6l6gc vs 5881 Similar tubes, and pin compatible. The original 5881 was simply a smaller bottle, heavyduty, 6L6 for special US Navy requirements. So they upped the plate voltage in order to provide a cleaner, less distorted tone at higher volumes. Don't know nothing about current produced ones. Aug 2, 2013 · This results in 5881 tubes having less output power than a 6L6 (how much difference depends on the specific tubes) and also lower clean headroom, meaning a given 5881 may start to distort at a lower level than a given 6L6. The original schematic for a bassman has 435 on the plates and calls for 5881's. Matched pairs, quads, and octets are availableMore Details Jul 16, 2001 · The next best sounding one is the Philips/Sylvania 6L6GC STR which was widely used in the 70's and 80's by all the major guitar amp manufacturer's. They sound pretty similar, but of course the 6550A will get you more power. If you take an amplifier designed for 6L6's you can run any type (eg, the Mcintosh Mc30). Jul 14, 2006 · Re: 5881 vs. The Preferred Series is intended to improve on the TAD GC. When you put different tires on your car the road sound changes because of the tread design and may sound louder on your car but if someone puts those on their car the sound may be quieter. whats the difference?? 5881's usually have a slightly softer attack and slightly less clean head room. 6L6 vs. ) A GB is not as powerful as a GC. It is a newer, revised version of the TAD 6L6 GC -STR (I reviewed the WGC , a slightly different tube). The Measured Voltage Gain Test Setup Each tube sample was installed in the same custom built, fixed bias single-ended guitar amplifier (see schematic) with a Fender black face style preamp circuit. The 5881 in usually used today was a Russian copy, but produces less power. pv of a Tung Sol 5881 is 400vdc. It sounded a bit dull and less 'detailed' than an EL34 or 6V6 in triode. Jul 8, 2020 · If the amplifier is spec'ed for 6L6 or 6L6GB, then you can use 5881s. A 6l6gc is rated for higher voltage but will work perfectly fine in a circuit for a 6l6GB or 5881. A lot of techs go for the 70% mark, or about 21 watts at idle. Along with Mullard 6L6GC, these new generation 6L6GC tubes are packaged in a compact form. A fresh take on the classic 5881, Psvane leaves its mark with high quality construction and sound. The 5881 is a military part number. I assume your PA head uses the 6L6GC. Originally 5881 was a more rugged version of 6l6G, I believe. The result is not unpleasing and they are rated for more output than a 5881 or 6L6WGC so by all means experiment. If you want power tube breakup go for 5881. Yeah not sure about that, my data shows the 6L6GC has a max plate voltage of 500 while 5881 is 360. My bassman has them in it and been running the for years. So that translates into less headroom. Can only be used on amps that call for 5881. If you need some data sheets of popular 6L6GC tubes by brand, we have included a couple for you below. It dominates the electric guitar tube amp world. However, the screen values and dissipation remain increased by about 20%. If the newer tube sounds weaker, the bias is probably too cold, etc. Feb 20, 2007 · to find a NOS American 6L6GC. Apr 23, 2017 · The 5881 that the SLO's were shipped with is a Russian Military tube which is not a 6L6GC or a 5881, they just happen to be compatible and are very robust and can handle quite a bit of abuse. I have some matched pairs of 6V6's, KT-77's, 5881's, and 6P3S-E's that will be tried once my son has time to drive down and try the amp out. And if you want to read more about amp tubes and how they affect your guitar’s sound, check out: 6V6 vs EL34. In looking over the other specs, there are some differences but the one that sticks out is that VaMax and the Vg2 of the 5881 is only 270v. In contrast, the 5881 is often considered a rugged cousin of the 6L6, sharing a similar glass envelope but offering a different tonal footprint. I've never been able to hear much difference between 5881 and 6L6 type tubes, they sound real similar to me. The "sound" you hear comes from the speakers, not the tube. I hope this article has clarified some of the differences between these amp tubes. Jan 12, 2010 · The 6L6GC can be used with greater plate dissipation and plate voltage - but if you plug a 6L6GC in a circuit designed for a 6L6 it will not yield any more output. 