You can choose EL34 tubes for the perfect balance in the music style. The set of best EL34 tubes for metal will enhance your amp’s performance and offer the best sound. So whether you play blues, rocker, or rhythm, new EL34 tubes are an ideal solution.
A good sound for some means more treble, while for others, it means more bass. So while choosing an EL34 tube, the crucial thing is to get a sound that enhances audio quality and fits the existing amplifier perfectly.
EL34 produces magic with pleasant mids and smooth highs in amps. The tone offered by EL34 is fantastic and instantly recognizable. These tubes are perfect for reproducing female vocals and horns with a smooth, silky texture.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of the best EL34 tubes you can use for metal.
The 4 Best Sets of EL34 Power Tubes for Metal
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| JJ EL34 Power Vacuum Tubes (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | Mullard EL34 Power Vacuum Tubes (Close Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | Tung-Sol EL34 Power Vacuum Tubes | Check Price |
 | Electro-Harmonix EL34 EH Power Vacuum Tubes | Check Price |
JJ EL34 Power Vacuum Tubes (Editor’s Choice)
JJ EL34 is a high-quality, reliable, and sonically well-balanced vacuum tubes. The tubes are 25 watts and easy to install. It is sold as matched pair. These are cost-effective and keep the reputation of JJ Electronics consistent. The fine mids and highs feature of EL34 tubes make it popular. In addition, the high power of these tubes makes them unique and fantastic.
The brand supplies superior quality vacuum tubes for musical amps. JJ EL34 tubes are ideal for metal because they can easily stand up to heavy use without fail. In addition, these tubes are well balanced when it comes to sound throughout the entire frequency range. The upper register clarity is perfect for screaming solos, along with the perfect tight bottom end.
During long sessions, these tubes work adequately with smooth performance and less breaking in. In addition, EL34 tubes do not tend to overheat when used to upgrade existing amp tubes.
These tubes can handle classic and contemporary tones without issue. With a durable build, these tubes are made to meet a high standard. The robust construction makes it long-lasting, and it is among the best tubes that can perfectly transform the amp without any effort.
JJ EL34 is the first choice for guitarists who want some additional performance from the amp. The tube fills out the lows and highs perfectly while maintaining EL34 mids.
Mullard EL34 Power Vacuum Tubes (Close Runner-Up)
Mullard EL34 tubes are an authentic reissue of the XF2 Mullard EL34 from the 60s. These vacuum tubes have special grid windings that offer an amazing and unique sound loved by all. It is a perfect power tube for vintage Marshalls, Dynaco St-70, Hiwatt, and other British amps.
These tubes are computer-matched by the manufacturer. As a result, the platinum quad tubes are economical and of high quality.
These tubes deliver fantastic sound, early breakup, and harmonic overdrive. In addition, the installation process is simple. Mullard EL34 vacuum tubes can afford cooperative sound as a matched pair and work with hi-fi amplifiers to offer low headroom and smooth tone. It also offers a relatively throaty sound.
When you want aggressive sound projection, then EL34 tubes are a perfect choice. This projection can be seen in the mid-range of your guitar tone. These tubes also have high crunch and bite with a tight low end, making them perfect for rock and blues players.
All the tonal attributes make these tubes desirable for metal players. You will get the right amount of power and punch that is needed for all metal subgenres. These tubes will not disappoint you.
Tung-Sol EL34 Power Vacuum Tubes
The Tung-Sol EL34 vacuum tubes are provided in the set of four and offer well-balanced tone when all tubes work together in an amp. These tubes offer exceptional clarity and fins sound. You will love the bold sound throughout the frequency range and have forgiveness on the high end. These high impedance tubes are highly responsive and are designed for long-lasting performance.
The moderate cost of this tube makes it a convenient buy for musicians. EL34 tubes offered by Tung-Sol do not lose the overall audio texture and the detail. The high-end, full and tight sound makes it a popular choice. When it comes to sound quality, you will love these EL34 tubes.
These Tung-Sol EL34 tubes are available at a pretty affordable cost.
