I know that there are different kinds of tubes for amps preamp and power amp. Can someone that knows the different characteristics and tones of some of the more popular choices explain them? I hear EL84 and 6v6 but I don't know the difference. Do some offer more or less headroom? Also, what makes a bigger difference preamp or power amp? I know it is a matter of preference on what sounds good, so I am looking for established differences.

You might want to look here:
http://www.tdpri.com/forum/amp-central- ... s-6v6.html
and
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=99521#8

-T

_________________
-T

"You can't spend what you ain't got, you can't lose what you ain't never had" ~ McKinley Morganfield

Good question Matt and even better answer Tyronne that 1st link was very informative...Just shows how subjective things can be.

Nice read, Thanks.

Also, read "The Tube Amp Book" and "Tube Amp Talk For The Guitarist and Tech."

Serious education.