XTC 20thA comes with either 6L6 or EL34 - which is better???

[Ventura]

In your collective, humble opinions?? I see the new amps are shipping with 6L6's, but offer the EL34's as a choice... Personally I'm digging the sound of the EL34 sound clips, but anyone out there care to share??

Secondly, chime in here... It appears to me that the 4x12 UberKabs and the standard straight face Bogner 4x12 cabinets are actually identically built wooden boxes, the only thing different about them is the drivers installed and the grill cloth. Correct me if I am wrong - but this is the only difference to me thus far in looking at build, weight, dimensions, etc. Tolex color, grill cloth and drivers.

Am I right?

V.

 

[King Guitar]

EL34

 

[se7en]

EL34

 

[Ventura]

This is what I'm thinking too, but why the hell are they coming stock with 6L6's then?? Different preamp circuit perhaps better with 6L6's...?? Gotta figure this one out - I do know they've changed a number of variables around, and they probably have their reasons for going with 6L6's, but for me, they'd have to be bloody fantastic in order to beat the tried and true sound of an EL34 loaded head.

V.

 

[tom_h]

I prefer the EL34 version. I've recorded with the 6L6 head and gotten great tones, but the EL34's are better suited to my style/preferences.

 

[TheMagicEight]

In your collective, humble opinions?? I see the new amps are shipping with 6L6's, but offer the EL34's as a choice... Personally I'm digging the sound of the EL34 sound clips, but anyone out there care to share??

Secondly, chime in here... It appears to me that the 4x12 UberKabs and the standard straight face Bogner 4x12 cabinets are actually identically built wooden boxes, the only thing different about them is the drivers installed and the grill cloth. Correct me if I am wrong - but this is the only difference to me thus far in looking at build, weight, dimensions, etc. Tolex color, grill cloth and drivers.

Am I right?

V.

I'd go for EL34s. I've had a few 6L6 based amps that sound really good, but I don't think anything will replace the EL34 for me.

Where did you see the dimensions? I thought the difference between the standard 4x12 & Uberkab was that the Uberkab had bigger dimensions for a deeper sound.

 

[Ventura]

In your collective, humble opinions?? I see the new amps are shipping with 6L6's, but offer the EL34's as a choice... Personally I'm digging the sound of the EL34 sound clips, but anyone out there care to share??

Secondly, chime in here... It appears to me that the 4x12 UberKabs and the standard straight face Bogner 4x12 cabinets are actually identically built wooden boxes, the only thing different about them is the drivers installed and the grill cloth. Correct me if I am wrong - but this is the only difference to me thus far in looking at build, weight, dimensions, etc. Tolex color, grill cloth and drivers.

Am I right?

V.

I'd go for EL34s. I've had a few 6L6 based amps that sound really good, but I don't think anything will replace the EL34 for me.

Where did you see the dimensions? I thought the difference between the standard 4x12 & Uberkab was that the Uberkab had bigger dimensions for a deeper sound.

Nope - exact same dimensions... Only difference I can tell is a different driver set up, otherwise, all the same. And rightly so, really, if ya think about it - having to re-machine a wood CNC platform only to make cabs match one head in a product line would be highly unprofitable. I'm not complaining, I'm simply stating that there's nothing more to the UberKab than different grill cloth and drivers. And that's good by me, if I ever buy an XTC or the like, I'll just replace the drivers.

And of course, the grill cloth

V.

 

[roodboy]

As far as the cab question, Ubercab is front loaded. Standard 4x12 is rear loaded.
Heres a little comparioson of the the 6l6 El34 I sent someone in a PM:

My original 6l6 was actually a different circuit than the el34. It was one of the early ones which did not have boost on the plexi channel.
So my comparision isn't just based on the 6l6 vs el34. That being said there is surprisingly not a tremendous difference between the two.
I am an el34 Marshall guy so I'm a bit biased also.
The differences are all kind of subtle.
The 6l6 clean is better, glassier and chimier than the el34. The el34 plexi channel has more of that Marshall upper mid. But the 6l6 plexi to me was actaully kind of bassman-ish.
The Blue channel didn't seem right to me with the 6l6 and the red channel had a modern vibe to it regardless of v or m setting.
Overall the 6l6 was a bit more modern and had a bit more low end and was somewhat hifi as compared to the el34. The red channel and blue channel sound better to me.
I sent the amp to Bogner because the boost wasn't working at the time even Charley didn't know about the early ones without the boost circuit.
I probably wouldn't have sent it in just for the mod but knew once it was there I had to try it or I would always wonder what if?
The mod took almost 2 months.
In the end I'm glad I did it. The el34 is more me

 

[Ventura]

Awesome post...thank you!!

As for the cabs, I suppose that's really the only thing they could have done to change it up - go FL instead of RL. Truly, excellent post.

V.

 

[Seitz333]

I believe the only difference in the EL34 vs 6L6 is the power transformer, the preamp circuit is the same.

Chuck

 

[roodboy]

I believe the only difference in the EL34 vs 6L6 is the power transformer, the preamp circuit is the same.

Chuck

For current production thats true but there are early version of 6l6 out there with no boost on the plexi channel and they have a different circuit than 20th anniversaries with boost on plexi channel.
I just had mine at Bogner for the el34 from 6l6 change and there was more to it than transformers and resistors, the circuit was different. Mine had no boost on plexi channel and was one of the early 20th anniversary models.
Took almost 2 months to get done.
I don't think there were many but they are out there but they can be idenitfied by the lack of boost on plexi channel.

 

[Ventura]

I believe the only difference in the EL34 vs 6L6 is the power transformer, the preamp circuit is the same.

