6V6GT, CV511, BEAM POWER TETRODE, OCTAL

The 6V6 is an Octal based beam-power tetrode that is similar to the larger 6L6. The 6V6' strength over the 6L6 was its lower input sensitivity and lower heater current demand. Although the 6V6 generated a lower power output but in push pull, for car radios and domestic radios it became the valve of choice to replace power pentodes.

In an audio output stage, a single 6V6 can be used to produce about 3W (continuous), and a push-pull pair about 10-12W. The 6V6 was introduced with both metal and shouldered glass envelopes. RCA was promoting the superiority of its metal tube designs in the second half of the 1930s and the metal variant was produced in huge quantities. Other manufacturers preferred the glass envelope presentation either as the 6V6GT, the 6V6GTA with controlled heater start up or the 6V6GTG with glass base rather than the more usual pinch stem seal.

6V6 valves are renowned for their longevity and perform reliably even when run beyond their maximal performance envelope. Because of this, the 6V6 became popular in musical instrument amplifiers and Chinese, Slovakian and Russian valve manufacturers keep the 6V6 in production. However, the best devices of type are the vintage beauties.

In the Soviet Union a version of the 6V6GT was produced since the late 1940s which appears to be a close copy of the 1940s Sylvania-issue 6V6GT and once USSR had adopted its own system of valve designation, the valve was thence labelled 6P6S (6П6С in Cyrillic).

The 6V6 was first marketed by the Radio Corporation of America, RCA, United States during 1937.