Anybody do an Express with 6v6's?

[jcr1234]

I am considering an express build from a Ceriatone kit. I really would have to use 6v6's because el34's would be way too loud. Has anybody done this and if so, what are your results.

Thanks,
Jon

[paulster]

I've found that 6V6es are still ridiculously loud in an Express and don't sound anywhere near as good as EL34s.

I've tried a few nice sets of NOS 6V6es in there but they've all come straight out again to be replaced with EL34s.

The difference in volume is going to be about 2dB between the two, so you'd get more of a change from different speakers.

[dartanion]

Give it shot if you want, but like paulster said, it isn't going to be significantly less loud with 6V6s. Tone is purely subjective though.

You may want to consider VVR and run it with EL34s.

[M Fowler]

I would consider if you can, building a none Ceriatone Express.

My Ceriatone Express verses my two express builds is louder and brighter. This could be due to the 5k2 OT or caps not sure.

I do enjoy my Express with Pacific iron more than the Ceriatone, more bass and just sounds better. The third Express is a combo build and that uses Fender type Iron so I don't really consider that amp compairing tones.

The tubes I like with the Express are EL34s. I tried 6L6, 5881, and 6V6 but keep going back to the EL34s. They are loud and you will need to get used to controlling the volume.

Have fun

[redshark]

yes, this guys are right!! the diference in volume is not that much between 6V6 and EL34's. The EL-34 will give you more bass and a bigger sound although I have to say the NOS tunsol 6V6's that were there before sound killer as well.
My EL34's are biased at 42mA with 410 plate voltage and my tungsols were running at 25mA with 414 plate voltage. Actually the 6V6 were runned hotter than the EL-34's and I liked both.
I would love to try my NOS 5881 later but I'm happy with EL-34's (Siemens).