6L6 STR-415 vs STR-387

[Racerxrated]

Ok so I put some of those STR-387s into my amp and you know... I think the regular old JJ 6L6GCs sounded better. These Phillips tubes are looser and lack the forward mids of the JJs. Go figure.

I might try some RFT/Siemens EL34s. I've always preferred EL34 to 6L6.

Your results are far different from mine. The Sylvania's make everything tighter, more focused and more dynamic over new production tubes when I use them. I wish I liked a new tube more. I'd sell off my stash.

Me also...any 6L6 based amp seems to improve in every aspect over modern production tubes when I used Sylvanias.

 

[FourT6and2]

Meh, what can I say. It is what it is.

 

[Racerxrated]

I've also been told that the new production TAD 6L6 is very good..haven't tried them though.

 

[psychodave]

I've also been told that the new production TAD 6L6 is very good..haven't tried them though.

I have. They are nice. Have an extended bottom end with a smooth top end. Very pleasing to the ear with nice compression, but not sterile. They are expensive though.

 

[psychodave]

Meh, what can I say. It is what it is.

What mA did your tubes measure out to?

 

[FourT6and2]

Meh, what can I say. It is what it is.

What mA did your tubes measure out to?

My amp's bias is adjustable. I tried them everywhere from 25mA up to 42mA. Didn't notice a huge different to be honest. Colder bias was a TINY TINY bit tighter in the low end. Higher bias was a bit more saturated and gainy. But not by much. A simple tweak of the gain knob would do the same thing. I'm sure preamp tubes would have a larger affect on the amp's sound than power tubes though.

Amp has 460v on the plates. Manufacturer recommended 25mA, but I think that's rather cold so I ran it through the range.

 

[Racerxrated]

I've also been told that the new production TAD 6L6 is very good..haven't tried them though.

I have. They are nice. Have an extended bottom end with a smooth top end. Very pleasing to the ear with nice compression, but not sterile. They are expensive though.

Yeah, for about the same price I can usually find a used but strong Sylvania..

 

[SpiderWars]

The JJ 6L6GCs sort of have their own sound ime. Fat and forward mids with a bit of sizzle. I can see how someone might just like that sound with their particular rig. What sounds good in my old Fenders vs SLO vs 5150 seems to vary amp to amp.

 

[milin_im]

I don't want to hijack the thread but could you tell me what's the difference between green and blue labeled Mesa STR 415? I have a pair of both and I want to know if I can use them on my JP2C.

 

[psychodave]

Meh, what can I say. It is what it is.

What mA did your tubes measure out to?

My amp's bias is adjustable. I tried them everywhere from 25mA up to 42mA. Didn't notice a huge different to be honest. Colder bias was a TINY TINY bit tighter in the low end. Higher bias was a bit more saturated and gainy. But not by much. A simple tweak of the gain knob would do the same thing. I'm sure preamp tubes would have a larger affect on the amp's sound than power tubes though.

Amp has 460v on the plates. Manufacturer recommended 25mA, but I think that's rather cold so I ran it through the range.

Thanks for responding. Interesting results... either way, you found a tube you like which is a great thing.

 

[psychodave]

I don't want to hijack the thread but could you tell me what's the difference between green and blue labeled Mesa STR 415? I have a pair of both and I want to know if I can use them on my JP2C.

The two differences I've seen are halo getters and halo getters with foil covering the halo. One also has slightly thinner pins that go into the socket. Both are good though.

 

[milin_im]

I don't want to hijack the thread but could you tell me what's the difference between green and blue labeled Mesa STR 415? I have a pair of both and I want to know if I can use them on my JP2C.

The two differences I've seen are halo getters and halo getters with foil covering the halo. One also has slightly thinner pins that go into the socket. Both are good though.

Thanks psychodave!

 

[FourT6and2]

Just a follow up here...

I put the JJ 6L6GCs back in and the amp sounds much better with them vs the Sylvanias. The STR-387s were just more "vintage" sounding. Kinda chewy midrange, looser low-end, and harsh highs.

The JJs—and I'm the first to admit that I'm not a huge fan of JJ tubes in general—sound better. Tight low end with a faster attack, more aggresive throaty mid-range, and a high-end that's not as grating to the ears. This amp just sounds better with them.

I might try some EL34s down the line as well just for shits and giggles. But if anybody wants these Sylvanias, they are for sale.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

I hope u don't mind my reviving this really old thread but I ve just bought an 80s Peavey vtm 120 which came loaded with what I believe are Sylvania Str 387s. Could you help me identify these?

 

[Samhain]

I hope u don't mind my reviving this really old thread but I ve just bought an 80s Peavey vtm 120 which came loaded with what I believe are Sylvania Str 387s. Could you help me identify these?

Probably Phillips made in USA. I have several sets.
Same tube Mesa was using early 80's.
They are phenomenal.

 

[ultimatemetalguitartones]

Probably Phillips made in USA. I have several sets.
Same tube Mesa was using early 80's.
They are phenomenal.

Nice amp u got there buddy ! Thx for the info!

 

[IIBornotIIB]

I have. They are nice. Have an extended bottom end with a smooth top end. Very pleasing to the ear with nice compression, but not sterile. They are expensive though.

And, they are about the only current production tube capable of handling in excess of 500 PV, found in some DRG and KRG.