Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Bombadil]

The new issue Sovtek 6L6WGC is also coin base. The Tube Amp Doctor site out of Germany says that these are the same as 6P3S-e.

Here is the current issue 6L6WGC
http://www.parts-express.com/Data/De...2-300_HR_0.jpg

http://images.nitrosell.com/product_...GC_Quartet.jpg

Here is the older, military 6P3S-e
http://rutubes.com/published/SC/html...ig&photoID=839

http://classic-tubeware-kunisch.de/P.../6P3S-E-Q2.JPG

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Analog Addict

Perhaps the 6SN7 is a GT version, like this one....



And yes, the 5Y3 and 80 rectifiers are supposedly electrically identical, but Dennis and I found that even though the distortion curves didn't necessarily change much, we were able to notice a significant sonic difference between rectifiers.

I did not want to open that box but...I once had a NU 5U4G that was just sublime. I got another NU and it did not sound the same. Go figure.

Speaking of 80's Tube World has some NOS/NIB British Tungsrams that are very good. I've not seen them anywhere else.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Bombadil

The new issue Sovtek 6L6WGC is also coin base. The Tube Amp Doctor site out of Germany says that these are the same as 6P3S-e.

Here is the current issue 6L6WGC
http://www.parts-express.com/Data/De...2-300_HR_0.jpg

http://images.nitrosell.com/product_...GC_Quartet.jpg

Here is the older, military 6P3S-e
http://rutubes.com/published/SC/html...ig&photoID=839

http://classic-tubeware-kunisch.de/P.../6P3S-E-Q2.JPG

Hmmm...I think I'd stick with the mil spec version which is in short supply and I'd be sure they were thoroughly tested. I need to pull out my remaining pair and give them a go. The thing is that we are using single ended amps and power tubes do sound different v PP circuits.

I just found them at Cryoset for $32.99 a pair. He does do thorough testing. cryoset.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_80&products_id=334&osCsi d=3cb0dd4a329a5e5e14d28a0a4a64393a

[Bombadil]

What two tube dealers are saying is that the current Sovtek 6L6WGC *IS* the same tube as the mil-spec 6P3S-e. That the factory in Russia didn't change it at all, except to relabel the tube so that its label would be recognizable to modern tube buyers. I've seen various tube amp owners, both audio and guitar, write the same thing.

The "W" in 6L6WGC designates it as military grade, as opposed to the 6L6GC.

And then there is the Sovtek 6L6WXT+, which I've seen stated is also the 6P3S-e but in a standard base. Again a military grade tube.

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by Bombadil

What two tube dealers are saying is that the current Sovtek 6L6WGC *IS* the same tube as the mil-spec 6P3S-e. That the factory in Russia didn't change it at all, except to relabel the tube so that its label would be recognizable to modern tube buyers. I've seen various tube amp owners, both audio and guitar, write the same thing.

I really don't know. The only way to know is to do a head to head comparison. I do know you can't tell what a tube will sound like by looking at it. We make a choice and pay our $$$. I do know that the 6P3S-e was not designed for audio but it works well.

You can go nuts chasing and trying different power tubes for these amps. You nailed it earlier. The driver tube makes a big difference and having a good selection won't break the bank, especially when you don't need matched pairs.

[Bombadil]

I know a guy who has been in the tube amp business for over 30 years. Has built dozens of tube amps of different types. Restores guitar and audio tube gear.

His favorite tube is the 6L6.

And, a surprise to me, his favorite go-to 6L6 is the Ruby 6L6GC-M-STR. A fairly inexpensive tube. He told me that maybe it is a little tiny bit shy of the best NOS 6L6s, but that it is very close and is a great value. It is made in China and is a copy of the Philips STR-415. The Mesa STR-440 is the same tube. He also likes the above Sovtek 6L6WXT+.

I don't tend to trust these inexpensive, guitar amp tubes. But perhaps I'm wrong. We are in a golden age of tubes and whose to say that Russia or China can't make a very good tube which is inexpensive? Back in the 50s and 60s, a lot of the tubes which are now pricey NOS, were common and inexpensive.

[Musica Amantem]

And yes, the 5Y3 and 80 rectifiers are supposedly electrically identical, but Dennis and I found that even though the distortion curves didn't necessarily change much, we were able to notice a significant sonic difference between rectifiers.

Understood. Thanks for the pointers!

[Musica Amantem]

Originally Posted by Bombadil

The new issue Sovtek 6L6WGC is also coin base. The Tube Amp Doctor site out of Germany says that these are the same as 6P3S-e.

Here is the current issue 6L6WGC
http://www.parts-express.com/Data/De...2-300_HR_0.jpg

http://images.nitrosell.com/product_...GC_Quartet.jpg

Here is the older, military 6P3S-e
http://rutubes.com/published/SC/html...ig&photoID=839

http://classic-tubeware-kunisch.de/P.../6P3S-E-Q2.JPG

The one I like so much is the third link you published (first of the two military tube links) , with exactly the same box printing. I believe they sound great, in my system of course.

[Musica Amantem]

Florida Boy: You should get another quad of the 6P3S-E. That appears to be your favorite power tube. The good ones are getting hard to come by.

I know, but there's the question of finding that same quality of the ones you sent me ...

[robert_kc]

Based on recommendations by Musica Amantem, I have the following in transit to me: 1980s “NOS Matched Pair USSR Reflector 6P3S-E / 6L6GC / 6N3C Military Spec Vacuum Tubes”, from a USA seller who tested the tubes on a calibrated Hickok TV-7 D/U tube tester. More to follow …