Chuck

For current production thats true but there are early version of 6l6 out there with no boost on the plexi channel and they have a different circuit than 20th anniversaries with boost on plexi channel.
I just had mine at Bogner for the el34 from 6l6 change and there was more to it than transformers and resistors, the circuit was different. Mine had no boost on plexi channel and was one of the early 20th anniversary models.
Took almost 2 months to get done.
I don't think there were many but they are out there but they can be idenitfied by the lack of boost on plexi channel.

Granted there are many different iterations we could cover in the span of this topic, the question was and remains, solely pertaining to the 20th Anniversary Edition Ecstasy.

Thanks for all and any more info.... I just wanted to know who's doing the EL34 gig with their new 20thA if anyone.

Peace,
V.

PS - being sick sucks... I mean it, I thought I was losing my mind this morning...I'm such a lightweight, "man cold", lack of sleep and DM based cough syrup - I swear I was loaded

 

[Seitz333]

I have had a Ecstasy 101b and loved it, I wish I had kept it. IF I order a new one it will be a 20th anniv with EL34's.

Chuck

 

[Ventura]

I have had a Ecstasy 101b and loved it, I wish I had kept it. IF I order a new one it will be a 20th anniv with EL34's.

Chuck

I think I'm getting ready to do just this... 20thA with EL34's and a A/AB switch, head in black - not white. Personal preference, plus I think the white's a bit poofter...even though I love seeing white rigs, for me, it's too glam. ANYWAY, yes, this is getting down to the wire - got the funds, got the GAS, might as well pull zee trigger...

Will keep y'all posted

Peace,
V.

 

[RedB4Black]

Ubercabs are generally 8 ohms. The new FL ubercabs are identical to the rear-loaded ubercabs except they just load the speakers from the front. It's not a sealed back. You can order the standard cab with a black grill if you want as well.

 

[Tone Merchant]

As far as the cab question, Ubercab is front loaded. Standard 4x12 is rear loaded.
Heres a little comparioson of the the 6l6 El34 I sent someone in a PM:

My original 6l6 was actually a different circuit than the el34. It was one of the early ones which did not have boost on the plexi channel.
So my comparision isn't just based on the 6l6 vs el34. That being said there is surprisingly not a tremendous difference between the two.
I am an el34 Marshall guy so I'm a bit biased also.
The differences are all kind of subtle.
The 6l6 clean is better, glassier and chimier than the el34. The el34 plexi channel has more of that Marshall upper mid. But the 6l6 plexi to me was actaully kind of bassman-ish.
The Blue channel didn't seem right to me with the 6l6 and the red channel had a modern vibe to it regardless of v or m setting.
Overall the 6l6 was a bit more modern and had a bit more low end and was somewhat hifi as compared to the el34. The red channel and blue channel sound better to me.
I sent the amp to Bogner because the boost wasn't working at the time even Charley didn't know about the early ones without the boost circuit.
I probably wouldn't have sent it in just for the mod but knew once it was there I had to try it or I would always wonder what if?
The mod took almost 2 months.
In the end I'm glad I did it. The el34 is more me

perfectly stated

with regards to the cabs, even though the dimensions are the same, there is a HUGE difference in sound between the front loaded and rear.

 

[Ventura]

As far as the cab question, Ubercab is front loaded. Standard 4x12 is rear loaded.
Heres a little comparioson of the the 6l6 El34 I sent someone in a PM:

My original 6l6 was actually a different circuit than the el34. It was one of the early ones which did not have boost on the plexi channel.
So my comparision isn't just based on the 6l6 vs el34. That being said there is surprisingly not a tremendous difference between the two.
I am an el34 Marshall guy so I'm a bit biased also.
The differences are all kind of subtle.
The 6l6 clean is better, glassier and chimier than the el34. The el34 plexi channel has more of that Marshall upper mid. But the 6l6 plexi to me was actaully kind of bassman-ish.
The Blue channel didn't seem right to me with the 6l6 and the red channel had a modern vibe to it regardless of v or m setting.
Overall the 6l6 was a bit more modern and had a bit more low end and was somewhat hifi as compared to the el34. The red channel and blue channel sound better to me.
I sent the amp to Bogner because the boost wasn't working at the time even Charley didn't know about the early ones without the boost circuit.
I probably wouldn't have sent it in just for the mod but knew once it was there I had to try it or I would always wonder what if?
The mod took almost 2 months.
In the end I'm glad I did it. The el34 is more me

perfectly stated

with regards to the cabs, even though the dimensions are the same, there is a HUGE difference in sound between the front loaded and rear.

Rob - you know you and I have been talking... 2 things:
1. Is there an upcharge to order the 20thA with EL34's?
2. This difference in sound from the RL to the FL, is it REALLY worth dropping the extra kilobuck on a new 4x12 considering I have a mint new UberKab?

I know you're an honest guy...give me the honest goods m'man...

And thanks - I'm just getting over a brutal week and workload - we'll chat soon
V.

 

[Tone Merchant]

there is no up charge for the el34. with the xtc i would stick to the rear loaded unless your going to do really aggressive metal stuff

 

[Glimpse]

Does anyone know of any videos/clips of the EL34 20th XTC? I've found a few of the 6L6-based one, but nothing for the EL34 everyone keeps talking about. Any help guys??

 

[roodboy]

Does anyone know of any videos/clips of the EL34 20th XTC? I've found a few of the 6L6-based one, but nothing for the EL34 everyone keeps talking about. Any help guys??

Theres a bunch on TGP and bogner amp forum from CALI68
Hes a member here too maybe he'll link you to some if you PM him.