18Watt.com

Okay, you guys are probably prejudiced towards the 84, but if I was thinking of building something in the thirty watt range, would you lean towards a 4Xel84 power amp, or lean towards something in the 2x6L6/EL34/KT66 realm. I don't have enough real experience listening to say "ooh, I don't like xxx tubes for power', it just seems to me that using octals would provide me with a lot more options for experimenting.

Bear in mind that I already own a cathode-biased, low-gain, Marshall based amp with a 2xel84 power section. Is the 36 more 18, or is the 36 radically different in tone.

Aaah, how the mind wanders...

I recently built a JTM-45, with 2 KT-66s and its the best sounding & most versatile amp ive heard. Like it more than my 18 watt. Just my 2cents

I'd say the 36 (EL84s) is closer to the 18watter. If I were you...and I CAN NOT believe I'm saying this but I'd go for KTs or EL34s...or even 6V6s. JUST because tou already have the EL84 amp. The 36 ...TO ME...is just a slightly louder, more headroomier 18watter. I'd stay away from the EL34s unless you have a place or gigs where volume is not an issue. When you hit them hard they're LOUD....and you want to hit EL34s hard. Each tube sounds SO different to me. It all depends what you want. I think you're good on the EL84 amps though. Try all the others now.

I would head towards The New J&J KT77's. Most any EL34 Amp will accept them, They are much smoother than 34's, Not especially expensive @ $35.00 a pair on fleabay and when more guys start discovering how great they actually sound you will be ahead of the game. Of course, This will also be a very loud amp.

I have been running a pair the past few days,In a modded 5E7 and all I can say is WOW!

Next weeks testing will be Valve Art 350B's. For all practical purposes its a copy of the Western Electric 350B. ( The Ultimate 6L6 ) They look very hopefull.

Right now, In my opinion, It will be tough to beat the KT77's.
Trout

If it were me, I would consider something that will compliment your 18w. Perhaps something 6L6ish with a bit of headroom for clean tones and reverb. I'm pretty sure my nest amp will be something like that with a 15" JBL, yeah!!!

Tim

I would say decide based on the tone you're chasing. If you want more 18 watt, then the 36 watt is a great choice. Look at someone achieving the tone you are looking for and see what amp they are playing through.

As for KT-77s (or real 6CA7s) being better than EL34s, I don't think so. They are just different sounding. Like KT-66s vs 6L6s. If you want a more 6L6 like tone then the KT-77s or 6CA7s are a good choice, but for pure rock tones, it is hard to beat the EL-34. You can make a lower wattage amp with EL-34s, you just have to reduce the B+ to the plates. A JTM-45 power transformer with a normal 50 watt OT makes a nice amp that is only about 35-40 watts.

JTM-45 with KT-66s? A great tone and the basis of Clapton's Bluesbreaker tone that started all this cranked up amp tone in the first place. A great tube clean and overdriven.