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6L6 vs EL34

It was pointed out to me the other day that it would be easy to convert my amp, a stereo PP EL34 amp, to run 6L6's. I've never really listened to the 6L6 tube before do any members have any thoughts on 6L6 tubes vs EL34's? I am running the Genalex KT-77 re-issue tubes in my amp and love how it sounds now. Thanks!
128x128jond
jadedavid
76 posts
 
Generally speaking, in the amps that I have heard, the 6l6's are cleaner and more accurate. Whereas the El34's are warmer and richer. YMMV.
jond's avatar
jond OP
5,661 posts
 
jadedavid thanks for your input it's very interesting I was told that 6L6's would sound sweeter by the person who suggested the conversion. I guess as you said YMMV.
newbee
4,751 posts
 
+1 re jadedavid's comments. That's how they sound in my amps. The clarity that they offer can be addictive depending on your sources and speakers inherent sound.
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jond OP
5,661 posts
 
Interesting guys food for thought. Waiting to hear what Vu thinks I may do it.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
Not my experience at all, but then again the sound always depends on the system the tubes are in.  EL34s 6CA7s and KT-77s have all sounded very clean and precise.  The 6L6 has always been a sweeter more euphonic tube, but as I said the amps they were in I think contributed a great deal  to that sound.
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