8 best 6l6 power tubes
6L6 power tubes are vacuum tubes commonly used in guitar amplifiers and other high-power audio applications. They belong to the beam tetrode family of vacuum tubes and have been a staple in the world of electric guitar amplification for many decades. Here's what you need to know about 6L6 power tubes:
Tube Type: 6L6 is the designation for a specific type of vacuum tube. It is part of the larger family of electron tubes used in amplifiers and other audio equipment.
Power Amplification: 6L6 tubes are typically used in the power amplifier section of a guitar amplifier. They are responsible for taking the low-level signal from the preamp and amplifying it to a level that can drive the speakers, producing sound.
Different Variants: There are different variants or types of 6L6 tubes, including the classic 6L6GC, 6L6WGC, and others. Each variant may have slightly different electrical characteristics and tonal qualities, and they may be used in different amplifier designs.
Tonal Characteristics: 6L6 tubes are known for their warm and clean sound. They provide a balanced tone with a smooth response, making them popular in a wide range of musical genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and country.
Amplifier Compatibility: Not all guitar amplifiers use 6L6 tubes. The choice of power tubes depends on the amplifier's design and the tonal characteristics the manufacturer wants to achieve. Some amplifiers are designed to work specifically with 6L6 tubes, while others may use EL34, KT88, or other types of power tubes.
Tube Biasing: To ensure optimal performance and tube longevity, 6L6 power tubes need to be biased correctly in the amplifier. Tube biasing sets the operating point of the tubes and affects their sound and reliability.
Tube Life: Like all vacuum tubes, 6L6 tubes have a limited lifespan, and they will eventually wear out and need replacement. The lifespan of a tube depends on usage and operating conditions.
Vintage and Modern Options: Vintage 6L6 tubes from the mid-20th century are highly sought after by audiophiles and collectors. However, modern production 6L6 tubes are widely available and can provide excellent performance.
Upgrades: Some guitarists and amplifier enthusiasts may experiment with tube rolling, which involves swapping out different types of 6L6 tubes to achieve different tonal characteristics. This can be a way to fine-tune the sound of an amplifier.
Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance of the amplifier, including the power tubes, can extend the life of the tubes and ensure consistent performance. Regularly checking and replacing worn or faulty tubes is essential.
In summary, 6L6 power tubes are a key component in many guitar amplifiers, known for their warm and balanced tonal qualities. Understanding their characteristics and proper usage is important for musicians and amplifier enthusiasts seeking to achieve their desired sound.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best 6l6 power tubes on the marketProduct description
Octal power tube (Max plate watts = 30w)this Slovakian tube has colorful lows, loose/ easy-going mid body and a brightly shining chime for the highs in overdrive, it offers a tight and focused bite with crisp, bright and well-defined articulation.
- Octal power tube (max plate Watts = 30W)
- This Slovakian tube has colorful lows, loose/ easy-going mid Body and a brightly shining chime for the highs
- In overdrive, it offers a tight and focused bite with crisp, bright and well-defined articulation
- Available in Singles, Apex Matched Pairs or Apex Matched Quads - please select from list.
User questions & answers
Question: | Are these a good choice for a Peavy |
Answer: | Should work fine as a 7 string is the width of a classical guitar. |
Question: | Are these tubes burned in before being matched |
Answer: | Number 1: I would not recommend this kit to anyone. It has sharp edges because all the parts are stamped out and it had parts missing. Number 2: I see no reason it or any like would work on any type guitar. The only part that may not conform is the radius gauge. Recommendation: Spend a few $s more and get a better kit. I kept the kit because I use it very little and I'm able to deburr the edges and the missing parts are not a problem |
Question: | Will these work for my Musicman RD |
Answer: | As others have said, these are very low quality. They are stamped, the edges are sharp and overall, not very accurate. Look elsewhere. |
Question: | Is there a difference betwwen these, T-6L6GC-JJ-MP and the 6L6-GC tubes available at Eurotubes site - thanks |
Answer: | i used 400 grit sand paper |
Product description
Power Beam tetrode with large plate dimensions and improved grid structure for increased power handling capabilities. Modeled after the vintage RCA 6L6GC "black plate".
