6CA7 vs. el34

[cr8z4life]

Someone please explain the tonal difference between these if you would....thanks

[aleclee]

I'm not tube guru but IMHO they sort of split the difference between EL34s and 6L6s. In my Rake, compared to EL34s their cleans are more Fendery but they need to be pushed more to get that signature crunch.

[Mike K]

Originally posted by aleclee
I'm not tube guru but IMHO they sort of split the difference between EL34s and 6L6s. In my Rake, compared to EL34s their cleans are more Fendery but they need to be pushed more to get that signature crunch.

With what you said, could the 6CA7 be used as a substitute in my
6L6 Two Rock Custom Reverb. I have a brand new matched pair of 6CA7's with no amp to try them in. It would be cool if I could try them in my 2rock.

Anybody know?

[aleclee]

Originally posted by Mike K
With what you said, could the 6CA7 be used as a substitute in my 6L6 Two Rock Custom Reverb. I have a brand new matched pair of 6CA7's with no amp to try them in. It would be cool if I could try them in my 2rock.

Anybody know? Sorry, I was speaking sonically, not necessarily electronically. I couldn't tell you if 6CA7's heater current requirements are more like EL34s or 6L6s. I'm sure Joe M would be happy to let you know if they'll work in your amp.

[Jon Silberman]

Isn't 6CA7 simply the European system designation for an EL34?

[Mike K]

Originally posted by Jon Silberman
Isn't 6CA7 simply the European system designation for an EL34?

Thats what I thought Jon. But when you look at the data sheets at duncanamps.com some of the ratings and application data between the EL34 and the 6CA7 differ a little. I don't know if the difference is significant or not.

[Jon Silberman]

I'll drop Mike Kropoktin of KCA NOS Tubes a line to see what he thinks (he'll know).

[Blue Strat]

EL34 is the Euro designation
6CA7 is the US designation

The internal design is completely different but from the user's perspective they're electrically identical in interchangeable.

The tone will vary from brand to brand but the 6CA7 tone is generally a cross between that of an EL34 and a 6L6GC. Tighter bass, more headroom, etc.

[Jon Silberman]

Thank you! :)

[drbob1]

I have quite a few Siemens 6CA7s, european built, and they're very much an EL34-smooth breakup and soft attack, nothing like a 6L6. I think some of the American 6CA7s were more 6L6y