A matched quad set that hails from 1946. This is a fine surviving quad set of boxed tubes. At this point, just post war, RCA reached the peak of their quality. Audiophiles for a long time have known the early ST bottled version -- the 6L6G original -- is the one to own for HiFi, if you don't need high power. For high end SE or PP circuits driving efficient speakers -- these are best.
The construction of these just post war tubes more resembles RCA's beautiful 1930's prewar quality. In fact, they are very much like the later Cunninghams, with the early silver print ... and super brilliant side lower flashing -- with 1940s style enhancements like -- 2 bottom D getters, and tall, dark, chalky black plates, inside huge ST shoulderd bottles -- and the further refined 1940's style of Smoked (a longevity and performance treatment they stopped doing in the early 1950s) glass (Not much changed during the late 1930s till end of war quality wise.).
These are amongst the earliest versions of the 6L6 tube ST shape glass. By this time, the 6L6 pentode was beginning to overtake the 2A3 in use amongst power ouput stages in audio. These were first seen in the late 1930's and with most audio advancements did not make it into HiFi until after WWII in the mid 1940s. The full size 6L6G is one of the best sounding tubes ever. Better in fact for detailed audio than most all later 6L6's produced in USA. During the 1940's usage of the 6L6G grew rapidly, as it proved useful supplying new higher wattage HiFi speakers with exceptional clean sound. Excellent in use for Single Ended and Push Pull, and can even be used as a triode -- the 6L6 is one of the most versatile power output audio tubes you could own.
Hopefully your pentode amp calls for the original 6L6 -- in which case, buy these ... you're in for a treat. The 6L6 was a great pentode and had a unprecedented lifespan in audio --radically redesigned in the 1950s as the "GC" and inspiring countless cold war spin-off tubes like the 5881, 6550, 7027 and 8417 -- high power 6L6GC's are very much different beasts. While it's true later RCA "black plate" 6L6GC tubes are backwards compatible -- they don't sound so nice as the near legendary "smoked glass" Gs. The G stands for glass, and is the first generation ... later came the GB and GC, and others like WGB.
These tubes are the original that started it all, giving even legendary triodes the run of their life -- these early Gs are the real McCoy. Not designed to take the horrendous, ear splitting punishent of the later higher powered tubes. Make sure you're amp can run regular 6L6 pentodes -- then these are your most lovely of choices.
During the late 1930's, just before WWII, most tubes were refined, and structurally made much stronger and rugged internally.
RCA by the 1940s had the glass 6L6G down pat. The smoked grey glass was a very refined tube -- top of it's class in this era .. of all RCA tubes this is one of the best. The ones to buy if you want the best sound, and amazing reliability.
They are in brilliant condition. Originally sourced from an audio matching lab in the 1940s (hence the "lab matched" stickers", and the ink marked center pins. Destined for a pair of monoblock amps at an early audio store on Radio Row (NYC) of the late 1940s ... never used, instead stored for 50 years in their original boxes as spares. They also have perfectly matched codes, from 1946. All are (4) ST bottles feature the etched 6L6G letters (see exhibit D) ... and the very early RCA logo, in silver ink. The beautiful black oxide plates are 38mm tall, all (4) tubes have gorgeous tight bases. These tubes are NEAR NEW with VERY LOW HOURS. The plates are matched incredibly well as you'd expect. Mutual conductance is also very close. For easy reference see Exhibit B & C for full test reports and a FULL LOAD EMISSIONS test -- All (4) read 115% of NEW (see exhibit B & C) (minimum = 70).
An ideal set to add to your collection. Use them to upgrade your PP or SE pentode amp (or strap them as Triodes!). You can't do better than original US built tubes from this era.
The original boxes are very pretty. A little worn at edges. To be expected of original boxes, they are almost 70 years old. (also have original packing inserts) -- Documents shown in Exhibit A - G are included.
Tested in multiple lab calibrated tube checkers... and were played with audio frequency and found to be excellent sounding and very QUIET. You'll love these tubes, they appear to be new or very low hours. Guaranteed safe arrival and NO DOA.
If you love the beautiful tone and midrange detail genuine 6l6G originals can give you - it's worth seeking out these very old RCA versions...they bring a magical focus and sweetness -- not unlike some of the best large triodes in the world can do ... like the RE604 and various versions of the 300B (these are the Pentodes to own if you love the sound of big triodes 45s, 2A3's, 6B4G's etc ) -. The difference is nice 6L6's like these -- while getting hard to find, cost far less and make more practical power than the old triodes...6L6's are also a quiter tube, and of stronger build.
All (4) -- No shorts, perfect, NO DOA guaranteed. They are beautiful construction, with dual lower D getters, etched letters (perfect), matched date codes, and thick, shiny flashing (an darker, still chrome like finish (see Exhibit D,E).
This beautiful matched QUAD will sell very quickly. It's the nicest set you'll see anywhere.
See our 100% feedback, to be assured SAFE PACKING & DELIVERY. These are likely the best RCA 6L6Gs you'll see for a very, very long time. Tests are strong like new, still in boxes .. and most throughly fussed over andinspected. Nicest you'll see anywhere. -- They will be TRIPLE BOXED for SAFE OVERSEAS shipment in strong 275lb triwall cartons. Please read our 100%, 5 star feedback. All happy customers.
Please study photos below. SAFE PURCHASE, 100% - *** Domestic or OVERSEAS OK. FAST SHIPPING, WILL DISPATCH IMMEDIATELY after PAYMENT -- OVERSEAS OK, FULL TRACKING number via email after shipment.
