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What are the sonic characteristics of this tube? How does it compare with Mullard EL84?
Thanks.
Oldngrumpy
Follow Ups:
Sure, the tubes have a sonic imprint but the amp has a bigger effect. What kind of amp are you using? I know that Dynaco used the RCA EL84 in many of their amps but i am not sure if all of them were stocked with RCAs. The charcoal black plate, with tilted disc getter is a classic tube with sound quality and reliability that is on par with Mullard.
Edits: 08/14/16
I like the RCA EL84. Little cleaner sound, than the midrange rich Mullard EL84 (British).
Is it extended both top and bottom? Is the tonal balance even? Is it open and airy. Is the midrange natural?
I'm only familiar with blackplate versions. Good bass. Not super extended high response. Bit compressed, not open airiness of a good octal, like 6V6GT.
Midrange is more neutral than the British Mullard EL84.
Is a good tube. Lasts forever, with proper idle bias.
.....and 7189s...When someone tries to describe their "hoped for" sound, either their or the responder's subjective thoughts and descriptions can get confusing.
Like DAK says, I totally agree that the OP hopes are more of a concern depending on the amp, amp parts and circuitry. If you were using an old RCA console tube amp, the airy, extended highs you want will be difficult to achieve with the output iron RCA used. Magnavox console SE tube amps will do that airiness better, but might lack the bass definition possible with the RCA SE tube amps.
Now, let us say the OP has a very wide bandwidth, usually awesome sounding EL84 amp; but, his tubes are tiring. Will the RCA black or dark gray plate varieties of 6BQ5 satisfy ? Very possibly, yes...Will he prefer the sound of vintage British or Holland made EL84s ? Possibly, yes...but, some may actually prefer the Sylvania black plate 6BQ5s or the GE 7189A or the RCA 7189 or Russian types....Subjectivity is the factor here...It seems that we have to pay to play. Another major factor is the working voltages and currents in the amp circuit. Some 6BQ5s and EL84s can stand 350 Volts on their plates for years. While RCA 6BQ5s can be very rugged and were always inside the hot-running Dynaco Stereo 35 and SCA-35 amps, the tubes could have lasted even longer if heavy duty 7189 versions were installed.
So, while we can suggest certain tubes, what if the OP hears things with his amp differently ? A good feature of the USA made 6BQ5 family of tubes is their low price; new or used. Tested well and sold by a trusted vendor, even good looking, used tubes are worthy of trying. Paying a premium price for vintage NOS is not a guarantee of longevity or quality.
Edits: 08/15/16
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