EL34s or 6L6s? Which do you prefer?

[eudaimonia02912]

I've read some of the past threads, but some of them are old and I wonder what people are thinking now.

I've got 4 JJ and 4 Mullard El34s lying around with a good amount of life left on them, so I could just slap them in and see whether I like the results. But since I'm new to the Mark V, I feel like I should stick with the 6L6s until I get accustomed to their sound, so I can make a fair comparison. However, if most everyone likes the EL34s better, then I'll just switch now.

 

[Nermel]

EL-34s kick ass for gain stages...in most cases I would use them

HOWEVER...

I like the 6L6s for cleans and tweed, yo

 

[Anonymous]

EL-34s kick ass for gain stages...in most cases I would use them

HOWEVER...

I like the 6L6s for cleans and tweed, yo

+1 i would love to be able to afford two amps... :idea:

 

[MusicManJP6]

Man, it's a tough decision. They both sound great in this amp. I switch back and forth every other week because I can't make up my mind!

 

[steve_k]

34's in the Mark V is the only way to fly....I was getting ready to sell it and thought what the hell and give the 34's a shot. Its like a whole new amp now.


Steve

 

[mejoshee]

EL-34s kick ass for gain stages...in most cases I would use them

HOWEVER...

I like the 6L6s for cleans and tweed, yo

+1 i would love to be able to afford two amps... :idea:

why don't you just use a seperate power amp and stereo it up! 8)

 

[Scary]

I selected EL34's because I have some STR450's that sound more balanced overall. I like the 6L6 grind and headroom just as much, but for lower volume stuff i'm digging the EL's right now.

 

[eudaimonia02912]

Based on the poll results so far, I think I'll stick with the 6L6s for now, especially since I'm getting a new pre-amp tube set from Doug's Tubes tomorrow. I'll still try the EL34s eventually, but I'll wait a few months until I am accustomed to what the amp really sounds like and can judge the change better.

This morning, it was 4-0 in favor the EL34s. Funny how the 6L6s have taken the lead.