Some 6L6 options

Keefy

I am planning another amp build, this time a bass head 'inspired by' (ahem) the Ampeg B15. I'm sorting out my bill of materials and have come to valves. I already have a GZ34 rectifier, and I think I will go with some Langrex-badged NOS russki 6SL7s for the pre-amp. For power tubes I would generally go for JJs for reliability, but this will not be a gigging amp. I am considering one or other of these Shuguangs, this coke-bottle and this one.

I know ICBM often recommends Shuguang for 12AX7s, but does anyone have experience of using either of these in their amps? TIA.

ecc83

Bump

Keefy

ecc83 said:

Bump

Thanks!

I'm sorted for the 6SL7s now, scored a couple of Sylvanias on eBay

ICBM

I used to like those coke-bottle 6L6s in Marshall JTM45s and Bluesbreakers, before proper(ish) KT66s were available again - they're softer-sounding and not too unreliable at 30-40W from a pair, although still not the most robust of valves. Hopeless in something like a Fender Twin though! But I can't see them being a problem in something like a B15, even run in rear-Class A. Of the two I'd go for these.

The straight-bottle ones are just a good modern 6L6, often rebadged. Neutral-sounding and pretty reliable.

Keefy

ICBM said:

I used to like those coke-bottle 6L6s in Marshall JTM45s and Bluesbreakers, before proper(ish) KT66s were available again - they're softer-sounding and not too unreliable at 30-40W from a pair, although still not the most robust of valves. Hopeless in something like a Fender Twin though! But I can't see them being a problem in something like a B15, even run in rear-Class A. Of the two I'd go for these.

The straight-bottle ones are just a good modern 6L6, often rebadged. Neutral-sounding and pretty reliable.

Thanks! Fwiw I am planning to follow the Heritage B15 in having both cathode bias (25W) and grid bias (30W) selectable by a switch.

Keefy

I ordered the coke bottle Shuguangs.

For anyone interested, I have started a build blog over on Basschat - it is a bass amp after all!

normula1

Will this do for your IEC ?
https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/ac-chassisjack-iec-style-with-mounting-specs-of-the-orig.-bulgin-pig-nose-connectors

Keefy

normula1 said:

Will this do for your IEC ?
https://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/ac-chassisjack-iec-style-with-mounting-specs-of-the-orig.-bulgin-pig-nose-connectors

It might have done but I’ve already ordered a PowerCon inlet and cable. I’m full steam ahead on this one!