EL84 (6BQ5)

The JJ EL84 is a classic example of the historic 6BQ5/EL84 with all the classic tonal attributes. We’ve compared these to all of the classic European EL84’s, U.S. 6BQ5’s, and the current Russian EL84’s. The JJ’s seem to fall right between the European Philips and Mullard EL84’s. Very smooth with a sweet chime, a very defined mid, and a tight punchy low end. Overall, one of the best EL84’s we’ve ever heard, new or old.

We have had great success with these in applications up to 400VDC on the plates. This means these can also be used in most 7189 applications as long as the 12W plate dissipation rating is respected.

Mike Zaite of Dr. Z amps gave the following review of the JJ EL84 “The JJ tubes are long lasting, strong and give increased power output. This tube excels in headroom and balls. Great rock tone, punchy, with a strong attack.”   The JJ EL84’s were reviewed by Dick Olsher on enjoythemusic.com in a review of the Manley Labs Stingray amp where they stated the following. “The end result was a definite WOW! The sound of the Stingray was transformed into a darker and richer sonic life form.”

After a 24 hour burn in all power tubes are tested for noise and matched at multiple operating points for plate current (± one milliamp) and transconductance. Please leave us a note in the comments section as to what amp they’re going into and or if you’re looking for a specific grade.