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Post subject: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:14 pm
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Can anyone fill me in on the differences between these power tubes? I've heard conflicting reports on tonal qualities and sometimes wonder if I need to replace my existing tubes (both my amps have 6V6s) or if my ear would even notice a difference...Right now, I do not have any complaints about the tonal range I get on both my Fender HR Deville (40w) or my 15w Egnater tweaker and I believe they both are driven by 6V6s. Any thoughts?

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:19 pm
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Your HRD uses 6L6GC's.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:25 pm
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Well, well, well. Then the fact that my Egnater has 6V6s (I know because it's in my house, and the HRD is at my practice site) renders my question moot since I have not a clue as to their difference and apparently would not recognize any difference. Thanks for the correction.

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 3:55 pm
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jobe6970 wrote:
Can anyone fill me in on the differences between these power tubes?

In my experience, the 6V6 can break up slightly sooner the 6L6. The 6L6 can often have a deeper bottom end and also sometimes has more clean headroom. These are not absolute definitive observations though because the choice of power tubes is only one the many possible variables in designing the circuitry of an amp.

This video would seem to agree with me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBSEzX2O0nY

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 4:00 pm
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Thanks BMW. I wonder if manufacturers consider that when they decide to put which power tube into which amp. For instance, if 6V6s break up sooner, would they be better off in a lower watt amp like my 15w Egnater? While the 40w Fender HRD is equipped with 6L6s so they break up with higher volume...

I have too much time on my hands...

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 4:43 pm
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6V6's break up sooner because they have lower maximum power output than 6L6's. A pair of 6V6's running in Class AB fixed-bias pentode push/pull have a maximum continuous output power of around 15 to 20 watts, a pair of 6L6's under the same operating conditions can put out a continuous max of about 50 to 60 watts. If you try to push them much harder than that they die early deaths (either instant meltdown or wearing out very quickly, depending on how hard you're pushing them and how rugged the particular tubes are).

You can limit them so that they never produce maximum power by reducing their operating voltages, running them in Class A, or running them in triode mode rather than pentode mode. There are amps with two 6L6's that only put out 35 watts or less and there are amps with two 6V6's that only put out 12 watts. That's because there aren't any common tubes for the "in-between" ranges -- for the mid-power range they just "throttle down" the big tubes (lower power means you can use smaller transformers which cost much less than big transformers).

So yes, amp designers do base their tube choices partially on how much power they want the amp to produce. There are some 30~40 watt amps with four 6V6's or four EL84 tubes, but generally a designer would choose two 6L6's or two EL34's for that power range -- less expensive tubes and fewer of them to go bad, fewer sockets to wire, fewer plate resistors. And there are some low-power 6L6/EL34 amps, but bigger tubes cost more so most low power amps use the smaller output tubes.

****************************

Unless you crank your amps to near full volume so that the power tubes are starting to distort and compress the signal, the differences are pretty subtle. At low to moderate volumes all of the output tube types are accurate enough to be used for hi-fi (a lot of audiophiles love tube amps) -- at moderate volumes you're mostly hearing the tone shaping of the preamp, not the power amp.


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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 4:53 pm
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Wow. That was a very succinct and impressive answer. Exactly the kind of info that answers all questions (for me) regarding the differences and manufacturer's choices in design. Thank you very much, stratstrayer. Awesome.

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:51 pm
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jobe, here is a great tube website. One thing....6L6s are a more efficient tube at higher power and as mentioned a higher head room with them. http://www.harpamps.com/micKtubes/6V6-6L6-swaps.html

ABS :D


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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:58 pm
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You guys are awesome. Thanks again. I really love this forum and the infinite knowledge pool!

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Post subject: Re: 6V6 vs 6L6
Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 7:07 pm
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Anytime. Just ask and you will get an answer. The folks here are really great!
ABS :D


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