Who Makes The Best New Production 6V6GT and 5AR4?

[Josh O]

Before I go back into NOS tubes, I'm curious as to who is making the best production 6V6GT and 5AR4 today? I'm kind of sour on Groove Tubes right now and I don't like how the EH stuff sounds in my Gries. Is JJ the top right now, specifically the rectifier tubes?

[Blue Strat]

Tung Sol Reissue 6V6GTs and JJ 5AR4.

[Josh O]

Thanks Mike, I'll be placing an order very soon, my sole 6V6GT power tube in the house has bad ghost notes and mechanical rattle. How will the Tung Sol match up with NOS Brimar 12AX7? Should I swap the 12AX7 out for something else?

[hamfist]

Originally Posted by Josh O

How will the Tung Sol match up with NOS Brimar 12AX7? Should I swap the 12AX7 out for something else?

Yeah, just sling that old rubbish in the bin and put in a nice shining new JJ ECC83 ........NOT !!!!!!!!!

Seriously, unless it's faulty or simply worn out, I suspect the Brimar will be nicer sounding than any of the new production tubes. But, as always with pre-amp tubes, it's always worth trying something different. You may find that one of the new prod tubes is just what you're looking for.

[Rick1114]

IMO, the TungSol 6V6's sound very good (not as sturdy as NOS), but thier 12AX7's have a bright top end, thAt is not particulary smooth.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by Josh O

Thanks Mike, I'll be placing an order very soon, my sole 6V6GT power tube in the house has bad ghost notes and mechanical rattle. How will the Tung Sol match up with NOS Brimar 12AX7? Should I swap the 12AX7 out for something else?

They should work well together but there are so many variables (amp, speakers, guitars, pickups, personal preference, etc.) that it's impossible to predict what anyone will like.

[mike shaw]

A while ago the JJ 6V6's seemed to be the top dog. Are the TS' better sounding?

[Josh O]

Do NOS tubes have a much longer life in general? I have no problem spending a little extra money, especially on the rectifier tube, if I'll get x-amount of more life out of the NOS tube.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by Josh O

Do NOS tubes have a much longer life in general?

Yes they do. I stated earlier that it's 5:1 on average over new production tubes.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by mike shaw

A while ago the JJ 6V6's seemed to be the top dog. Are the TS' better sounding?

That depends on what "better" means to you. Tone is subjective.

One thing is for sure, there are a lot fewer rattle problems with the Tung Sol Reissues.

[Josh O]

I think the best for me will be to go with the Tung Sol reissues for the power tube since I like to change those around anyways but spend the extra $$ on the Jan Phillips 5AR4 you recommended to me before. Thanks Mike.

[Blue Strat]

Originally Posted by Josh O

I think the best for me will be to go with the Tung Sol reissues for the power tube since I like to change those around anyways but spend the extra $$ on the Jan Phillips 5AR4 you recommended to me before. Thanks Mike.

That sounds like a good plan

[Josh O]

order placed!

[mike shaw]

"That depends on what "better" means to you. Tone is subjective."

Right, let me rephrase that! Sonically, what are the differences between the JJ and TS 6V6's. Thanks! Mike