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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: Ei posted by BillC on August 19, 2002 at 08:56:24:
Yoyo,These amps bias the EL84 very hot. I wouldn't put anything but tough Sovtek EL84 (EL84M or 6pi14-EB, the military version close to the 7189A) or Tungsrams EL84 tubes into this amp.
Any US made NOS 7189A would be a good choice. I've used NOS Amperex BB, Mullards, MOV Gold Lion N709, and TFK EL84's. All work well in gutiar amps which really push plate voltage and bias in this type of tube. EXCEPT, the TFK---this tube has always sounded a bit anemic to me.
But, for the price the 6pi14-EB is the tube you should get. It is tough, can take a lot of abuse, and makes good tone---better than the Sovtek EL84M, in my opinion. The Russians make much better EL84 type tubes than the Eastern Europeans, for guitar amp use.
You can get the 6pi14-EB from Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio. Other US made 7189A can be bought from eBay or Tube World---amongst other places.
The Tungsram EL84 is another tone monster. It can take voltage and make a healthy tone. It won't last as long as that 6pi14-EB---but does have this wild compressed tone.
The best EL84 in terms of tone, in my experience, is the MOV Gold Lion N709---in a Class "A" amp---like Matchless or old Voxes. But, they are unfortunately, near extinction.
I like the Mullards over the muy expensive Amperex Bugle Boys. In fact, I like the old Sylvania 6BQ5 (yellow lightning logo) over the Amperex. And a good RCA or GE 7189A really puts out good tone and has the ruggedness you need in your guitar amp.
I haven't had much luck with either the JJ or the Ei EL84 in combo amp application. They just don't last too long---and lack the huevos of a good Sovtek, Tungsram, or most 7189A's.
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Follow Ups
- Crate Auto-biased amps - steven oda 13:10:56 08/19/02 (1)
- Excellent info Thankyou - yoyo 22:52:40 08/20/02 (0)
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