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Post subject: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 8:34 pm
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Comparing a set of NOS GE 6L6GC with the GT reissue of this tube in a Bassman. First some pictures showing how similar they are, with some differences.

The Plates look nearly identical, same size and color, same crimping.

Image

The GE has a little longer bottle.

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 8:37 pm
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The getters are different, the GT has smaller diameter, thicker rings, while the GE has larger diameter, thinner rings. Both are dual getters. The getter flash on the GT is bigger and more silvery, while the GE is smaller and darker.

Image

The mica spacers look very similar, with similar U-shaped heatsinks.

Image

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Last edited by shimmilou on Sun Sep 22, 2013 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 8:41 pm
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Both have copper rods for the control grid posts, the GT is covered (first pic).

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Image

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Sun Sep 22, 2013 9:24 pm
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The important aspect is, of course, the sound. The two tubes sound very similar, with only slight differences in sound, both sound fantastic. I compared the sound of these two tubes in the same amp, to each other, and to GT 6L6 CHP (black Plate), SED 6L6 Winged C, JJ 6L6, JJ 6L6 Cryo, and the GT and GE were noticeably better than the others for both clean and distortion.

The GE were just a little bit smoother/warmer sounding than the GT, but were also biased cooler than the GT. The GE had a slightly looser low-end, and slightly subdued highs, while the GT low-end was a bit tighter with a little more sparkle on the highs. The GT being just a tad more articulate and clean than the GE. Both were very smooth when pushed to distortion, even though the Bassman had to be really cranked to get some distortion.

I had a difficult time deciding which tubes to keep in the Bassman. I really enjoyed the warm smooth sound of the GEs, very classic sound, but I also really liked the little more clarity of the GT version, also a classic sound. The GT were the ones that I decided to keep in the amp, with the ever so slight edge for clarity (probably due to being a little stronger tube, higher idle current).

The difference in sound was not dramatic, and I switched back and forth a few times to note the subtle differences. Overall, the two types sound very much alike, and if the bias was identical, I feel that anyone would have a difficult time telling them apart as far as sound (at least in this amp).

I am definitely going to get more of the GT GE reissue to keep on hand, for spares and to try in other amps. Considering the price difference, the GT is well worth it. These GT have got to be one of the best new production tubes made. Even though they are now made in China, I think that GT has a real winner with this exclusive tube.

I would really like to hear others opinions/thoughts about the GT 6L6 GE.

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Mon Sep 23, 2013 9:01 pm
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Nice side-to-side test, Shimmy!!! Not sure about your reason for a different bias, but no matter. My experience is not with the new GT iteration. But I still have a set of early iteration GT GE 6L6GC's( 600 hours). Their matching has hardly budged, within 2ma. Also have a matched pair of early 60's GE 6L6GC's( 800 hours). Their matching has drifted to, within 4ma. Totally, agree with the minor differences, that you stated. It's good to hear that folks have access to decent new production tubes!!! Art

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 4:04 am
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I have no personal experience with the GT iteration of the the GE 6L6GC. I know quite a few ppl that have used this tube, since GT started offering it. And everyone of them are happy.

I have plenty of experience with the Owensboro, KY made GE 6L6GC and 7581A. Both are excellent tubes. Tough as nails. They deliver great bass and high notes. With very good headroom. The midrange is not as sweet as the RCA BP 6L6GC. But, then again there are no 6L6GC that has the tone of RCA's 6L6GC.

IMHO... the GE 7581A is as potent a tube as the MOV/GEC KT-66.


Last edited by BMW2002Ti on Tue Sep 24, 2013 4:31 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 4:20 am
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aclempoppi wrote:
...Not sure about your reason for a different bias...


No bias adjustment in the Bassman, just a balance pot.

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Post subject: Re: GE 6L6GC vs GT 6L6 GE
Posted: Tue Sep 24, 2013 6:07 pm
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Yeah, I understand !!! Art

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