Power Tube Comparison

Look at the back of any all-tube amp, and you’ll see warmly glowing glass bottles in a variety of shapes and sizes. Power tubes (aka output tubes) are typically the biggest ones of the bunch, and they provide the last stage of amplification for the guitar signal before it’s delivered to the speakers. The “power tube” name is a bit deceptive, however, because these big bottles don’t just power your speakers—they actually play a significant role in shaping your amp’s sound and responsiveness.

Regardless of its manufacturer, each power-tube type—EL34, EL84, 6L6, 6V6, 5881, etc.—has a basic sonic personality. Getting to know those tonal characteristics can be a huge help, whether you’re trying to track down a new amp with specific sonic traits, or just wondering whether you can change the sound and feel of an amp you own by using different power tubes.

[PeterDad]

A smart young man who understands electronics with musical talent in his fingers, a rare breed. I congratulate your parents and you for all the hard work you have done to get where you are today.

[ukenbike]

You are doing the Lord’s work here. Best tube comparison video I’ve ever viewed.

[deadinside]

6L6: 3:35
KT66: 3:48
5881: 4:03
6V6: 4:16
EL34: 4:30
6CA7: 4:44
KT77: 4:58
EL84: 5:12
6550: 5:26
KT88: 5:40

[jameskamboouris]

The first tube you used, 6l6gc I loved the most.. nice guitar riffing by the way.

[lespaul]

Every now and then I come back to this video. Thank you for going through all this trouble.

[mercatorjubio]

9:38 6L6GC
9:53 KT66
10:09 5881
10:24 6V6GT
10:39 EL34
10:55 6CA7
11:10 KT77
11:25 EL84
11:40 6550
11:56 KT88

[jackoo]

these all sound great to my ears. definitely noticeable differences but Id be happy with any of these

[alvagoldbook]

Hard Rock Riff.

9:38 6L6GC
9:53 KT66
10:09 5881
10:24 6V6GT
10:39 EL34
10:55 6CA7
11:10 KT77
11:25 EL84
11:40 6550
11:56 KT88

[awpro]

The one that I liked out of all of the demos was the 6CA7 by far.

[asenamix]

Excelent video showing the audible comparison between tubes. Well done.

[benseitz]

I'm am amazed at the fact that there is even a slight difference between them.

You can hear a slight difference in the amount of breakup and clarity when he plays the "Hard Rock" parts.

I've honestly never heard a difference in other videos.

[alexmontalvo]

Thank you for sharing. I can hear some difference between tubes!! EL34's for me. Thanks.

[bossman]

EL34's! 6v6 really impressed me too.

[MultiScoffer]

Thank you for taking the time to do this video! I would have to go with the 6L6 power tubes first then the EL84 and then the EL34. Those are my favorites. Thanks again!

[TankDriverOriginal]

6:36 KT66 9:53
7:29 EL34 10:39
8:07 KT77 11:09
9:03 KT88 11:55

[averybrooks]

I recently did an EL34 swap on my Studio HT20, and it sounds killer

[Alexander-iqyq]

According to this video, theres not a huge amount in it. Which is pretty much what I expected. Its the entire design of the circuit that is responsible for the sound and the tubes are just a small part of that.

[paulkielt]

A very complete and instructive comparison!

[joelspaulding]

Love the vid.
Great equipment. Great use of the technology. This was exactly what i was looking for when searching El84 vs...

[xngr]

All this video shows is that a proper microphone with good placement is far more important than what type of tubes you're using....