General Electric 7581A 1960 - Grey Plates - Tested

Superior Sound Supply selling some seriously special stock. This General Electric 7581A is a premium American-made beam power pentode, renowned for its massive 35-watt plate dissipation and exceptional clean headroom. A true NOS/tNOS example in its original box, it has been professionally tested on our Precision Model 612 to ensure peak performance and reliability for your vintage amplifier.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: General Electric (GE)

• Model: 7581A (High-performance 6L6GC variant)

• Origin: Made in U.S.A.

• Factory Code: 188-5 (GE Factory)

• Plate Dissipation: 35 Watts (vs standard 30W)

• Condition: NOS / tNOS (Tested New Old Stock) with Original Box

• Base: Black base with silver print

• Test Status: Passed for Shorts, Opens, Leakage, and Emissions on Precision 612

Condition Details

This tube presents in excellent cosmetic and functional condition. The glass envelope is clear with distinct factory sand-blasted etching "7581 A U.S.A." visible. The white branding on the black base is sharp and legible, reading "GE Electronic Tube." The base is secure with no play, and the pins are straight with only minor oxidation consistent with vintage storage. The internal structure features the robust grey plates and heat dissipaters characteristic of this military-grade build. The tube comes with its original orange and white GE box, which shows standard shelf wear and aging.

Historical & Technical Context

The GE 7581A is widely considered the ultimate upgrade for amplifiers using the 6L6GC, 5881, or KT66 platform. Originally designed with military-spec construction for extreme reliability, it offers higher plate dissipation (35W) than a standard 6L6GC. For guitarists, this translates to maximum clean headroom, a tighter low end, and an airy, powerful top end. It is a direct drop-in replacement ideal for vintage Fender, Marshall, and Ampeg circuits where retaining clean tones at high volumes or achieving a punchy, articulate drive is desired.

Superior Sound Supply Guarantee

Superior Sound Supply Quality Assurance:

Transparency and accuracy are the cornerstones of our business. We ensure every component is vetted so you can buy with complete confidence. Along with Superior Supplies for all of your sounds, We stand on Superior Service, If your not satisfied with our supply we will make it right.

Shipping: Carefully packaged with consistent methods that are proven to protect your item and ensure safe delivery. We primarily use USPS, and FedEx for large or high-value items, and can arrange international shipping to anywhere in the world. Orders are processed and shipped within 1-3 business days of payment clearance. We do not ship on weekends or federal holidays. Orders placed after 2:00 PM CST Friday will ship the following Monday.

Returns:

• New Items: Returnable within 30 days of delivery.

• Used & Vintage Items: Returnable within 30 days of delivery.

General Terms

Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging and no signs of use. Buyer assumes responsibility for all return shipping costs unless the item was not received as described.

Make sure to check the return policy on each individual listing as some items may be sold "As-Described" and not eligible for a return. We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.