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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: RE: NOS RCA EL84 Sound posted by FenderLover on August 13, 2016 at 22:03:53:
.....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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Follow Ups
- RCA never made EL84s; only 6BQ5s... - Interstage Tranny 17:16:11 08/14/16 (0)
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