommend them for lighter, crunchier channels because It can be too smooth and dull the dynamics of the gain. It can sound flat.
John Suhr and Dave Friedman both say JJ tubes are crap. I assume they mean ''as of late.'' These guys are a a couple of the best amp builders around. They claim Electro Harmonix matched tubes are the way to go. I do have a set of JJ matched EL 34 power tubes that are from about 10 years ago that I'll be trying in my Suhr SL 68 this week. BTW, I'm using my wife's account to post here.
I don't put a lot of stock in what the "professionals" say in this case. JJ tubes are perfectly fine tubes and I've had zero issues with them for over 10 years. They have always been bigger, richer, meaner sounding than other tube brands. I don't dislike tubes often, but to say something like that with the influence you have as a professional...you really might be steering people who would prefer the JJ sounds away from what would actually please them.
I just sold 2 of my JJ 6CA7s to a friend to put into his Blackstar HT Club 40 combo because after trying a bunch of different kinds he liked the JJs. If I had told him JJs were crap I would have robbed him of a preferable tone.
@@mmagoon67 I love how the JJ EL34 (plain ones) sound but I did have 2 of them go out on me in the past 3 years. I think Dave's and John's take on JJs was mostly from a reliability point of view, not tonally.
I am speaking of both reliability and tonality.
@@mmagoon67 In your comparison I prefer the JJ EL34L's. They seem to be the most full and aggressive sounding. My 1972 Super Lead is overdue for a complete tube change. I've had original Svetlana EL34's in it for 20 years, believe it or not. The reliability and tone have been superior. I want to try something different now since original Svetlana's are no longer available. My amp tech is suggesting the JJ EL34's, but as has been stated, some professionals have voiced their concerns about the JJ EL34's in general and I'm leery. I am also considering Mullard and EH. Reliability is important to me as well as a full and aggressive tone. What are your thoughts?
@markn4526 I like the JJ E34Ls a lot. They are slightly more relaxed in the high end and have a tighter more aggressive low end. If you're wanting aggressive then they are worth getting. Please also note these tubes will not help clarity in your clean channels. I also like the Telefunken Black Diamond EL34s.
As far as reliability, as I have said previously, I find JJ tubes reliable. I have yet to replace any JJ due to failure. However, with buying any tubes, you want to buy them from a reputable place. I prefer Eurotubes. Any tube can fail and be unreliable if it's not a well made tube. That's why reputable places put their tubes through rigorous testing to ensure the highest probability of longevity and quality. They also tend to be more expensive because they are higher quality though other places might sell them cheaper.
Ok...so...I’ve got a Mesa Mark IV. It’s got Simul-Class power amp. Mesa’s thing where ya can run 6L6 with EL34s. I was looking for a different sound and looking at getting a whole other amp (a fender deluxe or a Mesa California Tweed) for a Neil Young kind of lead sound. Because as great as that Mark IV is I can’t quite get that kind of sound out of it. But....but then I was reading the Mesa manual and it talks about a setting that you can use 6V6S in the power section. Do you believe that it can or will change the tone of the amp enough to get that kind of sound out of it or am I chasing the mythological “Tone Dragon”? Cuz I’ve played Mesa Mark V and Mark v:25s and they sound different but I noticed that recorded they don’t really sound different and that it mainly changes the “feel” of the amp for the player while they are playing but not so much the recorded sound. I noticed that with different settings on my Mark IV too. Changing things like some of the push pull functions on the pre amp for the lead channel, switching from the harmonics to the mid gain boost, and going from penatode to triode doesn’t make much difference especially in a mix with drums, bass, another guitar, and vocals...heck even just alone doesn’t change the sound much on a recording. In the room while you are playing it, it does. Maybe I’m doing something wrong?
Can you give me an example of the Neil Young sound?
mmagoon ahhh I know what I’m hearing in my head but you may not! Good point. He did a soundtrack for a movie called Dead Man with Johnny Dep in it. Awesome movie by the way. And it’s just Neil Young playing guitar
I listened some to the soundtrack in various places. When I hear that kind of light, gritty sound and it being quite a bit older I tend to think Marshall. I'm not sure what I can say past that. Mesa/Boogie amps are a bit different than Marshall amps in that Marshalls will give you that classic crunch. I'm thinking any other their amps that are modeled after older classic sounds. I used to own a DSL50 and it reminded me of that. You might do some research into the guitar players gear and see what he liked to use.
Oh, and to answer your question about the 6V6s...It's possible that these tubes could, at the very least, move you in the right direction, but as to how far I'm not sure. As far as I know, 6V6 is to 6L6 as EL84s are to EL34s...if that makes sense. Preamp tubes will help your sound as well.
6ca7 and e34l sound so similar. Don't like the 6l6 at all, to much of a hole in the mids. Love the 6ca7 in my BFG modified Dual Rectifier as they sound bigger and wider than my e34ls but retain the thick mids.
Trying kt77 next.
Watch my other power tube video with the Triamp MK3. The 6L6 sounds much fuller with that amp compared to this one.
