6C10 GE Compactron Triple Triode – Gray Plates – Halo Getter – Made in USA 1972
NOS NIB – AMPLITREX Tested – Low Noise & Microphonics – VERY STRONG
Description:
This 6C10 General Electric Compactron is an NOS NIB tube, new in its original GE “Communication / Compactron” box, manufactured in the USA in 1972.
The 6C10 is a Compactron triple triode, a particular and now rather sought-after tube, developed to integrate three independent triode sections within a single envelope. This compact solution makes it interesting for specific devices and circuits that expressly require a 6C10.
This GE version features internal construction with gray plates and halo getter, with an orderly structure, intact getter, and pins in good condition. The original box is present and shows normal signs of age consistent with long-term storage.
The silk screen on the glass is partially worn, as visible in the photos, but the tube is clearly identifiable and, most importantly, provided excellent electrical results when tested.
General Electric Made in USA production from the 1970s maintained solid and consistent build quality, particularly valuable in a Compactron tube like the 6C10, where three triode sections must coexist in an extremely compact space.
This tube was tested on an Amplitrex AT-1000 Tube Tester and achieved a VERY STRONG result, with three very solid and well-matched sections.
It was also selected as Low Noise & Microphonics, an important feature for use in compatible audio and musical circuits.
Sonic Characteristics
The 6C10, when used in compatible circuits, can offer a quick, articulate, and dynamic response, with a good ability to maintain clarity and control even in configurations where multiple gain stages are concentrated in a single tube.
The very strong electrical behavior of this specimen contributes to a stable, orderly, and well-defined output, with a sense of energy and precision consistent with the best applications of the Compactron family.
Bass
The bass response can be controlled and well-structured, with a good sense of stability in properly designed circuits.
Mids
Mids are the central point in compatible musical and preamplifier applications: the 6C10 can offer presence, articulation, and good definition, particularly useful in guitar circuits and dedicated gain stages.
Highs
The high range can be clear and orderly, without excess, with a good ability to maintain detail and signal readability in compatible circuits.
Dynamics
The VERY STRONG result on Amplitrex confirms a tube with solid emission and very efficient sections. The dynamic response is therefore prompt and stable, an important characteristic for musical and audio applications where the circuit requires a selected 6C10.
Soundstage
In compatible hi-fi or audio applications, a well-selected 6C10 can contribute to an orderly, stable, and coherent presentation, especially when quietness and low microphonics are important elements.
🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers
This GE 6C10 Compactron NOS NIB is suitable for audio equipment, preamplifiers, vintage circuits, and compatible projects that expressly require a 6C10 tube.
Given the particular nature of the 6C10, we always recommend verifying the electrical and circuit compatibility of the device before purchase.
🎸 Use in Musical Instrument Amplifiers
The 6C10 is also known for its use in some guitar amplifiers and compatible musical circuits. It has been used in some Fender applications and may also be present in some Ampeg guitar amps, depending on the specific model and schematic.
It is not a universally interchangeable tube with other common dual triodes: it should only be used where the circuit expressly calls for a 6C10 Compactron.
In compatible amplifiers, this GE NOS NIB can offer a dynamic, clear, and stable response, with a good electrical reserve thanks to the very strong values detected during testing.
🎯 Note for Audiophiles and Technicians
This 6C10 represents a particularly interesting selection: General Electric NOS NIB, Made in USA 1972 production, gray plates construction, halo getter, original box, and individual testing on an Amplitrex AT-1000.
The presence of three triode sections within the same envelope makes the 6C10 a technical and specific tube, which is increasingly uncommon in NOS NIB condition today. The VERY STRONG result and the Low Noise & Microphonics selection make it suitable for those looking for an original, tested 6C10 ready for compatible equipment.
The partially worn silk screen is purely cosmetic and documented in the photos; electrically, the tube provided excellent values.
Test Results:
Tube tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:
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Test Conditions: Va = 250V ; Vg = -2V
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Average 100%: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
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Test Result: VERY STRONG
Tube :
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Section 1: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.4 mA
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Section 2: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.3 mA
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Section 3: Gm = 1500 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
- Microphonics: Low. Tested and suitable for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers, even in V1.
- Balance: The sections are consistent and well-aligned, making the tube suitable for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrumental applications.
- Emission Quality: Excellent – Very strong and stable emission, without fluctuations.
- Shorts and GAS: Absent.
Condition:
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Condition: NOS - NIB - New Old Stock, New In Box - Tested and working - Supplied in Original box.
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Functionality: Perfectly operational.
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Cosmetic condition: Fair – Markings almost completely faded. See photos for details.
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Manufacturing Code: 75-39 188 → RMA/EIA Open Date Code → manufactured in the 39th week of 1975 - 188 → General Electric Company, Syracuse 1, N. Y.
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