Can KT66 replace 6L6?

One thing worth noting is that many folks consider the KT66 tube to be a substitute for the 6L6 tube types. Although this is acceptable in some circuits they are not direct substitutes. The 6L6 tube type has a heater filament that draws approximately 0.9A of current. The KT66 draws about 50% more current, 1.3A.

Which amps use KT66 tubes?

Very well known amps were designed with KT66 tube. For example, legendary LEAK Quad II and Heath W5M use KT66 tube in Williamson circuit. And of course, the Marshall JTM45 and its derivative models 1961 and 1962 used the KT66 tubes.

Are KT66 and EL34 interchangeable?

These are real meaty sounding and as close to blending a 6L6GC with an EL34 as you can get. The JJ KT66 can be used in a variety of amps that use 6L6’s if there is room! In amps that are made to use both 6L6’s and EL34’s the JJ 6550’s are almost universally usable.

What are 6L6 tubes?

6L6 is the designator for a beam power tube introduced by Radio Corporation of America in April 1936 and marketed for application as a power amplifier for audio frequencies. In the 21st century, variants of the 6L6 are manufactured and used in some high fidelity audio amplifiers and musical instrument amplifiers.

What tubes can replace 6L6?

5581 tubes, for example, usually have a lower plate voltage tolerance than 6L6 tubes. In many cases, 6L6s can be safely substituted for 5881s, but not vice versa. In a few cases, where the plate voltage tolerance is high enough, 5881s can be used in amps designed for 6L6s.

What amps use 6L6 tubes?

In guitar amps, the 6L6 was most often used in high-powered amps such as the Fender Twin Reverb, Fender Dual Showman and others that deliver loud, glassy clean tones. The first Marshall amps, JTM-45 head and Bluesbreaker combo, also used 6L6 power tubes.

Can I use any 6L6 tube?

You can swap various 6L6 tubes between different types of the same style. Keep in mind that you cannot replace 6L6 tubes for 6v6 tubes, for example, but instead can exchange diverse brands of the same type of tube.

What kind of amps use the KT66 tube?

Very well known amps were designed with KT66 tube. For example, legendary LEAK Quad II and Heath W5M use KT66 tube in Williamson circuit. And of course, the Marshall JTM45 and its derivative models 1961 and 1962 used the KT66 tubes. These Marshall KT66 tube amps are called the Bluesbreaker and known for their round bell-like tone.

Are there any issues with the Sovtek KT66?

Biasing and current draw are not issues, just the same as any 6L6GC. The sound of the Sovtek KT66 is great and usable for any application. If your amp has “bear trap” tube retainers they will have to go because of the size of the tube’s base but also the bear trap clamp will ground the metal base to the chassis and cause a malfunction.

Is the KT66 tube similar to the GE 6550?

The construction reminds me of a GE 6550, including the metal base ring. JJ chose not to follow other KT66 makers by ignoring any physical resemblance to the original British tubes. This is actually a good thing in many respects. The bottle on this tube is 6550 diameter and height.

Why is my tungsol KT66 tube not working?

If your amp has “bear trap” tube retainers they will have to go because of the size of the tube’s base but also the bear trap clamp will ground the metal base to the chassis and cause a malfunction. Tungsol KT66 – Not your average KT66.