Thread: The Great Power Tube Debate

Hey, Bill.

Speaking of best power tubes ...... any comment on 6C33's?

Heard a pair of Quicksilver triodes that used 6C33C and boy did they sound awesome. Had all the SET triode glory but with balls to boot. Been toying with the idea of getting someone to build me up a pair.

Heard they also are excellent as OTL designs?


- Kerry

Originally Posted by Pneumonic

Hey, Bill.

Speaking of best power tubes ...... any comment on 6C33's?

Heard a pair of Quicksilver triodes that used 6C33C and boy did they sound awesome. Had all the SET triode glory but with balls to boot. Been toying with the idea of getting someone to build me up a pair.

Heard they also are excellent as OTL designs?


- Kerry

Never worked with 6C33's so I have no informed opinion. I remember a few old ham radio designs that used them as transmitting tubes but that's a different application.

My only caution would be to make sure the tube is still being made by someone. It would be a shame to find yourself unable to get replacements.

I'm suprised 6V6's haven't fared better in the poll. I love EL84's, but LOOOOVVVEEE 6V6's.

Hmmm, I voted 6V6; due to me liking the traditional Fender sound of 6 style tubes [6L6, 6V6], but wanting better tone at lower volumes. right now I am using 6L6's in my Fender Blues Deluxe.

Best tube is very subjective - depends on what tone you're going for. Personally, I like the "bloom" and chiminess of the EL84 best, followed by the EL34 as a good all around choice. 6V6's can sound very sweet when not pushed too hard, but tend to get quite stringy and harder edged when they are. 6L6's and their ilk have an airy, glassy quality to them in lower gain modes which is very pleasing. Vacuum tubes rock!!

They are all good if you ask me. In my opinion, the only ones that don't sound good are defective.

But, I voted for the 6L6 because that's what I'm using right now, some 5881s. I've got a reissue Tungsol 5881 in my 20 watt amp and I have a small stash of NOS GE and Tungsol 5881s.

The Tungsols have this great nasally sound. The GE are a bit smoother. The reissue Tungsol 5881 is somewhere between these two in terms of tone.

late to the party ... voted for 6V6 .... whether playin' thru a Deluxe Reverb, Z-28 or a Remedy .... I like 'em .... alot .... 'course I also like 6L6 and EL34 tube amps .... and okay, even some EL84 tube amps :smile:

Originally Posted by Pneumonic

Hey, Bill.

Speaking of best power tubes ...... any comment on 6C33's?

Heard a pair of Quicksilver triodes that used 6C33C and boy did they sound awesome. Had all the SET triode glory but with balls to boot. Been toying with the idea of getting someone to build me up a pair.

Heard they also are excellent as OTL designs?


- Kerry

These are a relatively low voltage high current tube. Plate voltage is typically 150 Volts at 400ma. Original used in MIG fighter radar systems. I don't believe they are still made, but there are tons of them out there. They run really hot