KT66 quad, GEC NIB Original GEC boxes V1 2 7 8

Description

Rare NIB matched Quad GEC KT66 tubes; manufactured by GEC in Hammersmith, UK.

Detailed description

Here is a quad of very strong and matched quad GEC KT66 tubes. All four tubes have been produced by GEC in Hammersmith, UK. All four tubes are unused in their original factory box.

The KT66 is an English beam tetrode from 1938. The characters “KT” stand for “Kinkless Tetrode”. The maximum anode voltage is 550 Volt. Two of these tubes in a class AB1 PP circuit deliver a power of 50 watts. The tube is a direct descendant of the American 6L6 tetrode. These tubes are used in the Hi-Fi amplifiers amongst others of the British designer Peter Walker (Quad). Also H.J. Leak (and many other) took advantage of this tube.

Most people have heard of the famous GEC KT66, which has become known as the best sounding KT66 ever made. It is known for a smooth but extended treble, warm but accurate mid-range, and thunderous bottom end. It’s fame has caused this tube to become nearly impossible to find.

This is the original vintage GEC KT66 (NOT a Russian or Chinese) reissue)! 

This quad of KT66 valves has very nice test values and are matched very well. Seems back in the golden tube era they really understood how to make high(est) quality tubes. Please note that one of the tubes with the date code JP IO has a double ring getter whereas the other tubes have a cup getter (see pictures). Apparently in that month both getters were used site by site. In later years the double ring getters were used only. The valves are delivered their original GEC boxes.This quad is a real jewel also, so please excuse the firm price.

Note: my tubes are often not the cheapest. But it is very hard to find better tubes !

Sonics

The vintage GEC KT66 creates an open sound image with a natural midrange, silky trebles and a solid bass. The GEC KT66 is considered by many as the king of the KT66/6L6 tubes; better than any other! I refer to the many reviews on internet.

Test results

The measurement data below show that the tubes are nicely matched. 

Valve  V1

Ia (plate current): Transconductance (Gm): Gas test, Shorts test:

96  mA 6,8  mA/V OK

> NOS > NOS

Valve  V2

Ia (plate current): Transconductance (Gm): Gas test, Shorts test:

91  mA 6,6  mA/V OK

> NOS > NOS

Valve  V7

Ia (plate current): Transconductance (Gm): Gas test, Shorts test:

92  mA  6,7  mA/V OK

>  NOS  > NOS

Valve  V8

Ia (plate current): Transconductance (Gm): Gas test, Shorts test:

96  mA 6,7  mA/V OK

> NOS > NOS

Factory AVO Specification for new unused KT88 tubes

• The rated emission value for a new KT66 is:  65 mA.
• The rated transconductance value for a new KT66 is:  6,3 mA/V. 

As specified in AVO Valve Data Manual 23rd edition 1981. 

Test conditions & equipment:

Mutual transconductance, plate current, gas and shorts test equipment: AVO Mk IV (AVO Valve Data Manual 23rd edition 1981), RFT stabilised mains, Utracer3+, Philips PE 4832, 2x Korad KA3005P programmable power supply, 2x Keithley 2700 and 2x Fluke 145. Test conditions: Ua (plate voltage) = 250 Volts, Us (screen voltage) = 250 Volts, Ug = -15 Volts and Uf = 6,3 V (Factory conditions). 

Note: Please read our test page.

Summarized description