EL84 vs 6V6
EL84 / 6BQ5 versus 6V6GT — Pentode vs Tetrode compared.
EL84 vs 6V6: which one to choose?
The EL84 and 6V6 are the two classic rivals of their power class. 6V6 delivers more raw plate dissipation (~12 W vs ~12 W), and is generally tighter and faster on transients. EL84 compresses earlier, breaks up earlier into pleasant harmonic content, and is the canonical choice when the goal is the classic guitar-amp grind. Bias points and output transformers differ — never swap blindly.
Side-by-side specifications
| Spec | EL84 | 6V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | EL84 / 6BQ5 | 6V6GT |
| Type | Pentode | Tetrode |
| Primary use | Power (PP/SE) | Power (SE/PP) |
| Era | 1953 | 1937 |
| Heating | indirect | indirect |
| Heater voltage | 6.3 V | 6.3 V |
| Heater current | 0.76 A | 0.45 A |
| Amplification factor (μ) | — | — |
| Transconductance (gm) | 11 mA/V | 4.1 mA/V |
| Plate resistance (rp) | — | — |
| Max plate voltage | 300 V | 350 V |
| Max plate dissipation | 12 W | 12 W |
| Base | noval | octal |
| Manufacturer | Mullard·Philips | RCA·Sylvania |
| Rarity | Common | Common |
Sonic character
Need an interactive deep dive?
The Amperatubes comparator visualises loadlines for both tubes side-by-side, simulates the SPICE response, and lets you adjust the operating point in real time.
Open EL84 vs 6V6 in the interactive comparator →