In contemplation of trying EL-34s

[nsgelocos]

My first set of 6L6s seam to have had their run and are in need of replacement. I'm thinking about trying EL-34s this go around and seeing how they sound. I'm a metal guitarist and I'm curious to whether this tube type would be good for that or not. If not, I'll simply install 6L6s again. I do understand the dynamics that everyone has a different taste for tone. But I would like to know what you all think would be better. I'm leaning towards EL-34s more because I have seen a lot of positive talk about the tubes and its tone. But I figure I would ask first on behalf of my music style.

Also, If I do choose to install EL-34s in my Mark V, are there any other accommodations that needs to be made to the amp besides installing the new tubes and flipping the bias switch to the proper setting? :?:

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[screamingdaisy]

EL34s are more compress and have a more grinding midrange. I think they're better if you're after a crunchy palm mute.

If you're after the heavy 'chugging' palm mute 6L6s are better.

There is only one way to know for sure, and that's to try it yourself. People have made various clips comparing the two, but they don't give an accurate assessment of the feel/response when you actually try them in person.

 

[ixoye777]

Try some El34b's, they still have most of the low end you find in 6L6's but also have the mid range bite. They really make CH2 come alive. I have the Tung Sol EL34b's and I love them.

 

[lesterpaul]

one of the draws of an amp like a V is the fact that you have the option of running different tubes!!I think you are not getting the mileage you deserve if you do NOT invest in "the other side" and try 'em out-you have already paid a buttload for the amp...might as well buy some more glass!..and enjoy 8) ...the sockets in my V are very broken in by now

 

[Rkorn]

Just tried them, spent all morning with them.
Approved!!! very much approved.
still have to try with the rest of the band!!!

And regarding colors... there are real differences!!!
Green are a lot better than yellow...
both 6l6 and el34

 

[nsgelocos]

Just tried them, spent all morning with them.
Approved!!! very much approved.
still have to try with the rest of the band!!!

And regarding colors... there are real differences!!!
Green are a lot better than yellow...
both 6l6 and el34

Just ordered them last week! Do I need bigger preamp and rectifier tubes to accommodate the higher voltage bias setting for EL-34s or anything special in general for my MARK V head? :?:

 

[rocknroll9225]

Just tried them, spent all morning with them.
Approved!!! very much approved.
still have to try with the rest of the band!!!

And regarding colors... there are real differences!!!
Green are a lot better than yellow...
both 6l6 and el34

Just ordered them last week! Do I need bigger preamp and rectifier tubes to accommodate the higher voltage bias setting for EL-34s or anything special in general for my MARK V head? :?:

nope. pop in the EL34's, flip the bias switch on the back to EL34, and you're good to go.

 

[Rkorn]

Yes!
DO NOT FORGET TO POP THE SWITCH!!!!!

 

[satch4u3]

I just orderd a second pair of Tungsol EL34B. Can't wait to try them.

 

[SteveO]

Also, when you flip the switch on the back to the EL34 setting the red caution light will come on. This doesn't mean it's about to catch on fire, it is just there to let you know that it is set for EL34s and not 6L6s.

 

[satch4u3]

My Tungsol EL34Bs arriced yesterday. I gotta say they do bring whole new characteristics to each channel. Deifnetly makes everything pop out more. Due to the increased midrange of the EL34 type tubes no doubt. The clean channel isn't as round as it was with the 6L6s but defiently usable. Channel 2 Crunch model REALLY barks with these's. As stated before, much more midrance grind. Channel 3 Extreme sounds more compressed. Not nessicarliy and better or worse thing. Definetly nice for legato sytle soloing.

The EL34's seem to be much more immediate than the 6L6s. As in you can hear alot more of the pick when playing. It's the same feeling I had when I tried the Stiletto for the first time. Anyone else find this?

 

[Rkorn]

The EL34's seem to be much more immediate than the 6L6s. As in you can hear alot more of the pick when playing. It's the same feeling I had when I tried the Stiletto for the first time. Anyone else find this?

I found 6L6 more 'immediate', but probably because i believe they sound more modern.
el34 sounds more vintage both in ch 1 and 3.
this is what i thought.
Still, they sound great!
el34 works really well at low volumes!

 

[MBJunkie]

I started with the stock 6L6's for about 9 months which I really liked. I then decided to give a new set of EL34's a chance for about 6 months....which I also really liked....maybe a bit better in the edge and crunch modes of Ch2. However, a couple of months ago I went back to new 6L6's and overall....I prefer them in the V for my needs. Just my opinion.

My recommendation......give the EL34's a chance and decide for yourself which you prefer. Both sound great in the V.

One other suggestion (regardless of 6L6s of EL34s).....when installing either 6L6s or EL34s...be sure to install one matched pair in the outer positions while installing the other matched pair in the inner positions.

Other than that...just be sure to select the correct "bias" for the type of tubes you install and you are good to go. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Neptical]

One thing I absolutely love with Simul-class; Mixing the EL34s with the 6L6.

The variety you get with these different sets of power tubes is amazing. I like them both for what they both have to offer.

I love using EL34s in Class A when playing at lower volumes. It's real sweet and silky sounding. I usually use this mode when the amp comes home with me. Even then, the amp can get extremely loud fast! When playing a tight spaced small venue, you can easily get away with Class A mode, even for metal players.

When in Simu-class mode, you can really feel the 6L6s kick in and bring the girth ( yep, it gets dirty!). You get the best of both worlds. You really feel the 'bloom' of the 6L6 kick in.

When cranking a Simul-class amp, the two sets of tubes together create pure magic.

~Nep~

 

[MBJunkie]

Neptical,

My interpretation of your post implies mixing 6L6s with EL34s in the V. My understanding with the V is it requires all 4 power tubes to be EITHER 6L6s OR EL34s.....not a combination of the two different types of power tubes.

Am I missing something?

 

[Neptical]

Neptical,

My interpretation of your post implies mixing 6L6s with EL34s in the V. My understanding with the V is it requires all 4 power tubes to be EITHER 6L6s OR EL34s.....not a combination of the two different types of power tubes.

Am I missing something?

Nope, your not missing anything! I actually JUST realized you can't mix them in the Mark V. Woah! As many times as I've read about the bias switch, it's gone right over my head. Haha!! Wow; learn something new every day.

:lol:

~Nep~