Unlock New Layers of Sound

The SELECT EL34 is the best EL34 vacuum tube you’ll ever need. It goes above and beyond the baseline with more involved production and stricter selection, all in pursuit of superior sound. The SELECT Collection brings out the best in all your favorites.

Hand selected and tested, the Ray Tubes SELECT EL34 features gold pins for corrosion resistance and improved conduction. The SELECT Collection is a substantial upgrade from both New Old Stock and other new production tubes. Fewer than 5% of production meets our standards.

The EL34 is a power pentode vacuum tube that was introduced by Mullard in 1955 and is usually found in an amplifier’s final output stage. Befitting its British origins, the EL34 was commonly used in amps built by companies like Marshall and Vox—as such, it became associated with British music of that era.

Sound Characteristics

The SELECT EL34 offers strong bass performance and rich mid-to-high frequency detail, perfect for users seeking balanced sound and detailed performance, particularly suited for complex compositions and large dynamic music playback.

1. Bass Performance
   Solid and elastic, with moderate extension and very clear low-end response. Clean and powerful low frequencies with great control in the bass make it suitable for genres like rock and electronic music.
2. Midrange Performance
   Full and natural, with excellent linearity and a warm, expressive tone. Vocals especially are delicate and realistic, with clearly presented layers and note articulation.
3. Treble Performance
   Clear and bright, with rich detail and good extension. The high frequencies provide great transparency without being overly aggressive or sharp, maintaining a well-balanced sound suitable for extended listening sessions.
4. Dynamics and Soundstage
   The dynamic range is expansive, particularly in large dynamic contrasts, with accurate rendering of musical shifts. The soundstage is wide, with precise imaging and strong layering, ideal for large-scale music compositions and deep spatial reproduction.

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

• Tube Type: EL34
• Tube Socket: 8-pin
• Max Anode Dissipation Power: 25 W
• Max Screen Dissipation Power: 8 W
• Output Power in Class A1 Amp (Single Tube): Greater than 10 W
• Output Power in Class AB1 Amp: Greater than 35 W
• Max Anode Voltage: 800 V
• Max Screen Voltage: 500 V
• Max Grid Voltage: ~15 V
• Heater Voltage: 6.3 V
• Heater Current: 1.5 A
• Transconductance: 11 mA/V
• Amplification Factor: 11
• Internal Resistance: 15 kΩ

Tetrode Connection

• Screen Voltage: 250 V
• Anode Voltage: 250 V
• Anode Current: 140 mA
• Grid Voltage: 15 V
• Grid Current: 3 mA
• Internal Resistance: 12 kΩ
• Amplification Factor: 8

Triode Connection

• Anode Voltage: 250 V
• Anode Current: 143 mA
• Grid Voltage: 15 V
• Internal Resistance: 670 Ω
• Amplification Factor: 8

Package Contents

• Set of four, two, or single vacuum tube
• User handbook featuring burn-in guidelines
• Certificate of authenticity and warranty

Compatible Amps

Explore Ray Tubes' Tube Amp Compatibility List.

The Ray Tubes One Year Warranty

Most vacuum tubes are notoriously fickle. That’s why warranties are rare. But we trust our products and we’re proud to offer our One Year Warranty against manufacturing defects. For more details, check out our warranty page.