1590 West Algonquin Road #111
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Voice Phone 847-496-4546, Monday-Friday 8AM to 4PM USA Central Time
FAX only 847-963-1568, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week e-mail: brentjes@audiotubes.com
1590 West Algonquin Road #111
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Voice Phone 847-496-4546, Monday-Friday 8AM to 4PM USA Central Time
FAX only 847-963-1568, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week e-mail: brentjes@audiotubes.com
NEW! Get two full years of warranty coverage for these tubes!.
Can't find a particular tube? Click here to find EVERY tube we stock!
An Important Note About NOS Tubes. Please Read.
Return to the Audiophile tube page.
JUMP DIRECTLY TO THE 6L6 TUBE LIST
The 6L6 is a rather extended family of beam power pentode tubes, with an octal base. There are both metal and glass envelope styles available in NOS tubes, although current production tubes are glass only. It is important to note that the bases of various brands may have all 8 pins in the octal base, or a lesser number of pins in other brands, or even in the same brand but a different production year. This is normal. Pin one is ground on the metal 6L6 tube, but is not connected to anything on the other 6L6 types. Pin 6 is also not connected internally and may be missing from the base totally, Again, this is normal. These are beefy audio power output tubes, and some of the variants like the 5881 even have found uses in power supplies. These tubes originally were found in large console radio sets, in their first pre-WWII form of the 6L6G, and the 6L6 metal type. These tubes quickly proved to design technicians that they could handle heavy loads and drive speakers to high volume. Thus, they quickly became the darlings of public address and musical instrument amplifier manufacturers and designers. Different varieties of these tubes can still be found in the NOS market, as this tube was improved over the years. There are European and industrial/military types to make the mix even more interesting to the audiophile, with almost none of them being "bad" or low-quality. Indeed, most of the NOS types will usually outperform current production 6L6 type tubes from China or Russia. We have, here on this page, a rundown of the different types available, as it is important to know which type you need and which types can be substituted for each other, as some have different performance characteristics and not all of these are interchangeable. When replacing older, weak, or failed tubes, it is suggested that you always replace these in matched pairs or matched quads, rather than just replacing a single tube. If we don't have pair or quad prices listed for some brands, please ask us. We will be happy to custom match sets for you for a very small extra charge. We also suggest the bias or balance on your amp be aligned by a technician when replacing any power output tubes, unless your amp is fixed bias in which case no alignment is necessary. It is still a good idea to have a technician install the tubes and give your amp a clean bill of health, if you have never done this before by yourself.
NOTE ON MATCHING PAIRS AND QUADS: We can supply matched pairs or quads when stock is available. Usually pairs are listed on this page if available. Inquire if you need quads and we can check availability for you. Matching is within 5% of plate current draw under load, and within 5% of transconductance (Gm). This has proven to be well within tolerance of most amps over 15 years of selling these pairs. Of course, various amps will run these tubes at differing plate voltages, which may affect the match on any particular amp. Our tubes are guaranteed to match properly on your amp. However, it is expected you will adjust the bias or otherwise inspect your amps bias operation when installing these tubes. Our guarantee does not cover tube or amp damage caused by incorrect bias adjustment or amps in need of internal repair.
NEW! CURVE TRACER MATCHING AVAILABLE! We can match most small signal preamp tubes and we now match all of our power output tubes on a Tektronix 576 curve tracer. This runs the tube at full rated plate and screen voltage, and plots the curves at 10 different grid bias levels. The most accurate method to test tubes, the curve plots can actually be compared to the printed examples for each tube type that appear in the manufacturer technical data sheets and books. This matching is provided at no extra charge for any 6L6 type of power tubes!
GUITAR AMP OWNERS, PLEASE READ: The importance of proper bias in your amp for a new set of tubes cannot be overstated. New tubes will draw more plate current than old tubes, and your bias should be checked and adjusted as needed. Failure to do so could cause the new tubes to draw heavy plate current and "red plate" where the plates get red hot. Running just a few minutes in this condition will destroy the tubes and could damage your amp. This will void the warranty on the tubes!
ALSO, PLEASE NOTE: Your tube warranty belongs to you. If you send your new 6L6 tubes to any third party; a repair tech, a friend, even your grandmother, the tubes are out of your control and certanly out of our control. The warranty will be void as we cannot be responsible for shipping damage beyond our original shipment to you, or damage caused by any third party.
The main differences with this family of tubes are as follows:
6L6GC: This is the newer version of this family of tubes, made to meet the demands of public address and musical instrument amps, and high fidelity equipment. It's a true heavyweight, with 500 volt at 30 watt plate ratings, and 450 volt at 5 watt screen specs! This tube will replace virtually any of the other 6L6 tube types. These are found in straight sided glass packages, and most are no older than the late 1950s as this tube has not been around all that long. This is the only type being currently made today, but caution is advised if your amp puts nearly the max voltage on plate or screen as some of the modern tubes may arc over. You may find that only NOS versions will work in your amp. The most desirable of these tubes is probably the RCA blackplate, which was only produced until the later 1960s, however other NOS greyplate USA made versions are excellent and still available.
