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Re: Sonic differences between EL34, KT 88, KT 77, KT 66, 5881 and 6550?

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In Reply to: Sonic differences between EL34, KT 88, KT 77, KT 66, 5881 and 6550? posted by Capt. Z on November 20, 2001 at 14:05:48:

This is one of those things that really can't be answered satisfactorily. I couldn't really even predict which of the dozen or more EL34s available that would mate synergistically with your system. However, I can make a few generalizations. If you like EL34 sound, analyze exactly what qualities you feel are good and what could be better. The '34 is a "musical" tube, with good mids and smooth highs in general. Bass is not its strongest suit. KT77s are AWESOME, but that's like saying "Yeah, the Rolls Royce is pretty good" If you can get 'em, use em. The 6L6 would be least applicable IMHO; similar sound to the 6550/KT88 only less power, less bass, less musicality. I have found that with every amp I have can use EL34s, no matter what tube I try, I always come back to an Xf2 Mullard of Amperex Bugle Boy/Dutch Phillips "double D" getter EL34. The '34 is a great tube. Hope this helps, Chris

Follow Ups:

Re: Sonic differences between EL34, KT 88, KT 77, KT 66, 5881 and 6550? - Hannu 23:28:24 11/21/01 (0)
Hello Chris, how do You describe the sound differences between single getter EL34 and double getter EL34 ?
Hannu
Re: Sonic differences between EL34, KT 88, KT 77, KT 66, 5881 and 6550? - andy evans 12:42:43 11/21/01 (1)
I've used a few EL34s and, in common with many others, I like the fat bottle 6CA7. I've got a few GE left out of CJ amp, and they were head and shoulders better than Svetlana EL34s
- Re: Sonic differences between EL34, KT 88, KT 77, KT 66, 5881 and 6550? - steven oda 23:35:09 11/23/01 (0)
  CZ,
  I've heard great amps that used all of these tubes. Depends on the setup, gain stages, PI, speakers, phase of the moon, color of your sox, etc.
  All guitar amps:
  EL34---Marshall model 1959 100 watt lead. Jeff Beck.
  KT-66---early Marshall 1962 model Bluesbreaker combo (the one EC made famous in Beano)
  KT-77---Marshall 50 watt model 1987 head unit. CREAM. That brown "Woman Tone" of "Strange Brew."
  KT-88---SUNN 2000S head unit. Remember Leslie West?
  5881---Fender Tweed Bassman. Some dude named BB King?
  6550---Ampeg SVT monster. Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers" "Let It Bleed" Elliott Randall ripping intro to Dan's "Reelin' In The Years."
  All are great tubes, in the right amp.

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