6C33-B vs everything else.

Hi KT-88,

I'm nowhere near an expert(or even novice) on power amp output, but 24 wpc 300B PP is really pushing the envelope for the standard type tubes. Although, great companies like Canary and Manly Labs(as I linked to) probably pull it off with flying colors. But, lesser or lower-end manufacturers claims in that range should be held suspect.

Go for one of those used Canarys, I bet they will kick ass with your Meadowlarks. But, don't leave the 845 too far off your radar, it's a monster.

Hey Darkmoebius

Thanks fo sharing your knowledge with me. But ah... don't be surprised if I change my mind completely and go with the 6C33-B amp I origianlly asked about. Or even if I go back to the Quicks again. I have am playing with the Quicksilver thought in my mind. I'm fickle that way. But then agian I could end up with 2 or 3 amps before it's over.

thanks agian!

Kt 88, I have an alternative suggestion for you to consider: Quicksilver Triode monoblock amps. These fine unadvertised hand made beauties utilize one pair of 6C33's in PP fashion generating a credible 50 watts. Mike Sanders designed and builds these to be his statement product, and succeeds quite nicely IMHO. Darkmoebius described the sonic character of this tube exactly, just like Goldilocks and the three bears, not to sweet, not too lean...just right! With base going down to near DC, and upper frequencies that extend to the clouds there is nothing I don't like about these tubes and these new amps. Consider this long-time EL34 enthusiast a convert to the 6C33!

FWIW, the 6C33C-B is out of production and is not expected to go back into production as the plant that built it is gone- closed about 3 years ago. There is a substantial stock of the tube ('thousands' according to one distributor) still available.

Compared to most power triode tubes the 6C33 has a relatively short service life. The Russian data sheet specifies 750 hours, although in practice you can get up to 2000 hours if all goes well. On account of its filament circuit, the tube runs *very* hot!

Another thing you will want to consider is the socket issue. The socket is a septar type that was originally used by the American tube type 3C33. The Russian 6C33 has considerably higher filament current and the socket was not designed for that sort of service and so has a very short service life.

Anyone who runs a 6C33C-B amp using the Russian socket knows what I am talking about. The contacts begin to fail due to corrosion and weakening of the contact springs. They can be re-tightened, but ultimately the socket has a service life that is in the region of 5000-7000 hours. The American made version of the socket does last longer but is much harder to obtain and is not cheap.

FWIW we made the first American-made products using this tube back in the early 90s. The short service life of the tube and its socket made the tube unattractive.

Hey Badboss429,

I like the look for the Quicksilver Triode. But would like to find one used as my budget wouldn't work for new. I have also found a few other amps that use this tube I'm looking at. I'm in no hurry I geuss. But ultimately I will buy something.

Atmasphere ( with a name like that you must be a OTL guy ) Nice to know about the socket for the 6C33-B. I would be curious if BAT and Quicksilver employ the American version. I'm guessing the cheaper priced amps defintely are not.