6L6GA / 6L6GB: These two types are nearly identical, and as far as electrical ratings are the same. They are also the same as most of the 6L6 metal types listed below. The GA was found in a smaller coke bottle ST shape with shoulders on the glass, the GB was almost always a short tubular glass tube looking much like a 6L6GC. These were only rated at 360 volts and 19 watts on the plate, so they will NOT replace a 6L6GC if that is what your amp calls for! Some of the GA tubes were "greyglass" meaning they had a conductive grey or black coating sprayed on inside the glass. This does not mean the tube is burned out, but both clear and grey glass versions are interchangeable.
6L6GThis is a large "coke bottle" tube, and was one of the earliest glass types of this tube. It has the same plate and screen ratings as the GA/GB types listed above, and also of the 6L6 metal listed below. These are finding use again in home built amps, since they have a cool "retro" styling, and prices are still relatively low.
6L6: The 6L6 without a suffix indicates the metal jacketed type. These were rather tall heavy black painted metal tubes, with a wide flange just above the octal base. This tube shared the 360 volt, 19 watt plate ratings of the G, GA, and GB types. This is a fine sounding tube, often overlooked by those wanting the designer look of the early glass types. As a result the prices are still low and supplies reasonably good. This was also the tube of choice for many tube tester manufacturers to use as their calibration standard. The 6L6 metal tube was both rugged and very stable in it's electrical characteristics, making it an ideal reference standard. Hickok even had a part number by which you could order one from the factory to use in calibrating your tester. These "calibration tubes" have by and large vanished from circulation today. We are making available, in very limited quantities, carefully selected NOS metal 6L6 calibration tubes that we have documented as meeting the specifications of a typical production 6L6 with respect to Gm and plate current draw. These may be used as a secondary calibration reference wherever a "6L6 calibration tube" is called for in factory alignment procedures, or for spot-checks of your tester's current state of calibration. There are usually not many in stock, as it requires testing many NOS 6L6 tubes to find one with the exact Gm and other characteristics, and then cross-testing on a number of various brands of carefully calibrated testers to confirm the results. No wonder they are so hard to find today!
1614, 6L6Y, 1622: This is a premium industrial version of the 6L6 metal type, with the similar electrical ratings. These also have metal jackets. They were often found in 1950s high fidelity equipment, and are beginning to become scarce. The 1614 is a bit more powerful than the standard 6L6 metal and the G, GA, or GB. It can handle up to 375 plate volts, 300 screen volts, and 21 watts at the plate. The 6L6Y is virtually identical with the 1614 except it is made for the military. The 1622 is slightly less powerful than the standard 6L6 tubes, with 300 plate volts, 250 screen volts, and 13.8 plate watts. Always check your amp specs before substituting a 1622, to be sure it does not exceed the maximum values of this tube. As a general rule, the 1614 can replace any 6L6 type except for the GC, 7581, and KT66.
7581: This is an industrial rated tube designed for industry and not common consumer use. It is roughly the same as the 6L6GC and is one of the few subs for the GC type tube. It also has the same specs as the European type KT-66. There is also a 7581A which has slightly higher ratings of 35 watts on the plate. This was a glass tube. Blackbase is what is commonly found, and brownbase for military stock. Some OEM types made for amplifier production had light beige colored bases. The 7581, 7581A, KT-66, and 6L6GC are generally compatible with each other, and may be substituted in most cases for each other. Of course, check with your amplifier manufacturer or dealer before any change in type of power tubes, as bias may be affected and may need to be readjusted in your amp.
KT-66: This version is the European equivalent to the 6L6GC and the 7581 type. These often have a fairly large coke bottle ST shape, and are found in both clearglass and greyglass. They can be used to replace virtually any 6L6 type. Most of those available were made by the Marconi-Osram Valve Co., under their Genalex label, or may be found with either the "Marconi" or "Osram" label. A premium audiophile version was introduced in the late 1950s under their "Gold Lion" label. These were screened for audio use, with handwritten data sheets included in the box with the tube. The Gold Lion types are unmistakable with their elaborate metallic gold label bearing the lion and the words "Gold Lion" in gold script, often faded by time on genuine NOS tubes. BEWARE! After the mid 1970s these Gold Lion tubes were being in Russia! The fakes have a smaller yellow lion on the glass, and should only be priced at $25 each or less! The Genalex, Marconi, and Osram types used a grey, blue and white decal on the glass, with often (but not always!) a white box containing "KT-66" and the Hammersmith, UK factory codes, elsewhere on the glass. Sometimes these can be found in factory matched pairs. M-O Valve also made these for Mullard and other European brands, and even some late vintage Sylvania were actually M-O made. The rarest are those with blackplates, grey glass, black bases, and a cup shaped metal getter. There is also an American made version of the KT-66, made by GE, which also usually is marked 7581A in addition to KT-66. These are excellent tubes on par or better than the vintage 6L6GC made by GE. They can be found in blackbase, brownbase, and light beige colored bases that were usually made for OEM use in amplifiers.
