Ray Tubes Vacuum Tube - EL84 CORE
The EL84 is a power pentode vacuum tube introduced in 1953. Its original purpose was to eliminate the need for a separate driver tube in cheap radio equipment, but it quickly found a place in music history as a component in guitar amps like the legendary Vox AC30, favoured by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, and countless other bands.
Product Highlights
The Ray Tubes CORE Collection delivers everything you know and love
about tube audio with reliability and consistency. CORE is all you need for
years of audio bliss.
* Designed and manufactured by a team with decades of experience
* Hand-selected specifically for use in audio applications
* Substantially more consistent performance than New Old Stock
* Unlike NOS and most other new production, covered by the Ray Tubes
One Year Warranty
Sound Characteristics
The CORE EL84 offers a natural and clean sonic experience, ideal for
users who value vocal clarity and tonal balance. It pairs well with a variety
of low- to mid-power systems.
* The bass is tight, with a clean and punchy response. Good for genres like
pop and light rock.
* The midrange frequencies are smooth and warm, bringing out the charm
in small ensemble instruments and vocals, especially female vocals.
* The treble performance is detailed and non-fatiguing, making it smooth
and easy on the ears over longer listening sessions.
* The dynamics are a good fit for simpler arrangements, while the
soundstage is focused and precise.
Technical Specifications
* Tube Type: EL84 / 6BQ5
* Tube Socket: 9-pin
Heater
* Heater Voltage: 6.3 V
* Heater Current: 0.76 A
Maximum Ratings
* Anode Voltage: 500 V
* Anode Dissipation Power: 12 W
* Screen Grid Voltage: 300 V
* Screen Grid Dissipation Power: 2 W
* Cathode Current: 65 mA
* Control Grid Voltage: –100 V
* Heater-Cathode Voltage: ±100 V
Grid Circuit Resistance
* Fixed Bias: 0.3 MΩ
* Self Bias: 1 MΩ
Interelectrode Capacitance
* Input Capacitance: 10.8 pF
* Output Capacitance: 6.5 pF
* Transfer Capacitance: 0.5 pF
* Grid-to-Heater Capacitance: 0.25 pF
Operating Parameters
* Anode Voltage: 256 V
* Screen Voltage: 256 V
* Cathode Resistor: 120 Ω
* Anode Current: 48 mA
* Screen Current: 7 mA
* Transconductance: ≥9 mA/V
* Internal Resistance: 38 kΩ
* Amplification Factor: 19
Package Content
* Pair or quad of matched vacuum tubes or single vacuum tube
* User handbook featuring burn-in guidelines
* Certificate of authenticity and warranty
Compatible Amps
Explore Ray Tubes'
Tube Amp Compatibility List.