EL34 review:
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Review Notes - how we conducted the review
Tube comparison table - reviews at a glance
EL34 Reviews
Review Notes
Tube reviews written by John Templeton.
It抯 not easy evaluating something as subjective as sound. We each have our own personal taste in music and the way it sounds. I have attempted to add some objectivity by defining some aspects of tube performance that affect any listener, regardless of application, budget or musical taste. The EL34 is a very popular tube and is used in equipment that creates as well as reproduces music. This testing was done using tube guitar amplifiers. With this in mind, consideration has been given to construction quality and mechanical noise. These factors are important to musicians but may not be an issue when a tube is used in the home or studio.
Test Amps:
1973 Marshall Super Lead model 1959 This amp is completely stock using NOS pre-amp tubes. The sound was reproduced through a 1971 Marshal cabinet with 4 Celestion G12M "greenback" speakers.
Class A Combo Designed and built by Bernard Raunig. This is a true single ended class A amplifier, using a 5Y3 rectifier and a single 5691 pre-amp tube. With a volume and single tone control this amp really lets you hear the tonal differences between the tubes.
EL34 comparison at a glance
Rated 0 - 5 where 0 is Poor and 5 is Excellent
Rows in gray are tubes used for reference
Manufacturer Model Noise /
Microphonics Mechanical Noise Detail Harmonics
Siemens EL34
4
2
5
5
JJ (Tesla) E34L
4
4
3
4
Shuguang EL34-B
4
5
4
5
Electro Harmonix EL34EH
4
4
5
4
Sovtek EL34WXT
4
4
4
4
S.E.D. EL34
4
4
5
5
Svetlana EL34
4
5
5
5
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EL34 Reviews
Shuguang EL34-B - For many years no one would have believed that Chinese tube factories could turn out work of this quality. The construction of this tube is first class, with a well-supported plate structure that rests in a large straight bottle that tapers to a well finished brown base. These tubes represent a very solid piece of construction with almost no mechanical noise and an overall feeling of quality.
The sound is loud and clear with a very nice sonic range. Not excessive in tops, mids, or bass, they are accurately described as well balanced. The sample tested had no audible microphonics and an average background noise level. Harmonic content was rich, lending that pleasant "swirl" and sustain that guitar players crave.
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Sovtek EL34WXT - Sovtek has come a long way with this tube since the EL34G. Construction has been improved greatly reducing mechanical noise. Very good sound but not in the same range as the Svetlana. It seems as if the frequency response has been shifted toward the midrange band. Harmonics are rich and fairly balanced but the high end can get a bit bright. Great in a darker sounding amplifier.
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Svetlana EL34 - The Svetlana is the perfect tube for classic rock. The midrange is very pronounced and the high end is smooth. The bottom end response is not the best, but in a guitar amp it becomes a moot point. In the test amp the mids just rip through the mix. No guitar player is going to get lost in the mix using these bottles. These tubes deliver incredible crunch making them perfect for that ZZ Top, old EVH sound. Seven string down-strokers may not be as pleased because they don't have that crushing deep bottom end. (Note: the amp used for this review was done in a 100 watt Marshall JMP)
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S.E.D. EL34 ("C" Logo) - If you want one tube that will do anything the Svetlana is money well spent. There is ample bass response but it is firm and controlled. The mids are smooth and the top end shimmers. Nice swirling harmonic content. The construction of the tube is outstanding and I feel it contributes to the overall performance. Lots of clean headroom from this tube with a smooth transition into breakup. Probably great in home audio applications, but if you want raunch at lower volume levels keep reading.
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Tesla (JJ) E34L / EL34 - JJ is the new name for the Teslovak (Tesla) tube company. A good general purpose EL34. As previously mentioned, the sound is well balanced with tight bass response and great mids. Early on we had issues with mechanical noise however later stock has been much improved and noise is no longer a worry.
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