EL37: This is the European version of the 6L6. It was nearly always glass, and can be used to replace any 6L6, G, GA, or GB type, or 5881 as long as your amp does not put more than 360 volts on the plate and 270 volts at 2.5 watts on the screen. These types are said to sound better than the USA versions, and are very scarce in America, as well. Mullard is the brand most often encountered in the NOS market.
5881 / 6L6WGB: This type originally was known as the 6L6WGB, and was designed for the US military. Nearly all were made by Tung Sol. The tube is a short flat topped tube with a brown base, and a large grey plate structure inside. These often had large top getter patches, but there are some with side getters, some have both top and side getter flashing. The design proved so popular that an industrial version was created and labeled the 5881. Both tubes are the same. These are slightly more powerful than the 6L6 standard types, having 360 volts at 23 watts on the plate and 270 volts at 3 watts on the screen. They can replace any 6L6 type except for the GC, 7581, or KT66. They MAY POSSIBLY be used as a sub for these tubes, but ONLY if your amp does not exceed the ratings of the 5881! Most amps calling for a 6L6GC type will exceed these ratings and the 5881 may overheat or arc over, so check first before subbing these! This is a fine tube used in many high fidelity amps, and packs a wonderful sound into a small package. Found also in RCA, GE, Sylvania and other brands, but nearly all were made by Tung Sol.
5932 / 6L6WGA: A military type of 6L6GA, short and very fat, thick glass, blackplates, with large brown micanol bases. Sometimes late 1940s military stock turns up and these look more like a cross between a 6L6G and a Western Electric 350B, with an ST coke bottle shape envelope. These share the ratings of the type 6L6, G, GA, and GB. They are built to take a beating, and may be a long lasting choice if replacing any of the above 6L6 types. Said to be among the best sounding outside of the 6L6GC blackplate types, but they are very scarce.
350B / 350A: This is a large coke bottle shaped tube with black plates, usually only found in the Western Electric, Tung Sol, or National Union brand (made by W-E). This tube has roughly the same specs as the 6L6GC and KT66 varieties. The 350B has the standard octal base, while the 350A has the old-fashioned 5-pin base with no center plastic keyway pin, and the plate connection on a top metal cap. These 350s are said to be the best sounding of this family, on par with the best of the Genalex Gold Lion series, but are very scarce. Western Electric tubes were noted for quality and long life, so if you find a pair, it may be worth your while to try them out! For most applications calling for a 7581, KT66, or 6L6GC these tubes will work fine and sound great. They do have different filament current draw specs and other slight differences, so you should always check with the amp manufacturer, dealer, or a tech before subbing these tubes in place of the stock tubes.
OK, SO TELL ME HOW THEY SOUND!!
Everybody keeps saying "you have to get (fill in the blank) brand of tubes or you are just not cool!" But do they sound good? The tube needs to sound good to your ears and deliver the kind of sound you are looking for, and nobody can tell you exactly which tube this may be! Here are some general observations:
350B, KT66, and EL37 types These are generally in a class by themselves. The 350B is the king of the 6L6 types with an incredible, palpable air and depth to the sound with razor sharp focus and dynamic power. It is not always compatible with all amps due to its different current draw and filament demands. The British NOS KT66 also rule in this category and are usually compatible with any 6L6GC circuit, ditto the EL37. Warm and rich, like most of the British tubes, again with nice power reserves. The EL37 only a little less powerful and getting harder to find every day. There is a USA KT66 called the 7581A and it is virtually the same as a 6L6GC, and are found mostly made by GE. Clean, detailed, airy, and powerful. The beige base version made for amps is superb and the rarest of this type. These types listed here are usually used in hi-fi applications, but the KT66 is sometimes favored for a British sound in guitar amps that call for a 6L6GC. There is a very nice KT66 version being made by Groove Tubes which sound similar to the Genalex, available in various hardness ratings. One of the best current production KT66 tubes available.
