Tube question for the experts:(RUBY)

[Mooncusser]

Hey guys,

Tube question for you.
I know that there are tubes named RUBY's that are considered a very good tube. I also know that there are Rubys that shouldn't be confused with the sought after Rubys, as they are not as superior to the better of the two.
Whew..a mouthful there.
Anyway, I have a quad of mid 80's 6L6GC's Rubys labeled china.
Can anyone tell me if these are the good Rubys?
Thanks for your help,
Mass

[Blue Strat]

Answers will vary depending on who you talk to.

The Facts: Ruby doesn't manufacture tubes. They buy tubes from the few companies that do manufacture tubes today, test them, print their name on them, and market them. This is exactly what Groove Tubes does.

There are a few "exclusive" designs that Ruby has manufactured for them and may not be available from other distributors.

The general consensus is that products in China have steadily been improving in quality over the years. One might guess that Chinese tubes of the new millenium would be of higher quality than those from 20 years prior.

[Mooncusser]

I got ya on that one.
Thanks for explaining.
well, these ruby 6L6Gc's came out of a mid 80's peavey Rockmaster head.
They don't sound bad, but I figured i could learn something.
Thanks a bunch,
Mass

[trdlasvegas]

The 6L6GCMSTR is the "exclusive" Ruby design. It's really not a bad tube at all. They (Ruby) assure me that you can push them pretty hard without any premature failures. I think they're similar in sound to the JJ-6L6GC.

-Tony