• Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Topic: Electro Harmonix EL34s

Has anyone got these in their amp(s) or know how reliable they are?

I was at the practice studios today and was running through a DSL100, same as usual at these studios, but the amp sounded a hell of a lot better than it usually does. Was incredibly clear and crisp. Checked the valves, was electro harmonix el34s. So, given that I have a DSL50 that will need new valves soon, I figure I could change to those. But have no idea whether they will last.
Anyone able to help?
Cheers

  • Registered: 2009-07-16
  • Posts: 105

Re: Electro Harmonix EL34s

Likely the newness of the tubes that is giving some life on the EH tubes, but they are not the greatest for longevity's sake. The current favorite is JJs for EL34s (actually JJ EL34L) in terms of new manufacturing. They seem to handle the voltage well which is good for a DSL set up. Not recommended for an older Plexi though.

If you have big $$ get the Mullard XF1, XF2, XF3, or XF4s. They are the tip of the spear for this tube and considered the best Marshall tube going.

While I love to sound smart and like a tube expert. This data comes from a actual smart guy named Charles Kittleson who discussed his favs in a old issue of VG.

Good Luck!

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Electro Harmonix EL34s

I think I read an artical might have even been that one where the guys says that V1 should be the expensive sought after tube.  After that you can put basically what ever you want in the other spots as they are used to power the amp but V1 is where all the color of the tone comes from.  Baically people who buy every spot NOS tubes is waisting money on tubes that don't do anything but power the amplifier.  I don't know that to be true first hand but I know for a fact I read that in Vintage Guitar Mag.

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