6L6GC types Most needed for guitar amps but these make a fine hi-fi tube in any amp calling for a KT66, 7581, or even 5881. The blackplate RCA are the stars, and rightly so. They are rich, warm, detailed, creamy, and powerful. No other tube comes close except possibly the NOS GE 6L6GC. The GE is a bit more linear from top to bottom and lacks some of the RCA richness, but we are still talking about the two best NOS tubes in this class! The GE is often much less costly, but this may change as they become scarce. Sylvania made this tube for many other brands. They are typically bright and sparkly, if a bit leaner in the bass. Usually the Sylvania made NOS tube is the winner when it comes to bargain performance. Do not overlook some of the current production tubes. The few that deserve attention are the JJ from the Slovak Republic, and the Winged C from SED, St. Petersburg, Russia. Both have near-NOS sonics at a much lower price. The 6L6GC type can substitute for any of the types below, but may require a bias adjustment or modification to operate at peak performance. Consult an amp tech whenever substituting tube types.
5881 and 6L6WGB types The Tung Sol is the most asked for tube here. The original 1950s and 1960s brown base tubes, often found made for the military (JTL5881 or JAN 6L6WGB used interchangeably) are smooth, detailed, and nearly as powerful as the 6L6GC types. They have great warmth yet balanced by smooth airy highs and wide dynamics. The GE and Sylvania are the next best thing and the choice if cost is a consideration. These brownbase tubes often have a silver getter spot on the side only, and both USA and Canada versions are equally excellent. These are brighter and leaner sounding, but often one-third less costly than the Tung Sol. Finally, the JAN Philips 6L6WGB with the green or blue labels are a super bargain but are getting hard to find. They were late 1970s made in the USA, and are somewhat bright sounding, but often priced far lower than either of the above types. This may change as stocks become depleated. Generally, guitar amps that call for a 6L6GC cannot use these tubes without bias circuit adjustments or even modifications. Consult an amp tech if you are unsure.
5932, 1614, 6L6Y, and other glass 6L6G/A/B types The metal 1614 and 6L6Y types enjoy a fine reputation in some McIntosh amps. The RCA are the ones most often requested, with fine dynamics, rich warmth, and detailed, airy highs. The 5932 glass military type can often be used in place of these (or any other except for the GC, KT66 or the 5881) and in this case the Sylvania is what is often found. They are powerful for their size, with a nice punchy and lively sound. Finally, the lower power 6L6 metal, 6L6GA and 6L6GB come in many NOS brands. The RCA is the warmest, the GE fairly balanced, and the Sylvania the brightest of these. The large G shapes are said to be the most musical. Like the 5881 types, these cannot be used in an amp calling for a 6L6GC or KT66 without at least bias adjustment or more likely, circuit modifications. Consult an amp tech if you are unsure.
Please e-mail me if you have any questions about these tubes.
Click here for a printable order form. Use your "back" button to return to this page.
NEW! Get two full years of warranty coverage for these tubes!.
Return to the Audiophile tube page.
FAX YOUR CREDIT CARD ORDER 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week, to 847-963-1568. Click here for a printable, easy FAX order form. Use your "back" button to return to this page.
NEW! Order tubes or merchandise online using PayPal! Click here:
Tube |
Description |
Price Each |
Quantity In Stock |
-- |
Quantity in Stock new listing categories: "In Stock" = we got 'em, come and get 'em! "Temporarily Out of Stock" = Dang it, we just ran out, but check back real soon! "Call/e-mail" = these are rare tubes and stock changes quickly. Please call us for the latest inventory, and we can often outsource these tubes for you. |
-- |
See new stock listing key at left |
KT66 (6L6GC equivalent) Genalex Gold Lion Series, made in Great Britain.MATCHED PAIR |
NOS in Genalex box or white box. Wonderful, sweet throated British tubes from the legendary Marconi-Osram Valve Co.'s Genalex production line, made for British EMI. The Gold Lion series is the peak of perfection from an already iconic British NOS tube. These have the "Gold Lion" in large gold script, and the large gold lion, on the clear ST shape glass. With the distinctive cup shaped brown micanol bases, with the red and white Genalex decal on the base. These are extremely rare tubes worldwide, but especially in the USA. Carefully hand matched pair. SINGLE TUBES, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $350.00 |
$700.00 per pair |
out of STOCK |
KT66 (6L6GC equivalent) Genalex made in Great Britain, early cupped brownbase, grey glass.MATCHED PAIR |
