[Thebiker]

I have an option of picking up a Jolida 707A for a fair price.  I would be putting this into a bedroom system and I have seen positive reviews for several Jolida pieces.

I'm already a tube addict as my posted systems would show, but I'm not familiar with the 5881 output tube.  Anyone out there use these before?  Any and all pertinent info would be great.

Thanks,
TheBiker

[eico1]

I believe a real 5881 it is basically a 6L6-GB, a lower power version of the more recent 6L6-GC. Sovtek sells an industrial tube labelled 5881 that is co-opted for audio.

steve

[Thebiker]

Thanks Steve.

Has anyone heard these?  I'm familiar with EL34, EL84, KT88, KT90 and 645 sound signatures, but not these.

[jeffreybehr]

The 5881 has been a 'replacement' for the 6L6nn for decades.  Several different versions are available at The Tube Depot here http://store.tubedepot.com/6l6.html .

I see one says it replaces the 6L6GB while the another replaces the 6L6GC.  I think[/b] the 5881 replaces either.

'Vacuum Tube Valley' ( http://www.vacuumtube.com/ ) is a magazine that more of us tubefreaks should be aware of and subscribe to.  (Back) issue #4 contains info on the 6L6.

[DrRasta]

The 5881 can sound very nice.  The best are NOS, especially Tungsol.  Here's my custom amp, 4th photo down--walnut base.  Amazing detail and bass.  Switchable pentode and triode.  Lots of Auricaps.

http://www.tubes4hifi.com/custom.htm

[jeffreybehr]

DrRasta, nice-looking stuff.  Have you since oiled or varnished the walnut base?

[doug s.]

hi had a mesa baron amp that ran these tubes.  i really liked that amp w/jj-tesla 6l6gc's...



http://eurotubes.com/euro-e.htm

eurotubes has *their* opinion af a few different types of 5881/6l6 tubes:
http://eurotubes.com/euro-h.htm#3.


doug s.