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6L6GC / KT66 / 5881 tubes
The most common types of 6L6 tubes and their European equivalents used today include:
6L6GC - The popular 6L6 beam-power pentode was introduced by RCA in 1936 and culminated in the development of the 6L6GC tube in the 1950s. The higher rated 6L6GC can be used in place of any of its predecessors, including the metal can 6L6, coke bottle 6L6G, compact 5881, and straight-sided 6L6GA and 6L6GB tubes. It can also be used interchangeably with its European rival, the KT66.
5881 - The 5881 was introduced by Tung-Sol in 1950. This consumer version of the military spec 6L6WGB tube featured higher plate and screen dissipation ratings and greater resistance to shock and vibration. The 5881 can be used to replace any 6L6 tube type except the 6L6GC, KT66, or 7581, which all have higher power ratings.
KT66 - The KT66 was introduced by Marconi-Osram 1937. KT66 tubes have large clear or gray glass coke bottle envelopes. The KT66 can be used interchangeably with its European competitor, the EL37, and its American rival, the 6L6GC.
Other tube types in the 6L6 family include: 6L6, 6L6G, VT-115A, 6L6Y, 6L6GA, 6L6GAY, 6L6WGA, 6L6GB, 6L6WGB, 1614, 1622, 5932, and 7581. The 7027A tube has similar power ratings but with a different pin-out. 6L6 tube types can vary greatly in size, so check the clearances in your chassis if you plan to sub one type for another.
Comparison of design maximum values for 6L6 tube types (pentode connection)
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5881 |
6L6GC |
KT66 |
| Max. Plate Dissipation |
23 Watts |
30 Watts |
30 Watts |
| Max. Plate Voltage |
400 Volts |
500 Volts |
500 Volts |
| Max. Screen Voltage |
400 Volts |
450 Volts |
500 Volts |
6L6 tube types in stock now
Scroll down to browse our current selection of vintage 6L6 tubes and burned in, tested, and precision matched new production 6L6 power tubes. Click "more info" for pricing, availability, and matching options.
The 1999 Svetlana 6L6GC tubes in this matched pair were made at the SPb factory in St. Petersburg, Russia. Tubes test as new and are matched for both current draw (47.6 & 50.0 mA) and Gm (90% & 95%).
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The 1953 RCA 6L6GC power tubes in this matched pair have have large "coke bottle" envelopes with gray glass and bottom getters. They are matched for current draw (54.8 & 58.4 mA) transconductance (5000 & 5400 Gm).
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The 1952 RCA 6L6GC power tubes in this matched pair have have large "coke bottle" envelopes with gray glass and bottom getters. They are matched for current draw (50.4 & 55.4 mA) transconductance (5000 & 5400 Gm).
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The 1945 Sylvania 6L6GA power tubes have large "coke bottle" envelopes with gray glass and bottom getters. Both tubes are matched for current draw (46.2 & 46 mA) and transconductance (4700 & 4800 Gm).
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The 1970 Tung-Sol 5881 power tubes in this matched pair are 6L6WGB type tubes. They have gray plates and top getters. The white print on the brown bases has the RCA label. They are matched both current draw (65.2 & 67.8 mA) and Gm (5400 & 5600) at 250V.
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TC Tubes specializes in precision testing and matching of vintage and new production vacuum tubes for guitar & bass players, audiophiles, and DIY tube audio enthusiasts. Our website features secure payment options and fast, convenient shipping around the world.
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