hello, good question here sounds simple, but i don't think it is. I think it really depends on the speaker. I think most people would say the EL34 gives you more of the tube thing, while kt88 or 6550s give more control and better bass. Back to the speaker interface...for example, I have Khorns and they just LOVE a good EL34 amp. To wit I have tried a fair amount of VTL amps on them...the IT85, MB125,ST85 all three sound great, tried their upper end amps, the ST150, MB Sig 185 and even the MB250 all more money......preferred the the smaller amps with the EL34s.
Now try them all on a very good dynamic speaker, you might get very different results...I also have a Mac 275 Mk4...great amp uses 6550s,sounds very nice on the Khorns, but just shines on my B&Ws...again a dynamic speaker.
So thats what I have found, amp/speaker interface is key...but so is the rest of the system...to avoid going nuts with this hobby, I have a saying....if it sounds good ....buy it.
Now try them all on a very good dynamic speaker, you might get very different results...I also have a Mac 275 Mk4...great amp uses 6550s,sounds very nice on the Khorns, but just shines on my B&Ws...again a dynamic speaker.
So thats what I have found, amp/speaker interface is key...but so is the rest of the system...to avoid going nuts with this hobby, I have a saying....if it sounds good ....buy it.