TC 50 Question/Advice on 6v6 Tubes

[jchapegs]

I have a TC 50 combo. I'd like to push the amp a little more but keep volume relatively low. I rarely put the output above 10:00. My two options are replace the EL34s with 6V6s or get a TC 100 head for the attenuation. Opinions? If I get 6V6s, is there a better option than the Mesa 6V6S STR 417?

I prefer a warm/fat tone. I play a Les Paul and a 335.

JC

 

[jnoel64]

I actually prefer 6V6s in my TC50. I currently have a set of Russian NOS military tubes in the power section. But in a different amp, I installed a pair of TAD 6V6s. I would definitely check those out. Once my NOS tubes go, that's what I'm putting in my TC50. Those redbase series of tubes are pretty good!

 

[bandit2013]

Mesa at one point in time had two 6V6 tubes. The one's I prefer are the 6V6GTA which are probably Russian tubes. The 6V6s is made by JJ tubes. When I decided to try the 6V6 I got the 6V6GTA as they did not have the others at the time. Those sound really good. The JJ version is just ok.

They also have different part numbers or bar code numbers. I took a picture of the boxes. The 6V6GTA is on the left.

The California Tweed came with the 6V6s tubes. Not bad, but after trying the quad in the TC100 it was not very rewarding, rather muddy. When I put them back into the CT, I found the tubes started to rattle and it was very annoying. I bought a quad of the 6V6GTA tubes for the CT and all is good.

Nice to hear the TAD has an option. Perhaps I will try those next when I have to replace the current one's.

Also, a huge ++ on the TC50 with the 6V6 tubes. If your amp still is under warranty, try to get the 6V6GTA tubes if you can. I sort of wonder if they were new or current production or NOS tubes like the =C= types. The GTA version is 750611D. They will have Matched to STR417 printed on them. Not sure where they came from.

This place has some.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acc...-duet/l86030000000000?rNtt=6v6 tubes&index=10

What makes them different in appearance, the getter cup is on the bottom near the row of pins. Getter flash is on the top. There is no structure above the top mica spacer except for a curved cooling fin.