Do you want to make your audience groove to the perfect and soothing musical tones produced from your amps? Well, with el34 tubes, now fulfill all your listener’s musical demands. From bass to treble and velvet-smooth highs to crisp lows, you can produce any sound that fits the genre with top-notch audio quality.
So, if you are looking for a perfect el34 tube that would seamlessly soothe your audience’s soul, here we have brought forth the 7 best el34 tubes from different brands for your easy decision making. Select the one that fits perfectly with your demands and budget and create enchanting music that would pour happiness into everyone’s heart.
Overall Best Best EL34 Tube#
- Faithful reissue of the XF2 Mullard EL34 from the 1960’s. Special grid windings which give it a unique sound for both...
- Perfect power tube for Dynaco ST-70 or vintage Marshalls, Hiwatt or other British Amps
- Platinum quad (4 tubes), computer-matched by manufacturer on proprietary equipment
- 6CA7 equivalent
Overall Budget Best EL34 Tube#
- Octal power tube (Max plate Watts = 25W)
- EL34/6CA7
- Available in Singles, Apex Matched Pairs or Apex Matched Quads - please select from list.
1. JJ Electronics E34L: Best Rated Amplifier Tube
Also, if the value of the idle plate current is the same, then the E34L tube has a more negative grid voltage than the EL34 vacuum tube. It also allows for better headroom. You will get a matched pair of these E34L tubes at a very affordable cost.
The product dimensions are 4.6 x 3.2 x 1.6 inches, and it weighs around 4 ounces. These tubes are easily installable and highly reliable. They can work up to heavy usage without blowing up the fuse. These tubes will last you for a very long period. In terms of their sound quality, the tubes are perfectly balanced for any frequency range. A Novice option is also available.
- Easy to use for amateurs
- Octal power tube
- Reliable and long-lasting
- High-quality sound
- High grid voltage rating
- Tubes do not get already burned in
- Requires bias adjustmen
2. Quad JJ EL34 Burned In Vacuum Tube: Perfect for Metal
The tubes are already burned in, and you do not need to take care of this process by yourself. The frequency range is perfectly balanced for premium quality audio. These tubes are perfect for metal because they are highly durable and can bear heavy usage without blowing up the fuse.
You just need to install them once and forget them for years. The high frequencies are smooth and sharp, along with perfect and hitting bottom frequencies. These tubes are adaptable, with mostly every amp available. The product dimensions are 7 x 5 x 7 inches, and it weighs around 8 ounces. These standard EL34 vacuum tubes are valued for money products.
- Easy to install
- Perfectly balanced frequencies
- Highly durable and reliable
- Already burned in
- Apex matched pair
- Novice option is not available
- Standard headroom
Also Read: Best Guitar Amps For Jazz 2021 – Guide & Top Picks
3. Svetlana EL34, Matched Pair (2 Tubes): Highly Durable Amp Tube
It creates well-balanced and smooth high-end sounds. This tube is having perfect mid-range as well, which is ideal for classic rock, blues, and metal. These tubes are compatible with almost every range of frequencies and produce heartwarming, feel-good tones. These vacuum tubes get built in Russia.
The installation procedure is also very effortless and comfortable. These tubes do not blow up easily and work for a long time. These tubes do not focus much on the bottom frequencies but still provide a noticeable crunch in the sound. Moreover, these EL34 tubes are affordable as well.
- Already matched pair according to current and other properties
- Durably built and thick glass
- Very much reliable
- Easy to install
- Affordable cost
- Low frequencies are not very nice
- Not ideal for the Bass instruments
Read more: 10 Best Fender Amps for Electric Guitar – Blues, Rock & Other Genres
4. Tungsol Reissue EL34 Power Vacuum Tube; Matched Quad: Best Value for Money
The quality of sound produced is exceptional, with fine clarity. These tubes have a Higher impedance design along with better touch responsiveness. These EL34 tubes come with a unique clipping characteristic, which gives a slight vibe of the 6L6 sound.
The overall structure and construction of the tubes are reliable, which tends to last longer than the standard designs. The price of these EL34 power vacuum tubes is affordable, which makes it easier for most people to purchase it. You can request the ratings, such as hard, medium, soft, according to your demand. These tubes are compatible with a variety of amp available in the market.
- Pre matched quad according to the properties
- Higher impedance design
- Unique clipping characteristic
- 6L6 sound
- Better touch responsiveness
- You have to take and use all the four tubes together
- Not very good for low frequencies
The relevant article you may like: Best Guitar Amps under $300
5. Electro Harmonix EL34 Quartet Matched Pairs Power Tubes: Premium Quality Amp Tube at Affordable Prices
The high frequencies are also stunning, smooth, and give perfectly executed results with fine details. These tubes provide rich and smooth sound while maintaining a balance between all the frequency levels and result in a better musical experience.
At this price range, these tubes by electro Harmonix provide a brighter sound as compared to other similar tubes. A value for money product at this cost with a perfect balance of tones and sound quality.
It is the best el34 for those who want a vintage vibe or who are having vintage equipment. Also, the people who are looking for smooth sounds can buy this EL34 tube quad.
- The perfect balance between tones and frequencies
- Pre-matched quads
- Easy to use and install
- Premium quality music experience
- Affordable
- Eliminates the edgy vibe
- Not highly durable
Related Post: Best Power Amplifiers under $500 & $1000
6. Genalex Gold Lion KT77, Matched Pair (2 tubes): Amazing Amp Tubes for Better Volume
These tubes offer an amazing audio range with a better volume. Two tubes are matched according to their current and transconductance and paired up to work together. Moreover, these power vacuum tubes do not overheat easily, resulting in long continuous working hours.