NOS in original and white boxes. Wonderful, sweet throated British tubes from the legendary Marconi-Osram Valve Co.'s Genalex production line, with the Hammersmith factory marks, OEM labels. These greyglass tubes are the older style, that are in great demand by audiophiles. These are extremely rare tubes worldwide, but especially in the USA. Carefully hand matched pairs. Some made for Emitron or Mullard, same Genalex tubes. SINGLE TUBES, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $250.00 |
$499.00 per pair |
in stock |
KT66 (6L6GC equivalent) Genalex made for Mullard in Great Britain, cupped brownbase, clear glass.MATCHED PAIR |
NOS in original Mullard boxes and white boxes. Wonderful, sweet throated British tubes from the legendary Marconi-Osram Valve Co.'s Genalex production line, with the Hammersmith factory marks. These clearglass tubes are the later 1960s style, that are in great demand by audiophiles. These are extremely rare tubes worldwide, but especially in the USA. Carefully hand matched pairs. SINGLE TUBES, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $175.00 |
$399.00 per pair |
out of stock |
KT66 (6L6GC equivalent)USED TESTED GOOD Genalex made in Great Britain, early cupped blackbase or brownbase, cup shape getter, rare greyglass.MATCHED PAIR |
USED TESTED GOOD in white boxes, greyglass. Wonderful, sweet throated British tubes from the legendary Marconi-Osram Valve Co.'s Genalex production line, with the Hammersmith factory marks. Light use on these, but test at 75% or better, some with replaced base studs, these work perfectly and are fully guaranteed. These greyglass tubes are the older style, with the cup-shaped getters, that are in great demand by audiophiles. These are extremely rare tubes worldwide, but especially in the USA. Carefully hand matched pairs. Some made for Emitron. SINGLE TUBES, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $150.00 |
$300.00 per pair |
out of stock |
KT66 (6L6GC equivalent) New Genalex Gold Lion Series reissue, current production.MATCHED PAIR |
New production tubes. Wonderful, sweet throated tubes that sound and look like the rare and costly originals. The Gold Lion series is the peak of perfection among current production tubes. These excellent reissues have the "Gold Lion" in large gold script, and the large gold lion, on the clear ST shape glass. These are the next best thing to finding a NOS pair. Carefully computer matched by Apex Matching, and then the match confirmed on our Tektronix 576 curve tracer. With this attention to detail, these are far superior to "off the shelf" tubes you would get from another dealer. We can match pairs, quads, sextets, or octets. SINGLE TUBES, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $72.00 |
$160.00 per pair |
call |
Watch a brief video of rare 6L6GC, KT66, and 350B vacuum tubes! | Click on screen at left. |
-- |
|
350B Western Electric, NOS MATCHED PAIR. |
New old stock, original box. MORE JUST IN STOCK! The original, never duplicated W-E 350B, nice 1960s vintage, yellow label. Rarely do I find these gems (only three times in the last 7 years!) and even more rare to find a matched pair! Carefully hand matched on our professional test equipment and satisfaction guaranteed. This is the ultimate 6L6GC/KT66 type of tube, and probably one of the most sought after WE tubes next to the 300B. If your amp calls for the 350B or can use it in place of a KT66/6L6 (the 350B has higher filament current draw) then these may be the last and best you will ever buy. Grab them now, worldwide stocks are nearly gone! SINGLE TUBES ARE $700.00 EACH. |
$1500.00 PER PAIR |
out of stock |
350B Western Electric, made for National Union. |
New old stock, white box. The original, never duplicated W-E 350B, made for National Union. Rarely do I find these gems and those that were made for N-U are attractively priced and sound the same as the W-E originals. This is the ultimate 6L6GC/KT66 type of tube, and probably one of the most sought after WE tubes next to the 300B. If your amp calls for the 350B or can use it in place of a KT66/6L6 (the 350B has higher filament current draw) then these may be the last and best you will ever buy. Priced lower than those with the W-E labels. Grab them now, worldwide stocks are nearly gone! |
$450.00 |
out of stock |
EL37 Amperex or Mullard |
New Old Stock original box or white boxes. Coke bottle shape (ST) glass, these fairly rare tubes are very similar to the 6L6GC and are especially rare in the USA. The EL37 type is considered about the best of the G, GA, GB, or metal 6L6 types, replacement for any KT66 pair. MATCHED PAIRS, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $399.00. |
$399.00 per pair |
one pair in stock |
EL37 / 6L6G Mazda, Visseaux made France blackglass MATCHED PAIR |
New Old Stock original box or white boxes. Incredible sounding 1940s vintage 6L6 tubes from France, very scarce. Coke bottle shape (ST) glass, the G is large ST shape, and there is also in stock a quantity a very rare large tubular shape G type by Visseaux with engraved bases. The EL37 type is considered about the best of the G, GA, GB, or metal 6L6 types, and these can be used in place of any USA type of these tubes. Matched pairs of these are VERY rare in the USA. SINGLE TUBES ARE $70.00 EACH. |