6L6. It seems like everyone wants that magic 70%. Sep 29, 2015 · A nice solid short bottle 6L6 that looks more like a 6L6WGC but has 6L6GC performance ratings. The 6L6 has a number of variants,6L6, 6L6G, 6L6GB all of which are 19 watt tubes. We say fresh because this tube is electrically somewhere between a 5881 and 6L6GC. 6L6GC. There are NO REAL, honest to God, 6L6GC tubes being made today, period, regardless of the lies you hear from boutique tube sellers. Due to better availability in the USA (albeit under various pseudonyms, for example 5881) many American amp builders used this tube for their amps. thetubestore. The 6L6GC tubes we carry work great in any 6L6 tube amps. It will withstand the same anode voltage, but the dissipation limit is closer to the 5881, about 23W to 25W. But it's doubtful that anyone is making actual 5881s now - the stock "5881" tubes are likely 6L6GCs with alternate labels. If you use a "standard 6L6" as you called it or any of the earlier variants I mentioned they will not last and may blow on the first chord Jan 2, 2017 · The 5881 is a slightly less-powerful version of the 6L6GC, IIRC. 6V6 If you had not mentioned playing the bass through your amp, I would say 6v6 would suit what you described. There has been many 6L6 variations, but the most common ones today are: 6L6GC - 30W version. Lastly, feel free to leave a message in the comments below if you have questions about this or another guitar-related topic! Sep 29, 2015 · A review of the Winged "C" / SED 6L6GC vacuum tube. However, they have less power. be/W6Lm2R4o3dAA comparison between amp tubes at clean amp settings -- 6L6GC / 5881, 6v6, KT66, KT77, and EL34 tubes all i Sep 4, 2024 · It was a tie between 6L6GC and 6550A, depending on which brand, etc. 30 watts for the 6L6GC and 23 for the 5881. com. When it comes to 5881 equivalents, the 6L6GC is a perfect replacement. Nevertheless, they can get utilized in any 6L6 amplifier. Psvane is famous for their reliable and great sounding tubes and this 5881 is no exception. When Mike Mathews invested and bought the old Reflector Plant these were sold as Sovtek 5881WXT. com There has been many 6L6 variations, but the most common ones today are: 6L6GC - 30W version. 6L6GC types can dissipate 30W and handle plate voltages up to 500V. 5881 is a military version of 6L6, shock and vibration resistant. Jun 19, 2018 · A comprehensive response to this would take 5-10 letter sized pages of text. 25W). It has a pair of JJ 6L6GC's in it right now. The amp that ‘started it all’, the Fender Bassman was loaded with a duet of of 5881s. The power transformer is too close to one of the sockets. You can say that the 5881 tubes serve as a 6L6 or 6L6GC equivalent, as mentioned in the 5881 datasheet. We have a great article about 5881 vs 6L6 here! FAQs Is 6L6 the same as 6L6GC? No, the 6L6GC is a higher-rated tube that can handle more power at 30 watts. Nearly 80 years later it remains the most used power output tube. The small form Nov 1, 2016 · The Preferred Series 6L6GC is an in-house design from www. It was Fender’s tube of choice in the ’60s for such higher-powered amps as the Bassman, Showman, and Twin Reverb. and chose the super "6L6" the 6L6GC, which is really a monster tubeand gives the black faced 6L6 amps there sparkle, and chime. Fit for any audiophile's high-end needs or any tone-chasing guitarist's amp. Don't stick these in an amp requiring 6L6GCs! However, despite its lower output, we treat the Sovtek 5881 WXT and 5881/6L6 WGC tubes as direct replacements for a 30 watt 6L6GC! Mar 27, 2013 · Re: 6l6GC vs 5881 Post by cbass » Wed May 21, 2014 9:20 pm A bad solder joint can unmask its self at any time and be very difficult to replicate. I have know idea what kinda amp you have so that s about as much as I can come up with Jun 4, 2021 · Fist, a 5881 is not necessarily a direct replacement. 2015 in 6L6 / 5881 Tubes | 3,176 Views Sweetwater guitarists and techs commonly choose these power tubes as a rock-solid replacement for the original 7027 models found in vintage Ampeg amps, and many of today's renowned amp manufacturers rely on Sovtek 5881/6L6WGC power tubes to supply their trademark tone. Which one sounds better? You decide Now the important differences between the 6L6GC tube and the 5881 tube is plate voltages and power dissipation. I'm much more familiar with 6L6 types though. The 6L6GC is a type of beam power tube employing a beam-confining electrode at cathode potential in place of an actual suppressor grid. Feb 11, 2013 · I'm looking for some info on the sound differences between the 6L6, 5881 and KT66. See full list on killerrig. Aug 9, 2007 · Re: 5881 vs. 6P3S-E - The Sovtek '5881' from back in the day, with the wafer base and the thick glass. Sovtek's did cut nicely though. I don't think running a 5881 at 25W is going cause harm, and some datasheets up the plate dissipation for the 5881 if it's triode strapped. The 6L6 tube equivalent part numbers 5881 and 7581A vacuum tubes are acceptable substitutes in some amplifiers. Another NOS tube available is the 6L6WGB which is very similar to the 5881 in that it is a smaller bottle version of a 6L6 that doesn't like to see much more tham about 500 volts on the plates. May 8, 2011 · Sovtek 5881 WXT/6L6 WGC Usage in Guitar Amplifiers: At about 23 watts the Sovtek 6L6GB should be treated