For you Recto users - EL-34's?

[Zach Trowbridge]

So, I think I've decided to make the switch from 6L6's to EL-34's in my Dual Recto now, just to experiment. I like the 2 6L6/2 Yellowjacket combo that I've been running for a while now, but I'd like to test out some EL-34's to see if I can't brighten up the channel 3 modern mode a bit. It's just a hair too dark for my tastes the way I have it all set up now.

Anyway, any tube brand recommendations? Think I should keep the 2 Yellowjackets in or go with 4 EL-34's? I know Robin has been running his with both for a while now and seems to like it. Perhaps I can get him to chime in with his input.

[Erik]

Zach,

Make sure you get tubes that match the Mesa Bias...reputable tube stores can hook you up. On that note, I put a set of Ruby's in my Road King and run the pair of them with a pair of 6L6's. The difference is noticable, if you run quad EL-34's, you'll really hear the difference. You won't get upper mids ala Marshall, but it will brighten up the tone and give it a tad more bite/snap. I really like the sound of it a lot.

[PRSKILLER]

How about checking out the Intergrated Quads from Bob at Eurotubes or better yet the KT88. Those should do the job.

http://www.eurotubes.com/euro-n.htm

[Erik]

How about checking out the Intergrated Quads from Bob at Eurotubes or better yet the KT88. Those should do the job.

http://www.eurotubes.com/euro-n.htm
KT88's??? That would be very cool...have you done this?

[PRSKILLER]

KT88's??? That would be very cool...have you done this?
No, I sold my DR before I even knew about Eurotubes. I have the Solo 50 now and use JJ6L6GC from Bob. I don`t think the KT88 can be used in the Solo 50.

[redmax61]

The EL-34's I'm running are EH's. I actually like the dark tone I get out of them. I usually crank up the presence and it adds an interesting bite. I haven't really tried any other brands/variations of EL-34's.

[jbird]

I just run the stock Mesa EL34's in my DR and I'm totally satisfied!

[PaulO]

Zach -

Before I sold my TR I tried the Mesa brand EL-34's and I really like them a lot. If I had not sold the amp I would have kept them in. It gave me a darn good Marshall sound out of the 2nd channel and the TR sound out of channel 3.

Paul

[Dan O]

actually, we (paulo and I) still have the Mesa EL-34's we put into the rectifier, and used about twice. They're just collecting dust (but of course in the boxes). They're these ones to be exact:
http://store.yahoo.com/mesa/elsiemst.html

we could probably sell them to ya for a good price if you wanted...email or IM me if you like.

(note: i'm going to NYC for a five night vacation, so i might not be able to get back immediately if you're interested)

[jbird]

Like I said, I just use the stock Mesa EL34's, the Mesa dealer in town is about a block away so it's convenient. I was trying to get away from the boomy bottom and scooped sound of the 6L6's without losing the bite. Mission accomplished! Less boomy and a slight shift to upper mids. It really improved the clean channel, (I have the two channel version) A little more chimey now!