$140.00 per pair |
out of Stock |
5932 6L6WG/WGA Sylvania Gold Brand or military blackplates |
New Old Stock original box or white boxes. Short heavy glass tubes, with huge brown micanol bases, all Sylvania made, 1950s vintage. Will substitute for all types of 6L6 and 7027 except for the 6L6GC, KT66, or 350B. You can use it as a sub for the 5881 or 6L6GC as long as the plate voltage is kept below 400 volts. MATCHED PAIRS, WHEN AVAILABLE, ARE $160.00 PER PAIR. |
70.00 |
In Stock |
6L6GC RCA blackplate EARLY TALL BOTTOM GETTER TYPE, NOS. MATCHED PAIRS. |
New Old Stock white box and original box. Awesome tubes long out of production, have never been equaled in quality. These are the first production type of this fantastic tube, with the tall glass bottle and the bottom mounted getters. Matched to within 5% plate current draw and then amp tested. Your amp will never sound finer, these are the best American 6L6 tubes ever made, of any type made in the USA, and have become incredibly scarce. Demand for these has outstripped the supply as they were only made for a few years in the 1950s to early 1960s. These are NOS and closely matched on a Tektronix 576 curve tracer at maximum plate and screen voltage, for matching plate current. These pairs have also been amplifier tested for balance and tone, and screened for any burn-in issues. Most have brands of organs or amps on the labels, but are made by RCA, same blackplate RCA tubes. Good stock now but lately I have found very few of these available. Better try them now while you still can! |
$399.00 per pair |
single tubes in Stock |
6L6GC RCA blackplate, NOS. MATCHED PAIRS. |
New Old Stock white box and original box. Awesome tubes long out of production, have never been equaled in quality. These are beautiful 1960s vintage pairs with the side getters. Matched to within 5% plate current draw and then amp tested. Your amp will never sound finer, these are the best American 6L6 tubes ever made, of any type made in the USA, and have become incredibly scarce. These are NOS and closely matched on a Tektronix 576 curve tracer at maximum plate and screen voltage, for matching plate current. These pairs have also been amplifier tested for balance and tone, and screened for any burn-in issues. Some have brands of organs or amps on the labels (like Baldwin or Seeburg), but are made by RCA, same blackplate RCA tubes. |
$349.00 per pair |
in Stock |
6L6GC RCA blackplate |
New Old Stock original box and white box. Real vintage RCA blackplates, Awesome tubes, have never been equalled in quality and are getting very scarce. Some made for other brands like Tung Sol or Philco or amp brands on the label but are RCA made. The best 6L6GC ever made and becoming very hard to find. Priced per single tube. |
$179.00 |
In Stock |
6L6GC RCA blackplate, light use tests excellent. MATCHED PAIRS. |
Light use, original box and white box. Awesome early 1960s tubes, have never been equaled in quality. These are beautiful pairs with the shorter bottle and the side getter. Your amp will never sound finer, these are the best. These have some use but test near NOS for Gm and are closely matched for plate current on our Tektronix 576 curve tracer. Some of these test exactly like new but have scratches on the bases, or repaired center studs, so they cannot be sold as new. Save BIG on lightly used; no one else has these in used condition, for sale! These pairs are within 2-4 percent Gm. Some labeled for Conn Organ, Westinghouse, or Bogen but are RCA made blackplates. CLIENT COMMENTS: "Just want to say thank you for getting my replacement tubes so quickly!! Those RCA 6L6s are matched much closer and sound great!! ( And I haven't fully burned them in yet) Wasn't expecting such a fast turn around! A true sign of a great business is not only the quality and service of what they sell but how fast they rectify a problem. I would highly recommend you to anyone who asked. Ed." |
$179.00 per pair |
out of Stock |
6L6GC RCA blackplate, used test good. |
Used tested good, white box. Awesome tubes, have never been equalled in quality. Most test just like unused, but have either scratched bases or repaired center studs, which do not affect the sound or life of the tube. Some RCA made for other brands but are RCA black plate tubes. Save on used, no break-in, fully guaranteed. Priced per single tube. |
$79.00 |
single tubes in Stock |
6L6GC Japan made RCA style blackplate, Matsushita made, organ stock. |
NOS in original box. A really nice black plate 6L6GC from the 1970s, made in Japan by Matsushita whose factory was set up originally by Mullard UK. These are very nice copies of the 1960s RCA black plates right down to the octagon label on the glass. These are selected tubes for organ repair and tube replacement. Priced per single tube, matched pairs, if needed are $170.00 per pair. |
$79.00 |
single tubes In Stock |
