EL34

The EL34 (6CA7) is a power pentode that defines the sound of British high-fidelity and guitar amplification, from Marshall to Mullard. In pentode mode it delivers 25W per pair in push-pull, with a rich, harmonically complex midrange that distinguishes it from the more linear American 6L6 family. The EL34's strong second and third harmonic content gives it a musicality and vocal-like quality that has made it the default output tube in European hi-fi amplifiers for decades. Mullard Blackburn production, Siemens, and Telefunken are the benchmark NOS types; current production from JJ, Tung-Sol (New Sensor), and Shuguang varies significantly in character.