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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: Tube "hardness" and measured values - sonic differences? posted by Djhymn on August 18, 2002 at 12:05:03:
Djhymn,Very general terms, the more vacuum the "hardness" of the tone is greater than similar type tubes with less or "softer" vacuum.
An example would be the EL34 types. The Mullard EL34 has lower vacuum and lighter construction of the plates. These were first designed as a cheap (believe it or don't) alternative for a high power output tube. They tend to distort earlier and have a warmer tone.
The MOV KT-77 is somewhat similar in output power, but has harder vacuum and heavier construction---these tend to not distort at the early volume of the Mullard EL34. They have a slightly colder tone than the Mullards, but great bass and a cleaner midrange tone. At least in my very limited experience with this great tube.
Same goes with the US made 6CA7. Similar output power and pinouts--but high vacuum and tough internal construction give these tubes a cleaner tone to higher volumes. But, not the brown clipping and warm tones of the Mullard EL34. Folks that want to make their Marshalls sound more like Fenders, loaded with 6L6GC---like this tube.
This broad characterization is based on similar plate voltages, similar topology, and feedback parameters in the amps. Just different type tubes.
Not all tone qualities can be pinned solely on the vacuum. A real good example is the RCA 6L6GC and the MOV KT-66. Both have tough construction & high vacuum. But, the KT-66 is quite a tone monster. One of the best overall tone spectrum tubes I've ever heard.
The 6L6GC is a tough tube, which require a bit more voicing in the front end to give the amp a warm tone. Without voicing the 6L6GC can sound downright cold and sterile. And when it clips, it sounds horrible compared to the KT-66.
You can make more any quality tube sound pretty good or pretty lousy---despite vacuum & construction. Front end design can let the power tubes shine or constrict the heck out of it. So, it helps to have a good idea what the general forte of the power tube is & aim the overall voicing of the amp to that end.
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Follow Ups
- Re: Tube "hardness" and measured values - sonic differences? - steven oda 14:21:38 08/18/02 (1)
- Re: Tube "hardness" and measured values - sonic differences? - Rick 21:33:37 08/18/02 (0)
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