Omega Obsidian | EMG-81 | EL34 vs. 6L6 vs. KT66 - Tube Shootout

The amazing Omega Obsidian in action while comparing these 3 power tube types (EL34, 6L6 and KT66). 2 samples were recorded: rhythm and leads, then reamped through all 3 tube types using identical amp settings. Listen in stereo for best experience. Special props to Michael J. Smith and Paul De Maio from Omega Ampworks for all their input!
Tubes:
- Mullard EL34
- Mesa/Boogie 6L6
- Tube Amp Doctor (TAD) KT66
My takes:
I'd say that about 40% of the difference between tube types is noted in the sound while the other 60% is in the feel, they all respond quite differently to palm muting and pick attack. And while some of the nuances can be perceived in rhythm playing (chords/chugs) others can be noticed during leads (in both bridge and neck pickups).
The EL34 are a bit louder than the other two, with a more pronounced midrange resulting in a bit more presence, definition and (pick) attack. They also respond a bit faster to palm muted chords and single notes. As you can hear there's plenty of low end so no need to worry about there, the highs are very rich and don't get overwhelming. These are my personal favorites.
The 6L6 are the smoothest sounding of all 3, a bit less midrange but with a balanced EQ curve. This results in a slightly spongier or creamier type of tone but still retains plenty of chug power as heard in the samples. These are probably the ones that feel the slowest (only slightly) response to palm muted passages.
The KT66 have a lot of aggression in the low mids, a bit less high mids than the other two I'd say and very rich highs. They pack a huge punch with an enormous low end. Depending on the pickups used, high notes could get a bit too sparkly if not careful. The response to palm mutings falls somewhere in between the other 2 tube types.
Signal chain:
- Aristides 070 w/EMG 81 (bridge) and 66 (neck). Tuned A Standard.
- Omega Obsidian 100w in Lead Channel
- KHDK Ghoul Jr. (for subtle clean boosting)
- Rivera RockCrusher Recording
- Fractal Audio Axe FX 3 (5 Cable Method) w/OwnHammer IR
- Logic Pro X
- Final Cut Pro
Rhythm timestamps
- EL34 00:00
- 6L6 00:50
- KT66 01:40
Lead timestamps
- EL34 02:32
- 6L6 03:12
- KT66 03:53
Links:
- Aristides: aristidesinstruments.com/
- EMG: www.emgpickups.com/
- Omega Ampworks: omegaampworks.com/
- Fractal Audio: www.fractalaudio.com/
- Rivera: www.rivera.com/
- KHDK: www.khdkelectronics.com/
Social Media:
- Facebook: / schong.ktp
- Instagram: / sergiochongloo
- Soundcloud: / kengtin
- Twitter: / kengtin

[@mickcolton914]

This is the most comprehensive video I’ve seen in tube comparison for this amp. Thanks for the vid, and great playing my dude! 👍🏻

[@SergioChongLoo]

Hey glad you found it useful, thanks!!

[@Colin.W]

Great to hear comparison.
I’m always for EL34’s but those KT’s sounds so pleasingly mean.

[@SergioChongLoo]

Indeed, they crush no doubt, but I think for recordings I’d still go with the EL34’s

[@JInfinity7]

Kt66 ftw

[@itsanthonybest]

Killer video

[@SergioChongLoo]

Thank you very much Sir Anthony, glad u liked it!

[@o-meg-a6043]

Thick and juicy! Just like a good Spam sandwich. Great riffs Sergio

[@SergioChongLoo]

Thanks a lot brother!!!