Tube Comparison

EKG · #1 09-12-2002, 03:30 PM

OK, I searched and searched, but I can't find a comparison chart anywhere on the difference between tubes. For example, How do 6550, 5881, 6L6, EL34 & 84's all compare to each other. The difference in attack, response, clarity, highs, lows, drive, harmonics, etc.

Somebody point me in the right direction

kirk · #2 09-12-2002, 04:00 PM

The Tube Store

You'd think I was working for them. They have a pretty good chart there that compares the pros/cons of each type according to manufacturer. Doesn't really get into the tone though. They also have reviews of each type/manufacturer's tubes.

EKG · #3 09-12-2002, 05:21 PM

I looked and saw the differences between makers of a certain tube, but what about power tube vs power tube. Sort of like the chart on preamp tubes showing the ax7 as the one with the most gain.

Lonely Raven · #4 09-13-2002, 01:30 AM

Eddie, read up at www.Eurotube.com

Bob is very friendly, and speaks in a way that YOU and I can understand!

I highly recommend just reading through what he says. I've confermed a
lot of his opinions and thoughts on tubes and amps with amp techs and
my own ears over the past few weeks. I think he's spot on 95% of the time

EKG · #5 09-13-2002, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lonely Raven

www.Eurotube.com

Correct address?

Shows a for sale/bidding page

Lonely Raven · #6 09-13-2002, 01:39 PM

Opp, my bad. It's:

www.EuroTubeS.com

It's plural. Sorry.

EKG · #7 09-13-2002, 01:40 PM

AH!! Thank you

mike777 · #8 09-13-2002, 02:40 PM

Thanks for starting this thread. Being a huge Marshall fan and a pedal fanatic, I'd like to know a lot more about electronics than I do and this reference will be handy.

I can tell you that 6550's generally have more headroom but I like EL34 tubes for the bottom end but the whole sound has a nice punch and a fat sound.

Mike 777 Haug

bammbamm · #9 09-16-2002, 02:27 PM

Its all about how the tubes are integrated into the design that facilitate headroom and frequency response, etc... you can design an amp using El-84's that cascade the output sections to provide as much output or more than any 100 watt marshall out there, but practicality of design makes it un-acceptable. Thets where the higher output tubes come in handy. I personally like the 84's for their low watt ( 10W. in class A for a single tube config or 22watts in a AB push pull configuration) higher compression ability. With 84's you can get the output section distortion with relatively low volume. So many varieties of configuration and tone are possible.

Good luck for your quest.

Bamm