EL34 or 6L6?????????????

  • Thread starter Thread starter Zinc
  • Start date Start date
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Zinc

New member
Hey All-
My amp has a switch for EL34 tubes or 6L6 tubes. I'm looking for a super heavy sound....which should I use? I have EL34 groove tubes in there now, but I hear the 6L6's might be more what I'm looking for.....

P.S.- I'm using amp distortion right now, Ampeg VL-1002.

Craig
 
bias

The switch is for the Bias.The 2 types of tubes you mentioned require different bias current for optimal operation.So,if you've got EL34's in there now,leave the switch on the EL34 position,and if you switch tube types go to the other position.In broad terms,most EL34's break up sooner and have a rounder tone than 6L6's,which accentuate the midrange when pushed.
 
I have the same amp, marshalls use the el34 so if you want
that marshall sound use those. I thought the other tubes
were 6550's I will have to check mine.
 
tubes

The EL34 have a smooth distortion profile not especially suited for high gain rock (think Clapton w/Cream).6L6 is a higher voltage version of the old 6V6 and will give more balls.Better is the military grade 6550 like the Sovtek tubes.Commercial tubes are accurate to about 6% tolerences but military stuff is good to 1%.Whatever type you use,avoid the Chinese tubes (distinguised by their bulging or rounded glass shape like Ruby and others).Look for a straight glass tube instead.The Chinese use "pot" metal in their tubes,really impure.
Tom
 
Shit, you're right, it is EL34 or 6550. I didn't even notice I was typing 6L6. I just got done reading a page about 6L6's, so I guess it was stuck in my head. Anyway, the 6550 sounds like it is more what I'm looking for, right? At least if I keep my amp distortion?
 
What tubes do you have in there now? Whatever you do dont
get the bias swith mixed up, someone at the studio swithched
it in the back of mine and 150.00 in repairs it is again
working.
 
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