6L6GC/7581A NOS General Electric made in USA MATCHED PAIR | NOS in original and white box. Great USA made GC's that blow away current production tubes. Great 1960s vintage tubes, in carefully hand selected pairs, and then amplifier tested. Some labeled as 7581A Clients report these sound as good as the RCA, (GE even made these for RCA at times, in the late 1960s, and we have a few in stock!) and you pocket the savings! Good stock now but these typically sell fast. Some have OEM labels but are GE factory coded and genuine GE made. CLIENT COMMMENTS: "Brent, I had a chance to install these tubes in my amp last night - Bogner Goldfinger 54, uses pairs of 6L6 & 6V6 in the output section. I continue to be blown away by the noticeable improvement with these vintage tubes. I biased the 6L6s at 34mA and the 6V6s at 20mA, and they sound incredible. The increased clarity is just crazy & I can add some bass in the eq without the amp sounding woofy. This is a clean amp with very little preamp gain, so the output tubes make such a big difference. In the past couple of years, I’ve bought quite a few tubes from you & have not been disappointed once. Thanks again. E.G." |
$199.00 per pair |
in Stock |
6L6GC General Electric 1960s made in USA, various labels | NOS white box and original box. Great USA made GC's that blow away current production tubes. Clients report these sound as good as the RCA, and you pocket the savings! Some are branded for Philco or OEM amp and organ labels, but are GE made tubes. Priced per single tube. |
$99.00 |
in Stock |
6L6GC General Electric made in USA, used tested good MATCHED PAIR | Light use in white box. Great USA made GC's that blow away current production tubes. Some made for Baldwin Organ, Philco, Zenith, or RCA, but are actually GE made. Great early 1960s vintage tubes, in carefully hand selected pairs. Clients report these sound as good as the RCA, and you pocket the savings! Save BIG on these lightly used tested very good tubes. SINGLE TUBES ARE $80.00. |
$160.00 per pair |
single tubes in Stock |
6L6GC original new old stock SED Winged C MATCHED PAIRS | New, original box. These are the original Svetlana (SED) winged C tubes that have been out of production for a long time, and demand is rapidly stripping the remaining stocks out of the market. Better grab these WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! These will work anywhere a 6L6 type (G, GA, GB, GC, or metal), 5881, or KT66 is used. We have some factory computer matched quads still sealed in the matched quad plastic. We also have pairs and quads we have matched on our Tektronix 576 curve tracer. One of the best products to come out of Russia. Priced per pair, double this for quads. |
$110.00 per pair |
out of Stock |
6L6GE New Groove Tubes General Electric Reissue MATCHED PAIRS | New, original box. One of the best bargains in a current production tube. Constructed like the old GE tubes. Groove Tubes is not currently making these, so these are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! These will work anywhere a 6L6 type (G, GA, GB, GC, or metal), 5881, or KT66 is used. Groove Tube techs in California have carefully screened these tubes for quality, plate current, and breakup (distortion), and sorted them into matched pairs and quads. I have closely matched pairs (within 1 to 2 percent plate current) at a great price! Forget the Russian or Chinese crap, these are about the best tubes made today. |
$90.00 per pair |
out of Stock |
6L6GC Sylvania made |
New Old Stock original box and white box. These 1960s tubes will sound great in your Fender amp or home hi-fi! Sylvania labels along with some made for RCA, some OEM labels, some unlabeled. These have been amp tested in addition to testing for plate current and Gm. Probably the best price/performance tube of any NOS 6L6 tube you will find anywhere!MATCHED PAIRS JUST $189.00! |
$90.00 | single tubes in Stock |
6L6GC Sylvania/Philips made |
Used tested good, some original Fender amp stock, white box. These 1960s and early 1970s tubes will sound great in your Fender amp or home hi-fi! Some made for Fender, some OEM labels, some unlabeled. These have been amp tested in addition to testing for plate current and Gm, all test strong. Probably the best price/performance tube of any 6L6 tube you will find anywhere!MATCHED PAIRS JUST $50.00! |
$25.00 | out of stock |
5881/6L6WGB Tung Sol madeMATCHED PAIR | New old stock, original box and white box. Wonderful tube which will sub for every 6L6 and 5881 type except for 6L6GC. These are the original Tung Sol made brownbase tubes which are scarce, and are considered the best 5881 ever made! Nice Gm match on these, and actually performance tested in an amp. Most pairs are labeled for other brands like RCA, Burroughs and DuMont but are Tung Sol made. Some have military labels as 6L6WGB, others are 5881 labels, but Tung Sol was the only manufacturer of this brown base tube. |
$149.00 per pair |
in Stock |
5881/6L6WGB Tungsol brownbase |
