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I'm about to fit some 6P14P-EV's for the hell of it to see what they sound like. They are supposed to be a tougher version of the standard EL84. I have some NOS coming from Russia.

I normally use NOS Mullards, Valvo's and sometimes current JJ's.

My amp is a lite 2b with 150r cathode resistor.

Do I need to change the cathode resistor for these 6P14P-EV's? I am not familiar with them... Some seem to think they are a straight 'drop in' replacement.

Any views on this? - many thanks in advance...

Supposedly that's a military spec EL84, so in theory it shouldn't matter. But in reality, you'll need to check your voltages.

I would also throw it in a tube tracer/tester to make sure the tubes are any good. Personally I don't trust anything NOS that hasn't been tested in a tracer.

Thank you for your reply! I'm sorry it took a while for me to thank you but I waited for the valves to make their way from the depths of Russia before responding further...

The valves did indeed arrive and they are a real surprise. No problems with bias and a very punchy sound. I am used to my NOS Mullards, Valvo's etc. By comparison these hard wearing military style valves are not quiet as soft sounding but not in a negative way, just powerful and punchy. Nice breakup and still nicely defined at full volume. My slightly overwound strat neck p/up keeps its definition all the way up without farting out. Obviously no probs with bridge p/ups.


Their heard wearing properties should be perfect for the somewhat harsh conditions within my combo...

I like them and it will cause me to reconsider my aimless habit of trawling the net for the classic NOS valves.

Less than a quarter of the cost for NOS Mullards.