You can also notice smoothing out of sound while minimal breaking in. The product dimensions of this best el34 are 6.2 x 4 x 3.9 inches, and it weighs around 3.99 ounces.
You will experience a perfect balance of all the levels of frequencies, including fine highs, smooth mids, and crisp lows. These tubes are ideal for people who are looking for matched pairs based on more than just the current factor. You should, of course, check out these tubes for a wonderful musical experience.
- Amazing for Hi-Fi amp
- Balanced frequency levels
- Better volume
- Do not overheat
- Matched pair
- Built is not highly durable
- Takes several hours for breaking in
7. Mullard EL34 Amp Tube Hard/Blue Quartet: Best Quality & Budget Friendly
These tubes are pocket-friendly and give a high-quality audio experience within your budget. Installation is a breeze of the tube as it comes in a pre-matched pair according to the current draw and other properties.
You will get outstanding sound experience, harmonic and smooth overdrive, and early breakup along with a user-friendly setup. This tube pair offer balanced sound and works seamlessly with Hi-Fi amplifiers as well as cheap el34 amps, which results in low headroom and smooth tones.
The product dimensions are 5.2 x 3.6 x 3.6 inches, and it weighs around 7.2 ounces. The music produced by these tubes is crisp, clear, and has a warm tone. It perfect for the musicians who are just begging in with their jam sessions.
- Budget-friendly
- Carbonized screens and gold-plated grid
- Compatible with Hi-Fi amplifiers
- Smooth overdrive and low headroom
- Pre-matched pair
- Easy to install
- Not very good for bass effect
- •Very little and hardly noticeable distortion at times
Best El34 Buying Guide
Getting a perfect pair of amp tubes, which is perfect for your amp, is confusing for many people. Here are the factors which should be considered while choosing the amp tube.
Properties of an EL34 amp tube:
El34 tubes are generally found on the amps above 30 watts. These have a classic Marshall tone. The mid frequencies are very strong, along with aggressive sound quality. The el34 amp tubes work perfectly for distorted guitar tones, which require more grit.
These tubes are likely to overdrive at lower volume as compared to other amp tubes. You can check out the best el34 tubes for marshall in the product review mentioned above.
Life of an el34 tube:
If you are using the amp occasionally, you are likely to get 5 years of working life of an el34 tube. You need to remember that it depends according to brands and models as every tube has a different life span. The life span depends upon the quality of the product- the better it is, the longer it will work.
Durable built quality:
The built quality of the amp tube is very important. Purchase the amp tube, which is built with high-quality material. The covering of the tube should comprise thick glass material. You can also go for a carbonized screen and gold-plated grid.
Pre-matched tubes:
The pre-matched pairs or the pre-matched quads of the amp tubes are a better option than purchasing single amp tubes as these are already paired according to their electrical properties, hence resulting in super easy installation. There are various brands that offer matched pairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best el34 tubes?
T-E34L-JJ-MP by JJ Electronic, Tung-Sol reissue EL34, Mullard Hard/Blue quartet are some of the top el34 tubes. You can check out the other el34 tubes according to your requirements regarding the audio quality and its type.
2. How long do el34 tubes last?
The typical lifespan of an el34 tube fluctuates between 1-5 years a sit depends upon the use and the quality of the tube. It also depends upon the usage of the amplifier. It will be a few years less if you use an amp very often.
3. Can kt77 replace el34?
The EL34 amp tubes offer the best mid frequencies, and on the other hand, kt77 specializes in deeper and high-end harmonics. In terms of electrical factors, these tubes are interchangeable, but if you are considering sound, then you must buy according to your audio requirements. There is a considerable amount of difference in the sounds of both these amp tubes.
4. What is the difference between el34 and 6l6 tubes?
The very noticeable difference for the music folks is that the el34 gives more British European sound, while 6l6 tubes give more of the American vibe. Also, there is more headroom in the 6l6 amp tube than the el34 tube, and it does not break up easily. 6l6 tubes provide better and crisp quality with brighter tones and better high-end frequencies as compared to the el34 amp tube.
5. Who makes the best el34 tubes?
Electro Harmonix, JJ electronic, Mullard, Svetlana, Tung-Sol are some of the top-notch manufacturers of el34 tubes. You can check out more brands and amp tubes in the above el34 tubes reviews to find the perfect fit for you.
6. What el34 go well with mesa preamp tubes?
It entirely depends upon the kind of music you want to listen to or play. If you want classic rock, then go for el34 and clean sounds like jazz, go for a 6l6amp tube. Also, generally, the preamp tubes are self-biasing. Therefore, you do not need to match it with other tubes.
7. What is the wattage of a guitar amp with 2 el34 tubes?
Wattage for guitar amp varies according to size. For a small amp, it is from 1 to 30 watts. 30 to 60 watts is for the mid-sized amp, and above 60 watts is considered for a large amp. You can choose the best budget el34 amps according to your demands. Also, generally, the wattage of a Single el34 amp tube is 25 watts, and that of 2 el34 tubes will be equivalent to 50 watts.
8. How many pins are on el34 tubes?
On the el34 tube, pin 1 is the suppressor grid, and it must be connected to pin 8. An el34 amp tube has all the 8 pins; however, the pins are not connected to anything. The tubes are octal irrespective of how many pins are coming out of the base.
9. How to identify JJ matched el34 tubes?
The EL34 amp tube by JJ is an amazing replacement for the best el34 amps and guitar amps also. You need to electrically match your tubes for your amp for efficient results and great sound quality. You check out various brands that provide custom-designed software and testing methodology to match your amp tubes.