Ruby 6V6GT-BC tube vs. Ruby 6V6GT-STR tube

[tom310]

What's the difference between the Ruby 6V6GT-BC tube and the Ruby 6V6GT-STR tube? My Tweaker 15 came with Ruby 6V6GT-STR power tubes but they seem to be harder to find than the 6V6GT-BC tubes. Are they interchangeable?

 

[shimmilou]

Hi tom310,

The two tubes are certainly interchangeable, and both are supposed to be able to handle the higher Plate voltages in amps like the Deluxe Reverb. There could be structural differences inside, such as Plate size, materials, etc, which would contribute to any sound differences, or they might be very similar. If anyone has a link to the spec sheets of both tubes, that might be helpful in comparing the specs, I can't find them. My guess is that they are very similar in specs like Plate voltage and wattage, and possibly different in sound. I have the STR (6L6) in my Twkr 40 and they sound pretty sweet.