Sancto Sanctorum Tubes?

[jcshirke]

Can anyone tell me a little bit about these tubes. In particular I'm looking at some KT66s. Are they comparable to GECs? I know I've come across the brand name someplace, but I haven't been able to come up with any good info. through the usual sources (google and searching here).

Thanks.

Jeff

[Joe F]

1) nothing is comparable to GEC KT66's (save for maybe the Mullard EL37 in some amps). I know some will start mentioning Chinese and Russian tubes, but the reality is that the GEC has not been and will never be replicated.

2) Do these look like old/NOS tubes to you? MO Valve Company KT66's were labeled GEC, Genalex, Mullard, IEC, and other things. Do you have pics or more info on what is printed on the glass (date codes, etc.).

[jcshirke]

1) nothing is comparable to GEC KT66's (save for maybe the Mullard EL37 in some amps). I know some will start mentioning Chinese and Russian tubes, but the reality is that the GEC has not been and will never be replicated.

2) Do these look like old/NOS tubes to you? MO Valve Company KT66's were labeled GEC, Genalex, Mullard, IEC, and other things. Do you have pics or more info on what is printed on the glass (date codes, etc.).

I will have some pics, but it's going to be a couple weeks until the seller has the tubes. Apparently they are at another location of his, and he won't be there for another two weeks.

The real bummer is that he had a pair of GECs for $250 US. I waited just a couple days...and then they were gone. Should have just pulled the trigger.

I will get as much info. about the tubes as I can. Thanks for your offer to help.

Jeff

[rooster]

1) nothing is comparable to GEC KT66's (save for maybe the Mullard EL37 in some amps). I know some will start mentioning Chinese and Russian tubes, but the reality is that the GEC has not been and will never be replicated.


Well, unless the Blackburn plant starts making KT66's next year. I wouldn't hold my breath, but I wouldn't rule them out, either.

rooster.

[jcshirke]

Seller says they are GECs. I should have more info. in perhaps a week or two, as I said.

Also, do KT66s have another numerical equivalent? In other words, can they be identified by two different designations--one American (perhaps), another European (etc.)? I inquired about getting some KT66s with another NOS tube dealer, but they had no tubes by the KT66 designation, and I was asked if they were labeled another way or had another name. Any help?

Thanks again.

Jeff

[Joe F]

>I will get as much info. about the tubes as I can. Thanks for your offer to help.
nothing beats pics. GEC's were labelled so many things -if you can confirm it's the real thing, you won't care what name is on them.

>Well, unless the Blackburn plant starts making KT66's next year. I wouldn't hold my breath, but I wouldn't rule them out, either.

they could be good, but the skills and experience that went into making the top notch tubes and their parts are long gone enough that in my opinion, we'll never see that quality in guitar amp tubes again.

>Also, do KT66s have another numerical equivalent? In other words, can they be identified by two different designations--one American (perhaps), another European (etc.)?

Actually no. No other company made true kinkless tetrodes back then (KT66's, 77's or 88's) but Genalex (made by the MO Valve Company of England). Kinkless Tetrodes have specific designs and perform in a specific way. The term kinkles refers to their linearity in performance when put on a graph (no spikes or "kinks"). The KT66 is similar to a 6L6GC in a lot of ways. Mullard released the EL37 to compete with the KT66 but it does not perform the same way either. Genalex released the KT77 to compete with Mullard's popular EL34, but while a drop-in replacement, it was not an EL34 in design (nor was it a 6CA7 - the US equivalent). Some will say that a 7581a is an American KT66. Nope. It is more powerful and handles more voltage than a 6L6GC which is why people say that but it is not a kinkless tetrode (and truth be told, is just a 6L6GC that tested strong and was separated at the factory - no design difference).

What amp are you going to put these in?