Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: g-man on April 04, 2013, 02:07:46 pm

Title: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: g-man on April 04, 2013, 02:07:46 pm
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Title: Re: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: Ed_Chambley on April 04, 2013, 02:22:17 pm
No I have not, but the are so cheap I just ordered 2 6L6 to see. $19 bucks shipped for a matched set is worth a try.  I wish the photo was better.  Worst thing is I use them for startup in builds and repairs.  I cant tell you how many tubes I have fried with getting an great idea while having a few.  One day I will learn that partying and amp repair should not go together, maybe.
Title: Re: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: tubeswell on April 04, 2013, 08:33:26 pm
I've used both types, and the 6P6S is basically a 6V6GT by another name. Bias it up the same. I would not want to run them at anything over about 400V. 300-360 is better.

The 6P3S is more of 'an early 6L6G' equivalent and should not be run over about 300V (despite being advertised otherwise). I tried a new pair at 440V in a 5F6A once, and they lasted about 30 minutes.

However the 6P3Se (a completely different tube, with a wafer-thin black base) is the bees knees as a 5881 replacement. These are a 20.5W tube and are a ruggedised mil-spec version made for use in ICBMs and the like, and happily run at 460V. I've used these in a number of '5881' based amps over the last few years, and they're excellent
Title: Re: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: g-man on April 04, 2013, 08:59:45 pm
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Title: Re: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: HotBluePlates on April 04, 2013, 09:45:15 pm
Data sheets for the 6Π6C (http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/sheets/113/6/6P6S.pdf) (6V6) and 6Π3C-E (http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/sheets/084/6/6P3S-E.pdf) (6L6).

Note the 6V6 type only claims a maximum plate voltage of 350v and a plate dissipation of 13.2w. The 6L6 type claims plate dissipation is 20.5w (3rd line of 2nd page). A data sheet for the earlier 6Π3C (http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/sheets/084/6/6P3S.pdf) claims maximum plate voltage is 400v, and maximum screen voltage is 300v (Section III, lines 2,3).

So they are similar types, but not the full ratings we might expect from later U.S. production. Dunno if they actually hold up in guitar amps the way the U.S. types do when the amps exceed published ratings. I know I've used both in various amps at times, but these days I prefer to stick with manufacturers' ratings to get longer life from my tubes.
Title: Re: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: terminalgs on April 12, 2013, 01:08:47 pm
I've used both types, and the 6P6S is basically a 6V6GT by another name. Bias it up the same. I would not want to run them at anything over about 400V. 300-360 is better.

The 6P3S is more of 'an early 6L6G' equivalent and should not be run over about 300V (despite being advertised otherwise). I tried a new pair at 440V in a 5F6A once, and they lasted about 30 minutes.

However the 6P3Se (a completely different tube, with a wafer-thin black base) is the bees knees as a 5881 replacement. These are a 20.5W tube and are a ruggedised mil-spec version made for use in ICBMs and the like, and happily run at 460V. I've used these in a number of '5881' based amps over the last few years, and they're excellent

first hand experience with 6Π6C (6V6) 's voltage limit:   I got some that someone re-boxed as old Ken-Rads,  in a box lot..   I put them in a 5E3 with 400v B+.   They sounded good, but only lasted 20hrs or so before one of them developed a phantom tick-tick-tick...

Title: Re: Russian 6V6GT and 6L6GC equivalents?
Post by: Ed_Chambley on April 12, 2013, 04:28:03 pm
I received them, the 6L6 version.  Put them in a Super 5f4, plates 454, bias -32.  Been running them a few days.  They seem to be holding up well, but they are harsh sounding at breakup which on this 5f4 is almost dimed.  At lower volume with humbuckers they have a nice clean.  They are not the best, but to me they sound much better than Ruby tubes.  Time will tell, but for $19 shipped no complaints.