What do 6V6 tubes sound like?

Sonically, the 6V6 sounds warm but gritty – it does a gnarly overdrive without any strident highs. The 6L6 on the other hand is the all-tube sound that is smooth – think melted chocolate.

Do power tubes affect sound?

It has no effect on the sound. This phenomenon only happens in a tube with better-than-average vacuum (pure). Therefore, the tube is actually a better-quality tube!

Can you use 6V6 in place of 6L6?

A: The answer depends on the specific amp you’re using. A few — but definitely not all — 6V6 amps can handle 6L6 or even EL-34 power tubes. While you may gain some headroom, the tone of the amp may also change. For example, the bass may become tighter with 6L6s, but you will lose the chime of the 6V6s.

What tubes are interchangeable with 6V6?

The 6L6 and 6V6 share the same pinout and are compatible in equipment specifically designed to use either one. The 6L6 may be used in most 6V6 audio applications if the heater supply will handle the increased current. In a single ended amp designed conservatively for the 6V6 a 6L6 probably will work fine.

What kind of sound does a 6V6 tube make?

To go on about the subtle tone variation would frankly be a waste of time. They have the classic 6V6 sound. Plenty of smooth creamy overdrive. You won’t get better tone and reliability from anything else on the market.

What kind of AMP is a 6V6 valve?

When we talk about 6v6 amps, we’re actually talking about the 6v6 valve tubes. Besides 6v6 tubes, another hugely popular type of output tubes commonly found in tube guitar amps is EL-84 power tubes. Comparing 6v6 tubes with EL-84 tubes, some general observations can be made:

Can you replace 6L6 tubes with 6V6s?

So in amps like Fender Princeton that run on 6V6, replacing the tube with 6L6s will almost always lead to overheating the power transformer and burnout issues. Similarly, doing it the other way around – swapping 6L6 tubes with 6V6 tubes – can lead to fast burnout.

Can a Russian 6V6 tube work in a US AMP?

Unfortunately, the modern made Russian and Chinese versions of the 6V6 often cannot handle the high plate voltages some of these amps use, and they self destruct in a bright laser light show. Only the USA made vintage 6V6 tubes will do. Any of the 6V6 USA made tubes I list here should work fine in any amp calling for 6V6 or 7408 outputs.