JCM 800: el34s vs 6550

[Techdeth]

New Guitar World got me wondering what you all think

 

[Geo]

In the early 80's, I took both home and returned the EL34.

 

[Bxlxaxkxe]

Ha. Funny timing Nick. Just recorded some A/b clips today of my 2203 with 6550s and EL34. The differences aren’t huge when listening on playback. Definitely most noticeable for the player in the room. I like both but prefer the 34s for my style. It’s just about the mids for me. The 6550s do have a little more modern edge to them though which is nice. Bigger low end. But the 34s are just the sound for me.

I’ll post the video in a second

 

[Techdeth]

Ha. Funny timing Nick. Just recorded some A/b clips today of my 2203 with 6550s and EL34. The differences aren’t huge when listening on playback. Definitely most noticeable for the player in the room. I like both but prefer the 34s for my style. It’s just about the mids for me. The 6550s do have a little more modern edge to them though which is nice. Bigger low end. But the 34s are just the sound for me.

I’ll post the video in a second

Excited to see the video ! I like both a lot but atm I like el34s . I go back and forth

 

[Techdeth]

In the early 80's, I took both home and returned the EL34.

I like both but atm I’m into el34 . I been getting into them more over last year

 

[Racerxrated]

I've always kept whichever tube it came with, in. I like them both. If I HAD to choose, 34s.

 

[Techdeth]

I've always kept whichever tube it came with, in. I like them both. If I HAD to choose, 34s.

To me it depends on the actual amp . Some el34 ones are better but some 6550s ate better . But atm I go with el34s

 

[Geo]

I felt the bottom was a little fatter with the 6550's, but who knows, maybe it was the difference in components.

 

[Techdeth]

I felt the bottom was a little fatter with the 6550's, but who knows, maybe it was the difference in components.

I think you’re right . I think it’s bassier . That’s why I like them

 

[glpg80]

I prefer 6550s. They just sound bigger and wider. Feed them high voltage and they are a whole different ballgame.

 

[Techdeth]

I prefer 6550s. They just sound bigger and wider. Feed them high voltage and they are a whole different ballgame.

I get it . I definitely want one at some point

 

[LPMojoGL]

I've had 4 2204s. The top 2 had 6550s.
One was a 79 JMP, and my fav is an 84 JCM.
Guess I like the 6550s.

 

[Techdeth]

I've had 4 2204s. The top 2 had 6550s.
One was a 79 JMP, and my fav is an 84 JCM.
Guess I like the 6550s.

I have 2 with el34s so I need one of the other for that flavor. Been awhile since I played one with those

 

[DragonCrestPC]

Much prefer 34's

 

[Dyllheaven88]

65s all the way

 

[paulyc]

6550s

 

[Techdeth]

Pretty even

 

[DarkburstTGP]

They both sound good. Just really depends on the tone and feel you like. For more classic vibes EL34’s are great. But if you’re into hard rock and metal, you may like the punch of 6550’s.

 

[Greazygeo]

Back in the day when GE 6550’s were available and affordable, every Marshall I got was swapped over right away. When they went away tried the current models and didn’t care for any of them. Started using KT 88’s.
Not alot of difference in tone between el34 and 6550 but the low end holds together better and note definition in chords is better. Basing this on the GE 6550’s anyway.
Currently just running el34’s, don’t really care that much for them but it what is available.

 

[tattooedsailor]

It’s hard to beat EL34s…