- Mica spacers with metal springs eliminate tube rattle and microphonic
- Superior tone and performance to most other 6L6 or KT66 types
- Platinum pair (2 tubes), computer-matched by manufacturer on proprietary equipment
- 5881 equivalent
User questions & answers
Question: | This order comes with two tubes |
Answer: | Hello, The GC-FRENCH HORN was designed to fit a standard, student, sized French Horn. As long as your Holton H179 falls into that size category, this case should fit great. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Thanks! |
Question: | Are these tubes mid grade |
Answer: | No. |
Question: | Will these tubes work on the little dot mk 2? As power tubes? I believe its a 9 pin |
Answer: | It should fit any Bb Soprano Clarinet. |
Question: | Are these Matched |
Answer: | No. The exterior is soft. And I do not think it would survive anyone over 200lbs. Sitting on it. |
Question: | what do these two tubes bias at |
Answer: | Hi, exterior dimension: 14" L x 4 1/4" W x 8" H. 10" long cavity for Lower Joint, 8 3/4" long for Upper Joint, 4 1/2" long for Bell, 4" long for Mouth Piece, and there are 2 round cavity size in 4" Dia x 5" Deep for Barrel Joint. All the cavities are well padded to protect your clarinet. Hope that will be helpful. |
Product description
Superior power Beam tetrode with large plate dimensions and improved grid structure for increased power handling capabilities. Excellent tone and performance compared to most other 6L6 or KT66 types.
Modeled after the vintage RCA 6L6GC "blackplate"Mica spacers with metal springs eliminate tube rattle and microphonics
5881/KT66 equivalent
- Modeled after the vintage RCA 6L6GC "blackplate"
- Mica spacers with metal springs eliminate tube rattle and microphonics
- 5881/KT66 equivalent
- Superior power Beam tetrode with large plate dimensions and improved grid structure for increased power handling capabilities
- Excellent tone and performance compared to most other 6L6 or KT66 types
Product description
The Tung-Sol legacy continues with the introduction of the 6L6GC STR. The ultimate in musical tone and smooth overdrive, the STR delivers the sound that established Tung-Sol as the benchmark of quality.
- Re-issue of the original Tung-Sol, built to the same “Special Tube Request” specs of leading amplifier manufacturers of the 1960s.
- Rugged and reliable power tube for use in the most demanding guitar amplifier circuits
- Platinum quad (4 tubes), computer-matched by manufacturer on proprietary equipment
- 5881 equivalent
User questions & answers
Question: | Where are these produced |
Answer: | Yes, the strap is included. It is a great case! |
Product description
The soft custom durometer used in the “EuroDamper” rings physically dampens vibrations caused by speaker vibration in combo amps. This greatly reduces or in most cases eliminates tube rattle. These are also great for reducing mechanical noise in Hifi amps. The large “EuroDamper” rings measure 1.100” (27.94mm) inside diameter for a snug fit on EL34, KT77, 6L6, 6L6GC, 5881 power tubes and 5AR4, GZ34, 5U4 and 5Y3 rectifier tubes. The OD measures 1.80” (45.72mm) and the thickness measures .375” (9.25mm). These are also available in a smaller size for preamp tubes such as 12AX7, 12AU7, 12AT7, etc and EL84 and EL844 power tubes.
