Tubes: Whats the Next Best compared to SED Winged C's?

[BrownieD2W]

Hey guys,

I have posted a few topics in recent months regarding tubes, knowing mine were about to kick the bucket and sure enough they did today.

I want to get back up and running ASAP, and was kind of wondering, since most of you guys seem to really like the SED Winged C Tubes, if those are a bit pricy at the moment, whats the next best brand to go with?

Clicking through a few posts it seems like people tend to go with Tung-Sol or JJ, although I keep noticing the JJ's reliability and longevity get brought in to question a lot.

Anyway, whats the next best brand to go with after the SED Winged C's?

 

[Chester]

I've used JJs' before switching to WC's with no "unusual"reliability issues. Buy from reputable sources who test extensively, and you should be fine

Not sure what sources Mesa are using now, but I read somewhere they are back with JJs - if so, it may be worth buying them for the Mesa guarantee

 

[Neptical]

In my opinion, I think it's good to just spend the few extra bucks right off the bat to get the best [ Winged =C=..or sets of NOS]. You won't be changing them out anytime soon, so in the long run you'll be saving. I'm not into JJs,Groove Tubes, EH ( although their 12AX7's are real nice).

 

[domct203]

Not sure what sources Mesa are using now, but I read somewhere they are back with JJs - if so, it may be worth buying them for the Mesa guarantee

Mesa is currently using JJ's for preamp tubes only. The STR-440 6L6GC is a Chinese (Shuguang) tube distributed by Ruby.

FWIW- I think the STR-440 is a very good tube, both in construction and tone, and seem to compare well to the SED =C=.

For me my order of preference for 6L6GC's is:
1- SED =C= 6L6GC
2- Mesa STR-440 6L6GC
3- JJ 6L6GC

Dom

 

[rabies]

JJ E34L (eurotubes)

those have sounded totally badass in marshalls, rivera, mesas, etc.

lots of balls and mid-crunch/grind, very reliable and relatively cheap