From tremolu–(at)–ol.com Fri Aug 5 09:54:07 CDT 1994
Article: 25250 of rec.music.makers.guitar
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From: tremolu–(at)–ol.com (Tremolux)
Newsgroups: rec.music.makers.guitar
Subject: Re: Best source for 6v6 tubes?
Date: 5 Aug 1994 02:39:05 -0400
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In general, the Russian “Sovtek” brand tubes are decent. As I’m sure you
know, those Fender amps ran the 6V6s at a plate voltage of 420 -425 volts.
The maximum rating on a 6V6 is 360 volts. They got away with
overvoltaging them because the tubes they used were great. Nothing
compares with the old American tubes. This was a particularly sensitive
point when you really cranked it up and the tube was driven to saturation.
In this mode, the peak plate voltage on the tube is double the normal DC
voltage, which in this example would be about 840 volts.

Now pick up two 6V6s, one American, the other Russian, and look inside at
the guts. You’ll notice that the American tube has larger diameter grid
support rods and the element spacing is slightly greater.

The Russian 6V6 sounds fine although some can be fairly microphonic (I had
one in my reissue reverb that I had to throw out). The American tube is
simply constructed more ruggedly and it can tolerate more abuse. I simply
don’t believe that the Sovtek would be reliable when exposed to such an
overvoltage condition and in the high vibration environment of an amp.
I’ve spoken with other repair guys who claim they short out when put in a
Fender and the amp is run full tilt.

American 6V6s can still be found for about $15 each, they’re well worth
it.

You really can’t compare the life span of a 6V6 in a Fender to a 6L6 or
EL-34 used in other amps, it’s like “apples and oranges”. Too many
variables such as whose 6L6 or EL-34, bias settings, voltages, etc…..

Regards.