Tung-Sol 7189 / EL84
From our review: "All the tone you expect from the EL84 is there in the 7189. Chime and sparkle at lower volumes but when you crank it up these things scream. I ran a set of these in a 22 watt cathode biased amp with a separate single 12” cab. These 7189 tubes can get tone ranging from The Edge to Keith Richards. The driven tone is great."
The original 7189 tube production ceased in the early 1980s and vintage 7189 tubes have become expensive and hard to find. In order to allow these fine vintage 7189 amplifiers and receivers to continue be used, Tung-Sol has reissued the 7189 tube.
Other Tung-Sol tubes 
EL84 TypesAdditional Information and Downloads
Reviews:
EL84 Tube Review
Tube Matching Information:
Power Tube Matching FAQ
Perfect Pair System
Warranty Information and Return Policy
Warranty Period: 3 monthsAll our tubes are guaranteed for 3 months from the date of purchase. (Any exceptions will be noted on that tube's Warranty tab)
If you receive a tube that does not perform to the manufacturer's specifications, please do the following:
- contact us to get a return authorization
- return it via regular mail within 90 days from when we shipped it, and we will provide an exchange or refund of the full purchase price of the tube.
Returns not related to warranty or defect will be considered at our discretion, and are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
We can not accept returns that don't have an authorization, are past 3 month, or are returned improperly.
These guidelines may be updated without notice.
Ratings & Reviews
4 reviews
Rugged Tube with Great Tone
by J Templeton
VOX owners will want this tube on their wish list. It’s rugged and can take the very high current that the VOX and similar cathode biased amp subject them to. The tube uses heavy glass and very heavy micas. A pair of cooling fins have been added to the support rods to assist with cooling.
All the tone you expect from the EL84 is there in the 7189. Chime and sparkle at lower volumes but when you crank it up these things scream. I ran a set of these in a 22 watt cathode biased amp with a separate single 12” cab. These 7189 tubes can get tone ranging from The Edge to Keith Richards. The driven tone is great.
Similar to the Preferred series 7189 but more grunt
by Adam
I have been a fan of the Preferred series 7189 tubes in all three of my amps. An AC15C1X, AC30C2X, and a AC4TV with a Celestion gold. The first amp I tried the Tung Sol with is the AC4TV. It's a step up in tone. It has that extra meanness when I push the amp hard. Trying next in the AC15 so I'll update.
Excellent
by Mike
Replaced the stock tubes in an Orange Tiny Terror, strummed one chord and the difference was obvious. Everything sounded more solid, tangible almost the same effect as correcting the phase relationship between two microphones. I’m a long time JJ user, and I would say that these sound different. Slightly less harmonic complexity in the highs, but more grunt, as another reviewer said. There’s a big rich low end that I haven’t experienced with other EL84 types. Upper mids/low highs are smooth and focused. Very happy with the purchase.
Beautiful, musical chime and harmonic content
by Abbacus Z -
These are great in my Vox AC15HW1X. I usually get the Preferred Series 7189's for my Vox Amps because they sound great and last. Thought I'd try these as they are made for the higher voltages and punishment that Vox amps dish out. While I can't speak to the long lasting qualities yet, having just got them a couple weeks ago, the sound and dynamics are great! Excellent chime, harmonic content and overtones: just what I like about Vox amps. No harsh edge with these tubes. Full and musical. I am happy.