6l6 tubes, whats the difference?

[watupchreese]

hello everyone it's been a while since my last post but here goes.

i currently have a two-rock onyx head, and a 1x12 rambler. i replaced all my preamp tubes with NOS RCA 12AX7-A's and love the sound of these preamp tubes. i am now thinking about experimenting with different power tubes. i have been hearing alot of talk about the jan phillips 7581-a's, and also the jj tesla's, and the syllvania 6l6gc's. what are the differences i can expect from each of these power tubes (tone, headroom, etc.).

also on a side note has any of you dealt with brent jesse recording and supply. The reason i ask is, he is selling the nos rca 12ax7-a's for $30 each, but most of the other places are selling them for $50. Did i get a good deal or am i dealing with used tubes sold as new. if so how can i tell if they are used or not.

thanks,
chris

[908SSP]

Generally what works in one amp can't be counted on to work the same way in any other amp, each amp is kind of an individual plus our perceptions are all unique.

That said here are some experiments I did this in no way implies your experience will be the same.

I put some Sylvania 7581 in my Vibrolux found it sounded louder and cleaner very wide frequency response, old tubes were 5881.

I put some Tungsol 5881 in a Fender hot rod deluxe warmed up the mid range distorted earlier over the stock 6L6GC/5881 that came in it. We also tried some RCA black plate 6l6 and liked the Tungsols better. Black plates were cleaner cooler and more powerful sounding.

I have not messed with new stock tubes much, I seem to always favor the NOS tubes.

[Pearly Gator]

IMHO, the RCA blackplate 6L6GC is the king of tone. The Sylvania 6L6GC has lots of clean headroom. Of course, everything is relative because it depends on the amp, speakers, plate voltage and many other factors.

Here are some reviews of various 6L6's. Tube Reviews (http://www.vacuumtube.net/thetubestore/accessories.html)

Gary