6L6 vs. KT66

[Mr. Willy]

For those of you who have had experience with both of these tubes, how do they compare to one another? What are the tonal characteristics? Which do you prefer and why?

 

[stephen sawall]

I would not say they one is better. They are just different. It all comes down to what you want. Some amps well sound better with one or the other. There are lots of places on the web that tell the voice differences between all the common tubes.

http://books.google.com/books?id=JT1I7L ... on&f=false

 

[Mr. Willy]

Thanks guys. Very helpful information.

 

[stephen sawall]

I like the Reflector KT66HP a lot .... great tube.

 

[rupe]

I don't know about the "breaking up sooner" comment...I retubed a reissue '59 Bassman with KT66s (Groove Tubes back in '99) and it substantially increased the headroom...everything else was pretty much as described. It definitely gave the amp an overall bigger and smoother/creamier sound. I guess it ultimately depends on the individual tubes/amp.

 

[Mudder]

Do KT66 and 6L6 run at the same bias levels? My amp just has a bias switch for 6l6 or el34 is why I ask.

 

[rupe]

Do KT66 and 6L6 run at the same bias levels? My amp just has a bias switch for 6l6 or el34 is why I ask.

It would depend on the tubes...a non-fixed bias amp should always be rebiased when changing tubes unless you are using tubes with a rating system like GT does (and even then I've found the matching to not always be "on"). When I changed the tubes in the Bassman, it required a significant bias adjustment.

 

[stephen sawall]

It does depend on that individual tube (every one is different) but they are in the 6l6 range.