Power tubes for VH4

Metal2112

New member
Hello there. I need to get new power tubes for my VH4 and I was thinking about switching to 6L6s or 5881s.
My amp has a bias switch for EL34 or 6L6 and have been using El34s. What are the best 6L6 options for this amp?
Also would 5881s work on the 6L6 bias? I had read that they are essentially the same. Thanks.
 
I'm one of the odd ones who actually prefers
6L6 types in the VH4.
Of course EL34s give you a more classic Marshall crunch ... but that's not what I'm after usually.

You can use a 5881 as long as it can handle the plate voltage (460-470v)
Just put the switch in the 6L6 position.

Actually spent a few hours today rolling different tubes I hadn't tried before in the VH4,
Here's a run down of my thoughts on the 6L6's.

Sovtek 6L6 wxt+ - great tube, musical, don't let the low price scare you.
Nice cleans.
Slightly compressed crunch. A little compact sounding when pushed.
( some will like this)

Tung Sol 7581A - I had high hopes for this tube. Was disappointed.
Almost solid state like response, no give , very clear and linear.
No character. Hifi guys after detail must love this tube.

The Tung Sol 6L6 GC-STR.
very musical tube , nice crunch, quite open sounding
Clear but not hard or harsh.
They're in the amp now, I think my new favourite.

My standby for 10 years has been the JJ 6L6 , time will tell, but I think
I like the tung sol better ,
For the last couple of years the JJ 6L6's I've got seem more undefined then before.
Maybe they changed them ... or maybe my tastes changed?
 
I would go with KT77's. That is the current stock Diezel tube. I had Ruby 6L6's in mine and wasn't a fan. It's also not as simple as just changing that switch back and forth, you actually have to bias the amp for any new set of tubes, regardless of model.
 
Mine has 6L6 in it (bought this Amp new with these Tubes) and i am going to change them to KT77.
Not that not like 6L6 but i think that the KT77 are better in this Amp.
 
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