Best Modern 6L6? Like an RCA 6L6 black plate :-)

[Joost Assink]

I think the tubes in my used Carr 2006 Mercury might need replacing. I have an EJ strat and use Vovox 10 foot cable, going straight into the amp. Both are known for great clarity and brightness, yet it sounds a bit muddy and the bass lacks definition.

So I thought maybe a valve replacement might work. It currently runs on an EL34, but according to the guys at Carr, the 6L6 will improve clean sounds.

So, I am wondering, who makes the best 6L6 (RCA Black Plate) today? Best reliability, low microphonics and noise etc?

Or should I just get a NOS 6L6 RCA Black Plate somewhere? Where should I go for that then?

well thanks!

 

[Drifting]

For modern production 6L6 tubes, everyone seems to like the JJ's.

There is one guy I know who swears by the EHX 6L6's as well, but you probably can't go wrong with JJ's. You could always try both, they'd be less than actual RCA's put together.

 

[dividedsky]

Best current production 6L6s I've heard are SED Winged C's.

 

[Joost Assink]

Thanks. And do you think getting an actual NOS RCA 6L6 black plate is a noticable improvement over the best current 6L6s? Money issues aside?

 

[Member 1762]

Best current production 6L6s I've heard are SED Winged C's.

Ditto

 

[Blue Strat]

Thanks. And do you think getting an actual NOS RCA 6L6 black plate is a noticable improvement over the best current 6L6s? Money issues aside?

Many people do but there's no consensus on ANYTHING concerning tone.

Best bet for new production are SEDs. Also consider NOS Sylvania STR 6L6GCs which are EXCELLENT but a lot less expensive than RCAs.

 

[ken budd]

I've had great luck with the Tung-Sol 6L6GC-STR.

 

[pattste]

Best current production 6L6s I've heard are SED Winged C's.

+ 1.

This is what I have in my amp and couldn't be happier. TAD also makes good ones.

 

[Joost Assink]

Thanks for the suggestions! Sounds like the SED 6L6GC is a great option. I hadn't heard of that yet. I thought the JJ 6L6GC was pretty much the tube to get. I liked the low noise and microphonics of the JJ

the question remains if (since I only need one for the Mercury) the RCA Blackplate might be an interesting alternative

 

[Big White Tele]

I kinda like the Groove Tubes GT6l6GE"s. Made in USA.

 

[Tramp]

Thanks. And do you think getting an actual NOS RCA 6L6 black plate is a noticable improvement over the best current 6L6s? Money issues aside?

I've tried a number of current 6L6's in my Merc and keep going back to one of the 3 blackplates I bought when I picked up this amp. They're pricey, yes, but far less so since you don't need to find but one (so no matching required).

 

[Joost Assink]

I've tried a number of current 6L6's in my Merc and keep going back to one of the 3 blackplates I bought when I picked up this amp. They're pricey, yes, but far less so since you don't need to find but one (so no matching required).

Hi Pstarr!
Thanks for the feedback! How are you liking the switch from the EL34 to the 6L6 in your Merc?

I'll be getting the RCA then

 

[jumpnblues]

Many people do but there's no consensus on ANYTHING concerning tone.

Best bet for new production are SEDs. Also consider NOS Sylvania STR 6L6GCs which are EXCELLENT but a lot less expensive than RCAs.

Mike,

How do the modern production Tung Sol 6L6s and 5881s sound? Do they have much longevity? Thanks.

Tom

 

[wyatt]

I kinda like the Groove Tubes GT6l6GE"s. Made in USA.

No, they aren't. Made in China by Shugunag.

Some good threads about the 6L6GE lately with some info from Myles about them.

 

[baron55]

+++1 on the SED Winged C 6L6GC also a great one to try are the TAD 6L6STR black plates and the TAD 6L6WGC Black plates.

 

[Tramp]

Hi Pstarr!
Thanks for the feedback! How are you liking the switch from the EL34 to the 6L6 in your Merc?

I'll be getting the RCA then

Mine came with a KT-66, which was harder and glassier than I like. I've tried an EL34 in the Merc, but really gravitate toward the 6L6/5881 side of things for the clean tones, so pulled it almost immediately. Tried a JAN Philips 6L6WGB but missed the harmonic content of the blackplates. I really like the Tung Sol 5881 reissues in my other amp, but haven't yet tried these in the Merc. My guess is that my 3 blackplates will tide me over to the end of my playing days, since I use the Merc for practice at home. Good stuff!

 

[wired]

Best current production 6L6s I've heard are SED Winged C's.

+1 on the SED WInged C's - they are outstanding.

 

[rockon1]

JJ6V6L6! 1/2 6V6 1/2 6L6-best of both worlds. Bob

 

[Joost Assink]

Great to see there is quite a consensus on the SED Winged C 6L6s

If I can't get a good RCA Blackplate, for a reasonable price, I'll definitely try these!

 

[Big White Tele]

No, they aren't. Made in China by Shugunag.

Some good threads about the 6L6GE lately with some info from Myles about them.

So the ones that I have that say Made In the USA stamped on them,are not????