EL34 vs 6CA7 vs KT77 (also E34L)

[ZEEGLER]

I'm going to be ordering a set of power tubes for my Rivera Tre. I'm not sure how old the current tubes are, but I believe they might just be the originals. The current tubes are JJ E34Ls. I'm inclined to believe they are the originals because my Knucklehead II also had JJE34Ls in it when I got it. So anyway, I've been hearing a bit of random sputtering/spitting sounds from the amp, so I think new tubes are the way to go.

I could go with Mullard RI EL34s. That's what I put in my KII and they sound great, plus they've been reliable as hell considering that amp gets played frequently. Or maybe go with the Tung Sol EL34s, as I've heard they are more durable?

However, I'm intrigued by the other available options. As I understand it, the 6CA7s are going to be a bit more like 6L6s, and from what I've read they are extremely robust.

I have no idea what to expect from KT77s, but I've heard they have more headroom than EL34s, and are perhaps a little more robust.

I'm certainly not against going with something that's a tougher more reliable tube as long as I'm not compromising tone.

Wut do?

 

[glpg80]

6CA7’s have more of a deadlift type of attitude to your tone with emphasis on the low mids and sound more tamed on the top end. EL34’s have more overall low end and IMHO the mid attitudes just sound more musical.

I’m running 6CA7’s right now and kinda prefer Svetlana EL34’s more.

I’ve heard good things about the JJ34L’s. I’d like to try them.

 

[Lightning]

JJ EL34 II

 

[Exo-metal]

Kt66

 

[70 Mach 1]

I have 2 6Cs in my music man 65.
Nice and growly.
I dont hear any resemblance from a 6L6 and i have a half dozen amps with those

 

[Bossman415]

Have not played this amp, but as a general rule of thumb, I would steer towards E34L's as my first choice if I wanted EL34 like tones or change to 6CA7 JJ's if I wanted a smoother broader 6L6GC tone. Hope the rest of the info below helps steer you to the best option for your application.

EL34's = compression & harmonics

E34L’s = very similar to EL34’s but more aggressive and modern sounding, tighter punchier low-end.

6CA7's depends on the brand.

1. JJ = more like a traditional 6L6GC less harmonics and more smoother sounding.
2. EHX = more of a blend between 6L6GC & EL34’s retains some of the harmonics and has more lowend than a traditional EL34.

KT-77 = tight extended lowend, expanded midrange harmonics and highter headroom.

 

[ChurchHill]

Have not played this amp, but as a general rule of thumb, I would steer towards E34L's as my first choice if I wanted EL34 like tones or change to 6CA7 JJ's if I wanted a smoother broader 6L6GC tone. Hope the rest of the info below helps steer you to the best option for your application.

EL34's = compression & harmonics

E34L’s = very similar to EL34’s but more aggressive and modern sounding, tighter punchier low-end.

6CA7's depends on the brand.

1. JJ = more like a traditional 6L6GC less harmonics and more smoother sounding.
2. EHX = more of a blend between 6L6GC & EL34’s retains some of the harmonics and has more lowend than a traditional EL34.

KT-77 = tight extended lowend, expanded midrange harmonics and highter headroom.

That's a good summary and pretty much lines up with my experience. I've not played a Tre, either, but do have an older K55. Don't think that's quite the same thing, though.

Anyway, I seem to go through phases and will like EL34s, then think I like KT77s better, then E34Ls... well, you get the point.

If you love midrange, stick with EL34s. If you want more lows and highs, any of the others will get you there. I've had good luck with both Mullard and Tung Sol.

 

[ZEEGLER]

I decided to stick with EL34s. It's what I like in the KII, so if it ain't broke...

Ordered the JJ EL34 IIs. Based on The Tube Store's ratings, they seemed like the best option, plus they were one of the least expensive options. I don't want to spend a couple hundred on tubes and realize I don't dig them.

Next time I re-tube the KII, I might be a little more adventurous,

 

[jasonP]

I really like the Apex burned in match sets of tubes. I found them to be better than the tube store is matching.

 

[Nigel]

KT77 has the superior tone, hands down.