Power tube question

[Flyin' Brian]

I've recently acquired a Victoria Regal II.

One of the goos features of this amp is that it can use any octal power tube, either single or in pairs or in combination. It will also use any 5 volt rectifier.

Not looking for opinions, just facts. Does anyone know from the least headroom to the most headroom how all of these tubes rate? Also the most "blackface" to the most "British" tones, and which rectifier sags the most and least. Yes I realize that I may have to buy then all at some point, but I could use a head start.

6K6, 6V6, 6L6/5881, EL34, KT66/88

5Y3, 5V4, 5U4, 5AR4

Thanks to all.

[John Phillips]

Least to most headroom:

6K6, 6V6, 5881, 6L6GB, KT66, EL34, 6CA7, 6L6GC, KT77, 6550, KT88

Least to most sag:

GZ34/5AR4, 5V4, 5U4, 5Y3


The EL34 is the most 'British' sounding (ie most bright midrange crunch) and the 6L6 the most 'Blackface' sounding (ie most 'glassy' clear but soft), as you would expect. It difficult to rate the others in order since they have slightly conflicting characteristics (eg the 6CA7, which is a US-spec EL34, is a little more aggressive-sounding than a 6L6, but still more 'American' sounding than an EL34). This is the part you will get most 'opinions' about :). You also should find that the true pentodes (EL34 and 6CA7) have more gain than the beam tetrodes, so although they may have more available headroom, you'll need to turn down the amp's volume to get it.

[epluribus]

Hey Guys.

That's a very handy little line-up John, great stuff. Always nice to have a concise idea of what to listen for when auditioning parts while swappin' 'em.

6V6s...I was shoppin' em the other night online with the intent of rolling 'em in an amp, and discovered that some are true pentodes and others are beam tetrodes. Provided you bias 'em, (natch, :)) are they all interchangeable?

BTW, I like Duncan's TDSL page for finding tube specs and interchangeability data in one handy place. What prompted my question, among other things, is that he lists other tube designations that are essentially identical. The 6V6, f'rinstance, is the equivalent of 6AY5 (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6AY5), 6V6G (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6V6G), 6V6GT (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6V6GT), 6V6GTA (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6V6GTA), 6V6GTY (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6V6GTY), 6V6Y (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6V6Y), CV510 (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=CV510), CV511 (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=CV511), VT107 (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=VT107), WT2100082 (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=WT2100082), WTT123 (http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=WTT123). Wow, never woulda thought that, lotsa turf for trying different stuff out. Not to complicate your tube rollin', Brian, but it would seem the playground is a lot bigger than it first appears. Yahoo!

Yes I realize that I may have to buy then all at some point...

Dang. We must suffer for our art...:rolleyes:

--Ray



ps...the Duncan link: http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6V6 . Awesome website.

[Flyin' Brian]

Thanks John, I was actually hoping that you'd chime in on this one, and I appreciate it.

Epluribus...nothin' like a big playground to explore!

This amplifier has an amazing sound. I got it from the seller with EL34s in it, but Vicky normally ships it with 5881s. I'm thinking I can use it as an apartment amp with maybe 1 6V6, on my rock/pop gig with 6V6s or EL34s depending on the size of the room and with 6L6s or KT 66/88s on my RnB gig. The sound of the 15 inch Weber is a thing of beauty....yes 15s sound very good for guitar. The reverb goes way into surf territory if you want it to, and the tremolo is sweet in that it modulates the driver tube instead of the power tubes. And that pine cabinet even SMELLS good!

Also thanks to Mike at KCA NOS tubes for the email. I'll call you this week Mike.