[Kato]

What would be the advantages of running EL84's through this amp?

I've read alot about a better drive channel (which would be great.)

Anyone done this?

[Major Tom]

2 things -

It will lower the output of the amp to 20 watts, so you can get power tube saturation, i.e., real cranked amp tone at a bit lower volume. Since your amp is 40 watts with a single 12" - my theory is that the amp has too much power for a single speaker (at least the stock one) and will drive it into flatulent speaker breakup when you crank it to where the power tubes are saturating. I think some speaker saturation can be a good thing, too much though, is not. That may account for some of the criticism of the distortion channel of the HR Deluxe... The lower 20 watt output IMO is a better match for a single 12".

The difference between power tube types is more apparent in their breakup/distortion characteristic. You'd have to try it to see if you like their tone better.

One minor advantage, the Yelow Jackets operate the EL's in cathode bias - meaning they are "self biasing", you don't have to have the bias adjusted when you change power tubes. Cathode biasing is supposed to have a bit more of a compressed, aka "spongier" tone than fixed bias (like your amp has now). At the gain levels where I operate my EL84 amps which I have set up with a switch to toggle between cathode and fixed bias, I don't hear enough difference to be significant, YMMV.

[BillSPrestonEsq]

I have a set of 2 for sale unused...

[Kato]

Cool thanks. I think I'll probably do this.

[eyema_believer]

I think that amp would sound soooo much better with el84's. I certainly haven't tried this particular mod though...I just prefer the way EL84's break up