@@mmagoon67 thanks man! I think it does depend on the amp. I find I prefer el34s in Dual Rec and rhats my main metal amp and it just prefers the 6CA7s. My DR was modded by BFG and can only use EL34 tubes. But it's the best Dual Rec I have ever heard or felt. I have owned a lot. He did a great job and the 6CA7 gives me the best of both el34/6l6.:)
@@Bognerman14Yep! I had a Dual Rec and I much preferred the EL34s. Took out some of the crunchiness.
@@mmagoon67 exactly man. Depends on the amp. My Shiva sounds worlds better with 6ca7 than el34 and same with my DR.
Do I need to bias my tubes,amp if I'm replacing 6l6 tubes with 6l6 tubes? I cannot seem to find any videos on this.
Yes, you need to bias your amp with every new set that goes in; even the same tube type. Within just one tube type there can be a large fluctuation between currents.
@@mmagoon67 thanks for the info. Do have any advice on equipment to monitor the bias as I change it my amp does not have test points.
@@bobosessbushcraftandsurviv4783 www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/bias%20probes.htm
I use the cheap bias probe and a multimeter set to 200ma. It's very very simple and easy to hook up.
@@mmagoon67 thanks for the info. I'll let you know how things go or if i need help. Thanks again
Looking for what tubes that would possibly reduce fuzz / darken the tone? TIA.
Hm...reduce fuzz. May I ask what you're running? And I assume your wanting to know about power tubes? Preamp tubes may help with that also. The darkest sounding power tube I have I think might be the E34L. KT88s I have heard can be thicker and darker too. Probably more so than the E34L.
@@mmagoon67 I apologize, it's a Dover Da-50 with stock PM EL34 power tubes and PM AX7 pre. I ordered some Tung sol AX7 hoping they could help dial in something not so shrill and fuzzy. The top end almost wants to take your head off haha. Also, I play mostly high gain metal.
@@Gears9 well, tungsol would have been the last brand I would have recommended if you're wanting to tame high end shrill lol. If you have the budget the genlex gold lion b759 preamp tube is a good one to mellow out high end. As far as power tubes go stay away from tungsol, mullard, etc. JJ might be a good place to start.
@@mmagoon67 I listened to a few comparisons of the AX7 and the Tung sol stood out the most, it's high gain and breaks up early. It has a strong punch too. I wasn't aware of other pre amp tubes as most amps are an AX7 variant. I'll look into that! The JJ branded tubes seem like they would enhance that fuzz I am not a fan of, it has those harmonic trails that loose the tightness imo. As far as power tubes I'm not sure what to try. I don't know what my Dover is compatible with if I swapped tubes other than EL34. It has external bias adjustment which is nice, I did bias it a little hotter than stock. I don't think I'll be able to take the fuzz in the circuit but maybe an eq pedal in front could darken the highs.
@@Gears9 Basically any tube that claims to have extended high end you wanna stay away from. That fuzz/crunch probably comes from the upper high end. JJ tubes have a decent amount of mids compared to other brands so getting a darker set of JJs like the E34L might be good. Probably stay away from 6L6s.
You could try adding some kind of EQ in your fx loop to cut the ultra highs too. I'd say Gold Lion is still is a good brand to look into. Do lots of research and ask around before spending the money.
Which has more bass kt77 or 6ca7?
That's a good question. I still have yet to try the KT77. I'd like to say the KT77 has tighter bass and the 6CA7 has a lower response. In that case it would depend on your amp. If your amp puts out tighter bass then perhaps the KT77 would have more bass for you. The KT77, as far as I know, has a beefier EL34 response and I would say the 6CA7 has a more exaggerated 6L6 sound. I loose some low-mid punch with the 6CA7.
What amp is that?
Hughes & Kettner Triamp MKII
JJ tubes/valves are UTTER CRAP. I've been gigging tube amps for almost 30 years. I've used JJ 6l6, el34, e34l, kt88 in lots of different amps, laney, marshall, fender etc. and every set I've had has failed way before they should have. There is no way that any set has ever come close to lasting 6 months of doing a couple of gigs a week and some a laughably short time. I don't bias hot, maybe 55-60%. I've got a set of svetalana el34's in a Marshall and Svetlana 6l6s in a twin which are still great after 15 years.
May I ask where you are buying your tubes?
@@mmagoon67 the JJ's are from various places in the UK, hotrox, matamp, Watford valves, karltone , the svetlanas were from Lord Valve in the USA. I also have a pair of Tungsol 6550's and sovtek KT88's from him that are still good, all bought before 2010. I would still be buying from him if the exchange rate was still as good, I don't know if he is even trading anymore. Hotrox and Watford valves are total conmen. They would call you a liar before they admitted their valves were faulty.
Well that stinks. I'm sorry you've had so many issues with them. I have a pair of the Tunsol 6550s coming today. Very anxious to hear them.
@@mmagoon67 I've had a pair of tungsol 6550's in a plexi and a twin reverb and they sounded awesome in both amps. I like Kt88's too. I had a pair of JJ kt 88's in a 100watt laney which sounded great for a couple of gigs until one of them started redplating due to bias drift or vice versa. Never had a problem with sovtek kt88's , actually they were EH kt88's not sovtek as I mentioned earlier. I dig the big valves. Let me know how you like the tungsol's
Will do. Once I get the 6550s in I will probably do another comparison video. I also got in a pair of Telefunken Black Diamond EL34s which are the best EL34s I've ever used. Very Excited.