- Custom made from special soft durometer hi-temp silicone
- These will reduce or eliminate tube rattle in most all combo amps
- For Octal Base Power Tubes including EL34, 6L6, 5881, KT77
- Largest and most effective vacuum tube dampers made
- Will not fit 6550, KT66 and KT88 power tubes
User questions & answers
Question: | Hi just noticed a strange smell after replacing the tubes and putting the dampers on. It's not a terrible one; could it be oil from hands? thoughts |
Answer: | I bought it for my daughter. The case is at school, so I don't know the dimensions. She said that it is safe for a Bb clarinet. |
Question: | I have read EL84 power tubes get extremely hot....will these hold up? Melt |
Answer: | Bought ours here 9/2017. It is just as pictured...two locking latches to close and two identical keys. Ours is the Gator CLARINET case. |
Question: | Will these fit 6v6 tubes |
Answer: | Exterior Dimensions Exterior Length: 22.00 " Exterior Width: 10.00 " Exterior Height: 6.50 " Exterior Weight: 5.60 pounds |
Product description
A medium-output power tube (generally 20-25 watts) often used in Groove Tubes professional amplifiers including the Bass man, Bandmaster, Concert, Dual Showman, Hot Rod Series, Pro Series, Super Reverb, Tremolux, Twin, Vibrolux, Super-Sonic, Blues Deluxe, Blues Deville and others. Available in many variations, its response is round, with a pronounced midrange character; strident and chesty with a super-bright and clean, powerful punch. Perhaps the most recognized signature tone for U.S. guitar music of all styles from the ’60s onward. The Groove Tubes GT-6L6-GE is a faithful reproduction of the original "clear top" 6L6. The flagship of the GT 6L6 line, it looks and sounds exactly like the original G.E. tube used by Groove Tubes in the '50s and '60s. It took more than four years to develop, and has stunning clarity and power. Our most recommended 6L6.
- Faithful reproduction of original "clear top" '50s and '60s tubes
- R1-R3 = Low
- R4-R7 = Medium
- R8-R10 = High
- Stunning clarity and power
User questions & answers
Question: | Do i need to worry which "style" i pick, for a fender champ |
Answer: | Dear Barbara,There is space for an extra barrel for clarinets,Hope I've answered your question,Thank you very much!Best,GeorgeSky Music |
Question: | will these work in a fender super champ x |
Answer: | No, the handle stays elevated like the picture. It’s curved plastic attached with simple screws. It doesn’t flatten to the case itself. |
Question: | Are these the same tube as the tad 6l6 wgc str |
Answer: | Yes, very small. The latches can be a bit difficult to open at times. |
Question: | Are those tubes, rated as 4 like shows in the picture or they vary? thanks |
Answer: | Hi Marcos. I recently bought this case for my B-flat clarinet. That's what it's designed for, and I think an A-flat clarinet would be too long for the piece part compartments. You could probably use padding to tailor it to fit an E-flat clarinet, but I wouldn't recommend it. There are probably cases available for those. Good luck in your search. |
Product description
TubeDepot supplies vacuum tubes for musical instrument amplifiers, Hi-Fi amplifiers, vintage vacuum tube recording gear and associated equipment. We provide tube sets for virtually any vintage or new production amp on the market.
Product description
Equipped with two channels and four voices, the Blackstar HT Club 40 MkII 40-Watt Combo Guitar Amplifier is the ideal gigging valve amp for club sized venues. Now this ground-breaking amplifier takes a different tonal direction with two 6L6 valves powering dynamic clean and crunch tones and a flexible 10% power reduction to create the ideal club performance, home practice and studio recording amplifier in one amazing combo.
12-Inch Celestion Seventy-80 Speaker
HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 sees the standard award-winning 40W combo powered by a pair of 6L6 valves, driving a 12-inch Celestion Seventy-80 speaker. The built-in channels and voices are footswitchable. The 6L6-power valve has characteristic glassy clean tones, crunchy overdrives and smooth mid-range, making these power valves the perfect match for the dynamic HT Club 40 MkII.
- Characteristic Tones: The 6L6 power valve has characteristic glassy clean tones, crunchy overdrives and smooth mid-range, making these power valves the perfect match for the dynamic HT Club 40 MkII
- 12-Inch Celestion Seventy-80 Speaker: HT Club 40 MkII 6L6 sees the standard award-winning 40W combo powered by a pair of 6L6 valves, driving a 12-inch Celestion Seventy-80 speaker
- Ideal Gigging Valve Amp: Equipped with 2 channels and 4 footswitchable voices the HT Club 40 MkII is the ideal gigging valve amp for club sized venues
- Dynamic Clean and Crunch Tones: This ground-breaking amplifier takes a different tonal direction with 2 6L6 valves powering dynamic clean and crunch tones and a flexible 10% power reduction to create the ideal club performance, home practice and studio recording amplifier in one amazing combo
- Additional Features: Comes with Blackstar’s Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), speaker emulated output with 1x12 or 4x12 voicing, effects loop with effects level switch, USB output for recording and more
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