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EL84 amp Vs. EL34 amp

I currently own a very nice sounding 12 wpc Audio Space Mini Galaxy EL84 int amp. Its a 2 chassis piece with separate power supply and adj. negative feedback switch. I've been thinking of getting an EL34 int amp in the $4-500 range just because its more powerful and I would have more speaker choices.

I've read comparisons of EL34 and KT88 tubes, but sonically, how would you compare EL84 amps and EL34 amps? Is the EL34 just a more powerful version of the EL84?

I look forward to your responses.
128x128lou_setriodes
singleendedsingle
664 posts
 
The 84 and 34 are well known for distortion, normally the EL84 gets VERY hot with normal use. People love it for his tone quality.
jaffeassc
166 posts
 
I went from an EL84 amp to an EL34 amp. The amps are different manufacturers, which I'm sure accounts for some of the differences, but in general, I found the EL34's to be warmer and sweeter sounding than the EL84's.
nolitan
865 posts
 
EL84 is purer, SET like sound, less power, for me, more musical. Clearer.
EL34 is lush, more warm, more power.
Depending on the make and model, they can vary quite a bit.
But in general those are the characters i listed above.
Personally, in the end, i prefer the purer tone of the EL84s.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I think Nolitan has captured the generalizations precisely. But do remember that the ciruit can influence those difference quite a bit. I have an EL84 and EL34 amp from the same manufacturer, in his circuit the EL34 sounds more like the typical EL84 sound, as described above, but with 162 watts to drive most any speaker.
onemug
784 posts
 
Based on the amps I own and others I have listened to, I'd describe the 34 as a more midrangy kind of tube and the 84 as having more extension as well as having more speed. It's almost like a 300b/2a3 comparison.
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