6L6GC RCA Black Plates Double Side D Getter – Matched Pair – Amplitrex Tested – Made in USA 1961

6L6GC RCA Black Plates Double Side D Getter – Matched Pair – AMPLITREX Tested – Made in USA 1961 – VERY STRONG Test

The two valves have an identical RCA construction (black plates with double side D getter) and are electrically coupled.

There is a slight difference in the shape of the lower mica, a construction variation sometimes found in RCA production from the early 1960s, which does not affect performance or reliability.

Description:

This matched pair of RCA 6L6GCs , produced in the USA in 1961 , represents one of the most solid and appreciated versions of the famous American 6L6 family.

The construction with black plates and double-sided D getters is typical of RCA production in the early 1960s, a period in which the American company achieved one of its highest levels of construction quality and electrical stability. Black plates are particularly sought after by enthusiasts for their ability to deliver a rich, natural, and fully musical sound.

The tubes have been tested and selected in our laboratory on AMPLITREX AT-1000 , with VERY STRONG result, very high emission indication and stable electrical behavior.

The Matched Pair configuration ensures good operational consistency between the two units, making the pair ideal for hi-fi amplifiers and quality music applications.

Sound Characteristics

Bass: Deep and well-structured. The low end is solid and authoritative, with excellent control and a good ability to sustain the rhythm without being intrusive.

Mids: Warm, full, and very natural. Vocals emerge with presence and realism, while acoustic instruments and piano display a rich and believable harmonic texture.

Highs: Sweet and refined. The highs are well-extended yet controlled, with a fine grain that favors long, non-fatiguing listening sessions.

Dynamics: Smooth and progressive. Transient response is natural and musical, with good microdynamics and a very balanced overall performance.

Soundstage: Wide and stable soundstage, with good depth and natural separation of instruments.

🎧 Use in Push-Pull Stereo Hi-Fi Amplifiers

These RCA 6L6GC are ideal for amplifiers designed for:

• 6L6GC
• 6L6GB
• 5881
• other compatible variants of the 6L6 family

They are particularly appreciated in hi-fi systems where the following are sought:

• timbre balance
• natural musicality
• great coherence in the midrange

The Matched Pair configuration contributes to stable and consistent performance between channels.

🎸 Use in Music Applications

Also highly prized in vintage and boutique guitar amplifiers , where RCA black plates are known for:

• harmonious richness
• full and musical mids
• progressive dynamic response

Qualities that contribute to a warm, defined and authentically vintage sound.

🎯 Note for audiophiles and technicians

• RCA Production – Made in USA
• Year: 1961
• Black Plates
• Double Side D Getter
• Matched Pair
• AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tested
• Test VERY STRONG

A pair representative of the great RCA tradition in the production of power tubes, capable of offering reliability, musicality and the authentic sonic character of the best American 6L6GCs of the golden years .

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Test Results:

Tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube tester:
Test Conditions: Va = 350; Vg2 = 250; Vg = -18V
Average 100% Gm = 5.2 ; Ia = 54.0 mA
TEST RESULT: VERY STRONG

Valve 1: Gm = 4.92 ; Ia = 48.8 mA
Valve 2: Gm = 4.57 ; Ia = 44.0 mA

• Microphonics: Standard. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers.
• Output Quality: Excellent – ​​Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
• Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

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Conditions:

• Condition: Vintage tubes - Tested and in perfect working order. Shipped in our custom box for optimal protection.
  
• Functionality: Fully functional.
  
• Aesthetic condition: Fair – Writing almost completely faded. See photos for details.
  

Manufacturing Code:

• 61-04 274 → RMA/EIA Open Date Code → Manufactured 4th week of 1961 - 274 → Radio Corporation of America, Camden, NJ
• 61-39 274 → RMA/EIA Open Date Code → Manufactured 39th week of 1961 - 274 → Radio Corporation of America, Camden, NJ

Find out why our valves are different →