The tubes are known for effective heat dissipation, improved linearity, and high power handling capacity. The best thing about the Tung-Sol EL34 power tube is its consistent sound and does not depend on the style and brand of your amp. You will always get rich and full tone with much presence.
The articulate and clear high end is impressive, and there will be no muddiness. Moreover, these tubes fit perfectly in amps. So these power tubes are one of the best EL34 tubes in the world of amps for metal.
Electro-Harmonix EL34 EH Power Vacuum Tubes
When it comes to popularity, Electro-Harmonix power tubes are among the top choices of guitar players. The EL34 tubes offered by Electro-Harmonix are high quality and worth extra investment. In addition, the sound of this tube is a perfect classic 70s rock or metal.
The natural overdrive of this tube breaks up right where you need it. Several reasons make it a popular choice. First, these vacuum tubes combine modern performance with a vintage sound. It has impressive deep bass and a highly detailed upper end.
The professional EL34 tubes have a high potential to transform your guitar sound. It is a perfect replacement for stock tubes in cheap amps.
It is among the favorite vacuum tubes for amps, specifically for metal music. This minimizes odd-order harmonics with improved peak power to increase low-frequency response. In addition, the durable construction of this tube makes it long-lasting and reliable. This tube is a perfect option when you want that authentic metal sound.
These vacuum tubes are a true band for any EL34 amp. The tight bottom, clear top, and clean midrange place this tube on the priority list of guitarists. The refined solid bass performance, open bodied, and dynamic mids can perfectly handle the complex fast music. E-H EL34 tubes are very accurate in high frequencies. This is a perfect option when you need more power without decrementing musicality and natural effect.
FAQs About EL34 Tubes for Metal
How Long Do EL34 Tubes Last?
Vacuum tubes tend to wear out because of high temperature and heat. EL34 tubes have a narrow profile, making them hot, so they wear out quicker than other vacuum tubes. The EL34 loses the potential after one or two years if it is used regularly. When you replace the new EL34 tubes, you will get back the depth and luster that the amp can provide.
EL34 are larger tubes and called the power tubes in the amp. The output is a high gain that drives the speakers. However, they give lots of heat and glow brightly, so they wear out faster than smaller tubes.
EL34 vs. EL34B: What’s the Difference?
EL34 was a copyright title from Mullard and several other manufacturers way back when the production was in full swing. EL34 is the new make version. Both tubes are fundamentally similar when it comes to performance.
These tubes are direct replacement tubes and use the plate voltage that is supplied by the amp. However, a slightly higher impedance of EL34B means different biasing than EL34.
Are EL34 and KT77 Tubes Interchangeable?
EL34 and KT77 are interchangeable and drop-in replacements of each other because these are electrically the same. The Mullard Company in England invented the EL34 vacuum tube in the 1950s. EL34 has become popular quickly in guitar amplifiers as it has a very high gain output.
This tube produces a unique sound with a rhythm and offers a more brown tone. The thin glass tube easily handles power, and the small size of EL34 makes them a top choice in guitar amplifiers. In addition, EL34 offers complex and sparkling harmonics. It is a good choice for people who love listening to classical, jazz, or metal music.
Two EL34 tubes can produce up to ninety watts of power output. EL34 and KT77 are almost the same, but a slight difference in sound can be observed. However, both of them have an eight-pin base, and these are highly durable.
GEC introduced KT77 tubes in England in the 1950s. These are fantastic audio tubes with medium power and are made for high-fidelity audio applications. In addition, the well-balanced and smooth texture makes this tube a premium replacement for an EL34 amp.
So, the Best EL34 Tubes for Metal Sound Are…
Good quality vacuum tubes last for years, so you need not regularly buy the vacuum tubes. However, it is necessary to buy a quality tube even if you need to spend some extra money.
Several esteemed manufacturers provide superior quality power tubes. Though all tubes are not similar in performance, specifications and power dissipation they hold are their specialties.
The list mentioned above consists of a high-quality vacuum tube, and our favorite is JJ EL34, as it offers a well-balanced tone and unique harmonic content.