Vintage RCA 6L6GC Black Plate Pair – Tested / Graded and Matched , Twice !

RCA 6L6GC Blackplate Matched Pair 50’s Era

Quality Grade: 1

Transconductance: 2.39/2.29

Plate Current: 23.2/22.7

LAVG ID: RCA6L6GCBPP7

Price: $284

This is the most sought after and classic 6L6  in history.  The RCA Blackplate 6L6 is the Holy Grail of American power tubes.  These tubes will make any guitar amp of Hi-Fi sound noticeably better and likely last longer than you do.  Considered the rarest and sweetest 6L6 ever made, these are almost non-existent and becoming harder and harder to find.  

Known for even, smooth, rich harmonics, clarity, and robust detail.  This is the lower output and lower plate voltage early 6L6 that works so well in tweed era guitar amps and are extra special in Hi-Fi app applications.  Being lower output, they compress elegantly and act extremely cooperative and friendly under finger.  In a Hi Fi application, they reduce the sharp edges and make all music just a little sweeter!  All 6L6’s from this era can add that extra “x factor” to make your vintage or modern amp sound correct!

The test data on this pair is outstanding. You can expect exceptional vintage tone and warmth, especially fantastic for a  Fender Tweed Twin or the modern reissues.  Not only are these tubes extremely rare, but finding a matched quartet is getting close to impossible today.  These may not all be labeled the same but they’re from the same production run and have the same specs.  

All tubes sold by LAVG have been tested, graded, and sorted using MaxiMatchers and Vintage tube testers.  These tubes all originate from an extremely large tube collection purchased from one of the largest collections in North America.  This may be one of the last large tube finds left in the country. 

If you have a vintage or modern amp that you’d like us to assemble a LAVG Vintage Tube Kit for you, please give us a call or drop us a note.  

Grade 1:

Tests within book spec or better

Shows signs of light use

Printing is visible but imperfect

Meets “Premium” criteria but is rebranded

Matches are within 10% of transconductance / plate current

Grade 2:

Tests within 10% out of book spec

Shows light to moderate signs of use

Meets Grade 1 criteria but label is unclear

Meets Grade 1 criteria but is rebranded

Matches are within 10% of transconductance / plate current

Grade 3

Tests 20% or more out of book spec

Shows moderate to significant signs of use

Meets Grade 2 criteria but label is very unclear or missing 

Meets Grade 2 criteria but is rebranded

Matches are within 10% of transconductance / plate current