Ruby Tubes 6L6GCMSTR Vacuum Tube

I am reviewing this tube solely on it's application in a guitar amplifier. This is a power tube and they typically don't have as much impact on the tone as your preamp tubes do (such as a 12AX7). However, having said that, quality really does matter on power tubes. The absolute best would be some NOS tubes (New Old Stock: vintage tubes that have never been used so they are still in new condition but are vintage and made prior to 1980). Such as some 6L6 GC RCA Blackplates. Those are very pricey, especially a matched pair. Then you have used, vintage tubes, again like RCA or Phillips these are a bit of a gamble as they are already used and may not last very long, still pricey too. Then there is a few dealers that have custom tubes made such as TAD or Groove Tubes, these are good modern tubes but are still pricey. Then you have the companies that hand pick their tubes from current manufacturers and then oversee quality control. These are all modern made tubes using both old factory machinery and materials and new equipment with a priority of trying to do everything they did in the good old days, including using the exact same internal materials, with modern techniques being used only where they can improve on the old technology but maintain the sound quality. That is where RUBY comes into this market, they buy good modern tubes, stamp their name on them and test and sort/match them. They meet the needs of modern boutique guitar amplifier companies who need outstanding tubes but at a very affordable price. There is not much else to say about Ruby Tubes other than they are super affordable and have a very nice defined sound with a smooth top end slight boost in the upper mids and a nice, clean, tight bass response. I highly recommend this companies tubes. Don't buy Groove Tubes at twice the price of these when you can get Ruby for far less money and they out perform GT in every way. Synopsis: Affordable, Outstanding Quality and tone, can't go wrong!

Great tube

Good to know that every five thousand hours the tubes blow. So rather than blow money on unnecessary amp repairs change the tubes, the 6L6s first and then the smaller one(s).

If you're on a budget and need to replace your 6L6 power tubes, you can't go wrong. Even if you could spend a bit more, these may be the choice you are looking for. First off, Ruby is not a manufacturer (neither is Groove Tubes). Ruby selects tubes from manufacturers, sorts and rates them, and puts their label on them. These are Shugang tubes, based on a Phillips STR design. They'll sound great in a vintage amp and a modern high gain amp.