Big disparity in 6v6 current draw...

In my JTM45 clone I was shocked to find one KT66 running @42ma with the other at 28mA. The shocking part was how good it sounded...
Like you, a matched set cured all. The sonic difference...noticeable I guess. I'm sticking with matched tubes.

Skip
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So those Groove Tubes were stock? Or did you buy the amp used?
That's a big difference. More important, how are you liking those Tung-Sols? What designation were the GT's? "S", "R", "C"???

 

Is it possible? Well, you saw it didn't you?

Yes, new (and NOS) power tubes can be as much as 30mA out of "match". If they were all matched you wouldn't have to ask for matched pairs.

Sure they sounded good. NO ONE can hear the difference between closely matched and, say, 10ma apart tubes. Even further apart can sound fine as long as you're not getting hum.

It's still a good idea to get matched tubes so they wear evenly, though.

 

Gees, so those tubes were 6 yrs old....no wonder they read so far apart.
I bet putting those new Tung-Sols in was like getting a brand new amp. They are sweet.

 

Ah, ok.