Are EL84 and EL34 tubes interchangeable?
In the specific case of swapping an EL34 for an EL84, you actually can’t swap them because the two different tubes have a different number of pins on their sockets.
What is the difference between EL34 and EL84?
The EL34 is larger and it puts out two to three times the wattage as the EL84. More watts equals more volume, more headroom, and a better frequency response — even at low volumes. Lower bass frequencies require more power, and the higher wattage of the EL34 is better able to handle the full frequency spectrum.
Do I need to bias an amp if I put the same tubes in?
Conclusion: You’ll need to bias most tube amps if you change the tubes. This is because you cannot buy tubes with a similarly matched resistance. You should always buy a matched pair or a matched quad of tubes, but the chances of them matching your current pair are very small.
What tubes are interchangeable with EL84?
An interchangeable North American type is the 6BQ5 (the RETMA tube designation name for the EL84).
What tubes can replace EL34?
Other common substitutes for EL34 vacuum tubes are 6CA7 and KT77 tubes. Although not identical, they are close enough to be considered direct substitutes in almost any instance. The EL34, 6CA7 and KT77 also have similar pin outs.
What guitar amps use EL34 tubes?
The EL34 is found in many British guitar amps and is associated with the “British tone” (Vox, Marshall, Hiwatt, Orange) as compared to the 6L6 which is generally associated with the “American tone” (Fender/Mesa Boogie; the earlier classic Marshall “Plexi” amps used the KT66, a beam tetrode similar to the 6L6, as well).
How long do EL34 tubes last?
about 2500 hours
Power tubes like EL34’s and KT88’s are good for about 2500 hours or more. But may go longer in an amplifier with a conservative design. Small signal tubes with numbers like 12AX7, 12AU7, and 6922, and rectifier tubes like 5AR4 may go 10,000 hours.
Can I put EL34 in a 6L6 amp?
Re: 6L6 to El34 tube change One if the PT’s heater current capacity. 6L6 heaters draw 0.9A each whereas EL34 heaters draw 1.5A, so a pair of tubes will add an additional 1.2A to the heater supply requirement. Two is the output tube socket wiring.
Can you replace EL84 with 6L6?
Yes you can. The THD yellow jackets were designed specifically to do that going the other way. But it’s safer to go the other way with the bigger tubes. 6v6s are a bit interesting since they actually require less heater current then el84s.
What is bias on EL34?
60% is another common choice. You can always adjust the setting in the future so if you are unsure, 70% is a good choice for now. For EL34 tubes with a plate voltage of 456.6V, we see our bias point will be 38.33mA….Calculating Bias Current.
| Output Tube | EL34 |
|---|---|
| Recommended bias point for Class A amps | 90% |
Can you touch tubes with bare hands?
It is OK to handle ambient cooled vacuum tubes with bare hands, IF THEY ARE COOL, and skin oils will seldom cause a problem, even if it chars.
Are EL34 tubes good?
Gold Lion KT77 / EL34 Extremely durable with great mids, smooth, airy highs, incredible bass, and a lot of 3D presence. Note, reports are that this tube takes longer to break in than other tubes, so give them time (at least 100 hours) for that bass to really open up. “Alive” sounding.
Can you swap EL34 for 6v6?
So my question is, can I change (just swap without any modification) EL34 to 6V6, 6L6 or KT66? No, not if you want to keep the amp’s performance.
What should you not touch on a guitar amp?
Never touch the amplifier chassis with one hand while probing with the other hand because a lethal shock can run between your arms and stop your heart. Use just one hand when working on a powered amp. The above warning is a pretty standard warning for high voltage work.