SFW
Well-known member
What are the tonal differences between these two tubes? Are they direct replacements or is there extra stuff that needs to go under the hood to run KT66s?
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
glpg80
Well-known member
6l6 is a beam powered tetrode, KT-66 is a kinkless tetrode which is simillar to a pentode type design that the EL34 uses.
basically its one half same as the other - just different manufacturing processes and different ways of getting electrons to flow from the cathodes to the anodes.
basically its one half same as the other - just different manufacturing processes and different ways of getting electrons to flow from the cathodes to the anodes.
TX6Strings
Well-known member
"KT66 can handle more power and has a distinctly different tone than 6L6. In audio application, KT66 are more smoother sounding than bright and punchy 6L6. In a guitar amp, KT66 gives more agressive voicing as demonstrated by Marshall JTM45 Bluesbreaker.
KT66 has higher filament requirements than a 6L6, so it is not a direct replacement always."
From: http://www.boiaudioworks.com/6L6_Guide.htm
KT66 has higher filament requirements than a 6L6, so it is not a direct replacement always."
From: http://www.boiaudioworks.com/6L6_Guide.htm
jhale667
New member
When my Mesa MK III was rack-mounted, I tried KT66sw/EL34s and it sounded amazing - would agree with the "brighter, punchier" description. Then when I put the head back into a small-chassis wood shell, the KT66s won't fit anymore... 
I actually preferred the sound, though...
I actually preferred the sound, though...
RJF
Active member
I'll post my opinions on the 66's in a few days. I'm putting a pair of KT 66's and pair of KT88's in my Mesa Dual Rectifier. I have 6L6's in the amp now for comparison.
Mudder
Active member
One thing I noticed about the KT66 is it seems to be a well balanced tube. Some 6l6 seem to spike at particular frequencies, the KT66 doesn't do that, and the whole thing seems smooth, some would say creamy (that depends entirely on what you're playing....) but not bass heavy, just thick.
Johnny LaRue
New member
My Budda has kt66's in it and I concur with the above statements.
Sixtonoize
New member
glpg80":2xte37aq said:
A "beam tetrode" and a "kinkless tetrode" are the same thing.
"Kinkless" refers to the lack of a kink in the Voltage vs. Current curve characteristics of the tube (which exist in true tetrodes).
The Beam tetrode was developed as a way to get pentode-like characteristics without the need for a suppressor grid (as used in an EL34) because the patent for the suppressor grid was owned by Phillips.
glpg80
Well-known member
Sixtonoize":3ixbe96n said:
read the last half of my post... but thank you for the explanation
