[Dynasty62]

Would anyone have any company preferences for 6V6/6V6G/6V6GT or equivalent class tubes and 5Y3/5Y3G/5Y3GT rectifier tubes? I'd be looking for a tube with good instrument separation and warm, liquid-like midrange, mainly for classical, guitar, and female vocals.
 
Thanks!

 

[Spareribs]

I was happy with a Ken Rad 6V6 and a Sylvania 5Y3. IMO, you can't go wrong with any of those brands. Raytheon should be great too as usual.

 

[Skylab]

My favorite 6V6 is the Sylvania 6V6G/VT-107.  I use those in my Decware mini-Torii.  For 5Y3, again I like the Sylvania 5Y3G.

 

[Dynasty62]

Thanks Spareribs and Skylab! I'll keep an eye out for those tubes.

 

[Dynasty62]

Just scored a set of Sylvania brand 5Y3 rectifiers as well as a set of GE brand 6V6GTA tubes. I've read that Sylvania 6V6s and GE 6V6GTAs sound pretty similar and are well regarded.
 
Just out of curiosity, is there an audible difference when swapping different rectifier tubes?

 

[Spareribs]

Quote:

 
Just out of curiosity, is there an audible difference when swapping different rectifier tubes?

I've read in a guitar forum that the modern version of the 5y3 tube is not actually a 5y3 tube and that the sonic results will be better with a vintage one. I can't confirm this since I do not own any modern 5y3 tubes.
 
I will say that I liked the warmer sound of a vintage 5u4G rectifier tube better than a modern Chinese version.
 
That being said, I am not anti modern production tubes because I have had great results with new tubes made recently. Your best bet is to do A/B comparisons and see what you like.