EL34s vs 6L6s

[MikeW]

Avatar Cabinet (2 Celestion Vintage 30s, 2 Celestion K100s)

Just a thought, but have you thought of swapping the V30s for something along the lines of a GT12? I did this with a 2x12 cab I had once and was very surprised at how the same amp settings had tighter bottom end and more of a punch to the top end than with the V30s.

I know that the OP was about the differences in tubes, but it's been my experience that the speakers have more of an impact on overall tone than the subtle differences between tubes.

 

[Justinginn]

Yeah I've been running my amp through a cab with different speakers (the one in my amp is a V30) and suddenly there IS tight bass for the first time. I can only recommend trying a cleaner, louder, more even speaker. It'll bring back bass and tightness.

 

[Patrick from Davis]

That cabinet has the Kerry Kings and the V30's.  The KK drivers are like the GT12's on steroids.  That way you mix both clear and growl.  It gives a nice balance for the metal sounding amps.  It was made popular by Reinhold Bogner, with his Ubercab, for the metal sound.
Patrick

 

[Torment Leaves Scars]

Avatar Cabinet (2 Celestion Vintage 30s, 2 Celestion K100s)

Just a thought, but have you thought of swapping the V30s for something along the lines of a GT12? I did this with a 2x12 cab I had once and was very surprised at how the same amp settings had tighter bottom end and more of a punch to the top end than with the V30s.

I know that the OP was about the differences in tubes, but it's been my experience that the speakers have more of an impact on overall tone than the subtle differences between tubes.

I haven't tried this.  The equipment is really new so I'd rather not take apart anything right now.  Maybe I'll just have to play with some other settings and stuff...

 

[Cagey]

I haven't tried this.  The equipment is really new so I'd rather not take apart anything right now.  Maybe I'll just have to play with some other settings and stuff...

You got new gear and you haven't taken it apart yet? Whaddaya, crippled?

 

[dsorber]

Now, before anyone defends their "tube of choice" and this turns into another one of those storied debates akin to "Steelers vs. Ravens," this is actually more or less a thread regarding their sound qualities, NOT which is better and which is worse.

Currently I have EL34s and 12AX7s in my Peavey 3120.  Prior to owning my Peavey 3120, I had a Randall RT100H, which had 6L6s and 12AX7s.  While I love the sound of my Peavey, something's lacking that was not lacking with the Randall; OVERTONES.  While the Peavey certainly belts out the power, I feel like the Randall had a thicker tone when it came to a deep distortion.

What I'm after is more of a deep, dark tone with some more "thrum" or "vibration."  I prefer a more "American" tone, sort of in the same fashion as say, Exodus's "Fabulous Disaster" record or Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell" record.  While I'm not looking to replicate that sound, that's just the type of sound I like and what I'm using as an example.

So, how much of a difference would swapping tubes make?  I've seen one of those 'Tone King" videos where he tests all of them but I didn't really notice a significant difference.

Right now, I've sort of started "upgrading" my sound, and the biggest "importance" to me is picking up some overtone.  Here's what I'm using...

Peavey 120w 3120 Head
Avatar Cabinet (2 Celestion Vintage 30s, 2 Celestion K100s)
Boss RV-5 Reverb pedal
Boss CH-1 Super Chorus pedal

I also have a Boss DS-1 Super Distortion pedal but I'm not using it with my rig.

Changing tubes will make a huge difference. BUT YOU HAVE TO BIAS THE AMP RIGHT to really take advantage of it.

Ever consider KT77s? They are an EL34 type tube with massive low-end response, tight mids and smoother highs. I would say that type would have what you are looking for. They are big though. Check the chassis to make sure they fit before purchasing.
I am currently running an integrated quad of both EL34's (actually, E34L's) and 6L6's in my Carvin V3 100watt head.