NOS in original Box and whitebox. Wonderful tube which will sub for every 6L6 and 5881 type except for 6L6GC. These are the real thing, no other modern made 5881 comes close! Most are OEM labeled for other brands, but are the same TungSol made tube. Priced per single tube. |
$69.00 |
In Stock |
5881/6L6WGB Sylvania madeMATCHED PAIR | New old stock, original box and white box. Wonderful tube which will sub for every 6L6 and 5881 type except for 6L6GC. These are the original Sylvania made brownbase tubes with the side getter, save big on this original USA type over the Tung Sol tubes! Nice Gm match on these, and then matched for plate current on our Tektronix 576 curve tracer. Most pairs are labeled for other brands like GE, Burroughs and DuMont but are Sylvania made. Some have military labels as 6L6WGB. Single tubes are $49.00 each. |
$99.00 per pair |
in Stock |
5881/6L6WGB NOS Tung Sol made, used tested goodMATCHED PAIR | Used tested very good, white box. Wonderful tube which will sub for every 6L6 and 5881 type except for 6L6GC. These are the original Tung Sol made brownbase (some may have other brands on the label) tubes which are scarce! Nice Gm match on these. Try these famous tubes at a huge savings, no one else has these used! |
$50.00 per pair |
single tubes only in Stock |
5881/6L6WGB Tungsol NOS made brownbase, used tested good. | Used tested good White Box. Wonderful tube which will sub for every 6L6 and 5881 type except for 6L6GC. Priced per single tube. |
$25.00 |
in Stock |
1614 and 6L6Y metal, RCA or RCA made. |
New old stock, whitebox. This is a beefed-up version of the metal jacketed 6L6, often found in 1950s and 1960s hi-fi amps. These are becoming scarce today. MATCHED PAIRS ARE $90.00 PER PAIR. |
$40.00 |
in stock |
6L6G RCA original 1940s label or made for various brands, RCA factory coded MATCHED PAIR |
New Old Stock original and white boxes. Huge Coke bottle shape (ST) glass tube, eletrically the same as 6L6GA, GB, and 6L6 metal. Nice greyglass and clear glass tubes carefully matched! All have the octagon RCA factory mark on the glass. SINGLE TUBES ARE $40.00 EACH. |
$90.00 per pair |
single tubes only in stock |
6L6GAY Sylvania and National Union |
New Old Stock White Box and original box. These are military stock with brown or black bases, are Coke bottle shape (ST) glass tube (GA), same as 6L6GA and 6L6 metal in electrical specs. Getting rare, but they will likely outperform and outlast any 6L6 metal, or standard grade 6L6G, GA, or GB. MATCHED PAIRS ARE $99.00 PER PAIR. |
$45.00 |
one single in Stock |
6L6GA, 6L6GB, various USA brands |
New Old Stock White Box and original box. Some are Coke bottle shape (ST) glass tube (GA), others (mostly GB) are straight sided, same as 6L6GA and 6L6 metal in electrical specs. MATCHED PAIRS ARE $60.00 PER PAIR. |
$22.00 |
In Stock |
6L6 Metal Tube Tester Calibration Tube, Various USA brands, military and standard metal types. |
New old stock, original Box and whitebox. The metal 6L6 was the tube of choice for the calibration standard, for many tube tester manufacturers. Hickok even sold one as an accessory part with it's own part number. These manufacturer's calibration tubes are virtually unobtainable today. To address this need, I have available in very limited quantities NOS 6L6 metal tubes that have been carefully hand-selected to meet manufacturers specifications of an average/bogey production 6L6 as specified in the RCA Tube Manual. With this guaranteed known value, they may be used for calibration checks and calibration procedures (some Hickok testers require this tube for calibration)on many brands of tube testers. Supplied with individual test readings from many popular tube testers, and instructions. Typical accuracy is +/- 2 percent of manufacturer's specifications, or better. |
$65.00 |
in stock |
6L6 metal, RCA and RCA made, black metal types MATCHED PAIRS. |
New old stock, original Box and whitebox. Nicely matched pairs with Gm and plate current draw. The best replacement for any pairs of 6L6G, 6L6GA, 6L6GB, or other metal 6L6 tubes in antique radios or amplifiers. CLIENT COMMENTS: "Omg Brent I love that tube. I had a 6l6 shoot out last night. Played my Telestrat, I made, through a VHT special 6 head and a 1945 RCA projector cab with the original MI-6333B speaker. I used JJ 6l6GC, Sovtek WXT, Tungsol 6l6 RE and a RCA 5881 Stubby grey plate. It blew them all away except for the RCA. Soooo similar but your Metal tube had a slightly bolder, louder sound. Both had incredible acoustic sound on the bass strings with very articulate highs and great rolloff!!!! Thank you so much Brent. I will order more very soon. This is definitely my #1 tube of choice. R.J." |
$65.00 per pair |
In Stock |
6L6 metal, RCA, military and standard metal types. |
New old stock, original Box and whitebox. |
$21.00 |
In Stock |
6L6 metal, General Electric, Ken Rad, other brands |
New old stock, original Box |
$21.00 |
In Stock |
Click here for a complete list of Telefunken tube date codes with manufacture dates.
Vacuum tube testers for sale page.
Click here for a printable order form. Use your "back" button to return to this page.