6V6 instead of EL84

[tomjackson]

Just wandering how 6V6’s would change the tone of an 18 watter?  I see the Martamp Roadstar is available with 2 6V6’s instead of EL84, does anybody have any ideas how this would affect tone/ breakup / headroom etc.  I like the idea of the 18 watters but want to move away from EL84’s as I’ve always had amps with them and want something a little smother with a bit more bass.  So all other factors being the same would 6V6’s head in this direction?

[Twinfan]

It depends on the valves you choose.  JJ 6V6s are quite middy and a bit EL84-like as they respond to gain very well, plus they're quite warm sounding.  If you chose Tung-Sols instead, you'd get a more Fender-like clarity to the tone, but they wouldn't break up quite as smoothly.

JJ 6V6s may be a bit smoother than their EL84s and you could have Martin tweak the amp for a bit more bass if desired?

[tomjackson]

I was also thinking a closed back extension cab would be good for bass so that I could have a vintage style driver in the combo (Greenback or Blue) and a more modern driver with firmer bass in the extension cab, best of both worlds.

Bass is not the main issue though, I just want to move away from EL84's for a while for a slightly smoother sound.
Although I imagine the difference would be subtle.

[Twinfan]

It will be fairly subtle, yep.  I have a 6V6 Deluxe and it sounds pretty similar to an 18watter with EL84s....

[HTH AMPS]

I think you're going in the right direction with 6V6s if you want more bass and a smoother tone.  There are numerous things you can do with the circuit too in order to achieve those same objectives if simply swapping the output valves doesn't get the desired tone.