The EL84, or commonly known as 6BQ5 in North America, was intended for use as an inexpensive alternative to the larger audio tubes of the time, such as EL34, 6L6, and KT66 power tubes. By the late 1950s there was a large selection of stereo hifi audio tube amplifiers available. Owners of amps from Dynaco, Eico, Mullard, and Fisher, among others, were enjoying great sound from these reasonably powered vacuum tubes. In that same time, Vox began using the EL84 power tube as well. Vox built their incredibly popular stable of guitar tube amps based around EL84 vacuum tubes and has never looked back. The "Vox" sound from an AC15 or AC30 is in large part due to the EL84 power tubes Shortly after the appearance of the EL84/6BQ5 tube, a slightly higher power version called the 7189 and 7189A tube was released and became the standard power tube in Scott tube audio amplifiers.

We have a large selection of EL84 / 7189 / 6BQ5 audio tubes in stock and ready to ship. Here you'll find tubes by Siemens, Mullard, Preferred Series, Sovtek, Electro Harmonix, Tube Amp Doctor (TAD), JJ Electronic, and more. You can check out our EL84 / 7189 / 6BQ5 power tube reviews page for more information regarding the sound qualities of these tubes. These reviews will be a great help in narrowing down the options for your needs. Also, many of the EL84, 6BQ5, and 7189 vacuum tubes listed below have tube reviews submitted by our customers. You will also notice we indicate the Top-Sellers for the EL84 tubes / 7189 / 6BQ5 audio tubes.

Be sure to click the “Additional Info” tab when viewing a specific EL84 / 7189 / 6BQ5 tube. There you will find related articles and downloads such as datasheets, pin-outs, ratings, and matching information when available. Other excellent links for technical information can be found at EL84 in Wikipedia, EL84 in Duncan Amps, and EL84 in the Radio Museum.

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