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EL 34 vs. KT 88 ---- What's the difference?

Can someone please tell me or be able to describe the sonic differences in the use of each of these tubes?

Is one tube better than the other...or does one tube provide more warmth and tube-like qualities than the other?

Does anyone know why a tube amp designer would select one over the other?

Thanks.
128x128gerryn
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
The New Sensor Mullard EL34 or JJ Tesla EL34L are both current, affordable and sound great with the 302B. I prefer the Mullard over the JJ, but not by much.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Also the Tung-Sol 12AX7s are in my opinion, the best of the affordable 12AX7s for all Jolida equipment. I am also running their CDP, Phono pre and Tuner with these tubes.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Any further thoughts?
vett93
205 posts
 
Why can some amps use EL34 or KT88 while other amps cannot use them interchangeably?

Does the output transformer have to "match" the tubes? If yes, what are the impedance differences?
stewie
187 posts
 
Some amps can use both el34s and 88s b/c they have variable bias, allowing you to adjust the bias to the appropriate level for different tubes.
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