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Mullard el34.jpg

An EL34 vacuum tube
manufactured by Mullard
Classification: Pentode
Service: Class-A amplifier, class-B amplifier, class-AB amplifier, (audio amplifiers)
Height: 4.44 in (113 mm)
Diameter: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Cathode type: Indirectly heated
Heater voltage: 6.3
Heater current: 1.5 A
Max dissipation Watts: 25
Max voltage: 800
Typical class-A amplifier operation
Amplification factor: 11
Anode voltage: 265V
Anode current: 100mA
Screen voltage: 250V
Bias voltage: -13,5V
Anode resistance: 2k Ohms
Typical class-AB amplifier operation
(Values are for two tubes)
Power output: 55W
Anode resistance:
(anode to anode)
3,4k Ohms
Anode voltage: 420V
Anode current: 2*120mA
Screen voltage: 375V
Bias voltage: -38V
Tung-Sol 6CA7 (EL34 Substitute) Vacuum Tube Logic Book 2nd Edition, 1994, page 151



In common with all 'E' prefix tubes, using the Mullard-Philips tube designation, the EL34 has a heater voltage of 6.3V. According to the data sheets found in old vacuum tube reference manuals, a pair of EL34s with 800V plate voltage can produce 90 watts output in class AB1 in push–pull configuration. However, this configuration is rarely found. One application of this type was in "Australian Sound" public address amplifiers commonly used in government schools in Australia in the 1950s, using four EL34s for ~200 watts. More commonly found is a pair of EL34s running class AB1 in push–pull around 375–450V plate voltage and producing 50 watts output (if fixed bias is used), while a quad of EL34s running class AB1 in push–pull typically run anywhere from 425 to 500V plate voltage and produces 100 watts output. This configuration is typically found in guitar amplifiers.

Current production JJ E34L, blue glass edition


Matched EL34 vacuum tubes by Russian manufacturer Svetlana



The EL34 was widely used in higher-powered audio amplifiers of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the very popular Dynaco Stereo 70 and the Leak TL25(mono) and Stereo 60, and is also widely used in high-end guitar amplifiers because it is characterized by greater distortion (considered desirable in this application) at lower power than other octal tubes[citation needed] such as 6L6, KT88 or 6550. The EL34 is found in many British guitar amps and is associated with the "British Tone" (Marshall, Hiwatt, Orange) as compared to the 6L6 which is generally associated with the "American Tone" (Fender/Mesa Boogie).


Similar tubes[edit]

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