as a direct replacement for a 23 watt 6L6GB or 5881. Feb 11, 2016 · The 5881 is a 25 watt tube (plate dissipation) and 6l6GC is a 30W plate dissipation tube. Can be used anywhere. They were designed by Guitar Center to scoop a little extra mids out of the Spider Valves, so that people will sound extra awesome playing in the store. I run power tubes colder. The 6L6 vacuum tube was first released by RCA in 1936. Most modern amps are designed to use a 6L6GC, another variant that is a 30 watt tube. 6L6 vs 6L6GC: Conclusion. (Notice the suffix here. The 6L6GC tube is a 30W valve. But when swapping 5881 for 6L6 or visa versa, you should readjust the bias for the tube you installed. Max. 6L6GC can replace any other 6L6 or 5881 type tubes. I have since switched back to 5881's, but have gotten JAN Philips 6L6WGB (same exact tube as 5881) which will give me that midrange bump that I found lacking in my Ruby's. . The 6L6WXTs should also be 6L6GCs. The best current production 6L6 type tube is the Sovtek 5881, which electrically is a 6L6GB. I would probably go with 6L6s, given the dual purpose though. Bring out the best in every note with Sovtek 5881/6L6WGC tubes in tow! Jun 16, 2022 · In this video we compare 6L6 vs 5881 power tubes in the PRS MT15 Head. Mar 26, 2010 · Tonewise, they pwn the Sovtek 5881's which were crap to begin with and are harsh, Ruby's seem heavenly in comparison. TAD 6L6GCM-STR. 7027, 5881, are all 6L6 family tubes with the following official ratings and similar if not identical transfer characteristics: 6L6 19W I think that these are metal case G is for glass 5881 23 W This is an industrial type power derated 6L6G 6L6G 25 W 6L6GC 30 W **Updated video here: https://youtu. Sep 19, 2019 · The 6L6 was an American-designed tube to circumvent the patent Philips held for their pentode design. If those old tubes were in there for much amount of time they could have damged other components. I found several threads here describing technical differences, but very little about how these tubes sound relative to each other in hifi gear. The 6L6GC is the upgrade to all other tubes made within this family. Plate voltage 455. Aug 13, 2024 · The 6P3S-E is NOT equivalent to a 6L6GC. The 5881 predates the 6L6GC. If the amplifier is spec'ed for 6L6GC, you cannot use a 5881 because the 6L6GC has higher plate, screen, and power dissipation ratings than the 5881. You can use 6L6GC where any of the other tubes are used, so if you aren't sure, go with 6L6GC types and you will be fine. Feb 28, 2024 · 5881 and 6L6 are essentially the same tube. Feb 6, 2018 · The 5881 has very slightly lower plate dissipation than an EL34 (23W vs. Unequaled clarity and complex harmonics, plenty of sustain and depth. Nov 11, 2008 · 6L6GC is a special version of the 6L6 sold at Guitar Center. The 5881 valve is a 23W valve. That awesome tone that Gary Moore pulled out of a JTM45 Dec 1, 2024 · The 5881 tubes are exceedingly similar to the 6L6 tubes. Jul 2, 2015 · The 6L6GC is commonly associated with classic American rock ’n’ roll and the sound of vintage Fender amps. . Oct 12, 2024 · The KT-88'z won't fit though. JJ 6L6GC Datasheet. Jul 9, 2014 · I'm no expert but based on what I've read this is what I think happened. 6L6GC, 7581. Our top selling go-to 6L6GC tube is TungSol 6L6GC-STR. When compared to the 6L6GC, the 5881 is a weaker power tube. The plate structure is very similar to a Svetlana with the extra cooling wings and the bottles are very similar to the Tung-Sol 5881. Now the important differences between the 6L6GC tube and the 5881 tube is plate voltages and power dissipation. 6L6GB / 5881 - 25W version. Dec 14, 2022 · 6l6gb and 5881 have the same ratings. The closest I could find was this thread Jul 15, 2001 · Lower plate voltages mean compression comes quicker. The bias on all my amps with 6L6 is never above 40ma at idle. That said, I've had newer-production 6L6GC's draw more current than my old 6L6's, so the bias will need to be checked. Ideal for guitarists seeking a blend of clarity and warmth, the 6L6 fits a wide range of musical styles, making it a versatile choice for many. Photo courtesy of Tim Mullally of Dave's Guitar Shop. 5881 will handle 460 on the plates. Now the important differences between the 6L6GC tube and the 5881 tube is plate voltages and power dissipation. Some amplifiers that use a 6L6GC can also use the 6P3S-E, but the operating conditions need to be verified first. Jun 1, 2010 · Also in theory, 6L6G's and 6L6GC's have identical characteristics (power-handling capability aside), so the original bias level should sound as good with either one, even though it's way below 70% when 6L6GC's are installed. The Tung Sol 6L6GC-STR starts to change character at this point. Apr 28, 2016 · 5881's are actually a lower powered tube than a 6L6GC. vdzk qokyht uezpt mjfai tzdl pook ery jwutz icthfy bzc