Anyone running 6v6's instead of 6L6 in single rec?

[Pig Muffin]

I have been looking at the different tubes and read that if I am not cranking the **** out of this amp then the 6v6 could be an alternative. I mean, where we practice I can only run my 50 watt head at like 3 on the output and 4.5 on master volume, and it is loud. Could I run 6v6, turn the master up a little more? I am learning so I am not sure how crucial it is to position that master opposed to output but I don’t feel I am working the tubes enough because I can’t turn it up much.

Basically – what will run 6v6’s do or not do

And

What is the master volume level to output level ratio supposed to be?

thank you all.

 

[b0nkersx]

Do you play metal? I don't think 6v6s would do anything good for you in that case. Rectifiers love power amp headroom for high gain. Also, turning up the master won't get you much more sweat out of the power tubes - turning up the output knob will.

Either way, don't worry too much about where the master volume is relative to output. If it sounds good and is loud enough, leave it be. Most people leave their master around noon or less and use the output to change overall volume.

 

[halfdriven]

I ran 6v6's in my Dual and it did exactly what you are looking for, lowered the wattage so I would get more gain at a lower volume. Be sure to have the bias checked if you go this route. There was also a guy on here some time back that put them in his single rec right before he sold it. I'll try to find the post for you.

 

[kick6]

Was there any change in tone or just a change in volume?

 

[94Tremoverb]

It's difficult to do this safely with a Single Recto, because the plate voltage is too high for 6V6s really. It's easy with a Dual because you can set it to Spongy. If you must try it, of all the current tubes you should use JJs, they will take more voltage than the others.

Set the bias for EL34s. Also remember that there will be an impedance mismatch - they need to see double the load of 6L6s or EL34s, so plug an 8-ohm cab into the 4-ohm jack. If you don't, the tubes will wear fast and may fail from screen overload (the most common cause anyway, but worse when overloaded).

It will change the tone too - making it softer and flubbier, and losing bass punch and top-end cut - whether or not that is a good thing depends on what you want. If you're happy with the tone but just want less volume, stop worrying about the knob positions and turn it down a bit . There's no reason you have to run an amp up loud if it sounds good quieter.

 

[halfdriven]

94Tremoverb made some very good suggestions. although mine is a dual and I didnt loose any bass, was actually really punchy. But then again I had a tech install and bias them and like he said, Its probably easier with a dual. Crazy amount of knowledge on this forum thanks to guys like 94Tremoverb

 

[Pig Muffin]

It's difficult to do this safely with a Single Recto, because the plate voltage is too high for 6V6s really. It's easy with a Dual because you can set it to Spongy. If you must try it, of all the current tubes you should use JJs, they will take more voltage than the others.

Set the bias for EL34s. Also remember that there will be an impedance mismatch - they need to see double the load of 6L6s or EL34s, so plug an 8-ohm cab into the 4-ohm jack. If you don't, the tubes will wear fast and may fail from screen overload (the most common cause anyway, but worse when overloaded).

It will change the tone too - making it softer and flubbier, and losing bass punch and top-end cut - whether or not that is a good thing depends on what you want. If you're happy with the tone but just want less volume, stop worrying about the knob positions and turn it down a bit . There's no reason you have to run an amp up loud if it sounds good quieter.

This explains everything, I will stick with 6L6's and just turn down. thank you for the nicely laid out explanation, and the time to go over it for me.