6L6GC vs 6V6
6L6GC versus 6V6GT — two tetrodes compared.
6L6GC vs 6V6: which one to choose?
The 6L6GC and 6V6 share a family but trade gain for headroom: 6V6 has the higher amplification factor (μ ≈ —), making it the typical choice for high-gain preamp stages. 6L6GC runs lower μ (—) and is the standard cathode follower / phase-splitter / line-stage triode. They share the same envelope and base — wire them in the same socket and only the operating point changes.
Side-by-side specifications
| Spec | 6L6GC | 6V6 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | 6L6GC | 6V6GT |
| Type | Tetrode | Tetrode |
| Primary use | Power (PP) | Power (SE/PP) |
| Era | 1958 | 1937 |
| Heating | indirect | indirect |
| Heater voltage | 6.3 V | 6.3 V |
| Heater current | 0.9 A | 0.45 A |
| Amplification factor (μ) | — | — |
| Transconductance (gm) | 6 mA/V | 4.1 mA/V |
| Plate resistance (rp) | — | — |
| Max plate voltage | 500 V | 350 V |
| Max plate dissipation | 30 W | 12 W |
| Base | octal | octal |
| Manufacturer | GE·Sylvania·RCA | RCA·Sylvania |
| Rarity | Common | Common |
Sonic character
Need an interactive deep dive?
The Amperatubes comparator visualises loadlines for both tubes side-by-side, simulates the SPICE response, and lets you adjust the operating point in real time.
Open 6L6GC vs 6V6 in the interactive comparator →