RCA 6201 (GE Made) 12AT7WA 5x Tubes - 1979 NOS Factory Matched Set - Military Spec ECC81

For sale is a rare factory-matched set of five (5) RCA-branded 6201 vacuum tubes, manufactured in Week 26 of 1979.

While these tubes bear the RCA red label, expert inspection of the internal construction and EIA codes confirms these were contract-manufactured by General Electric (GE). This was a common practice in the late 1970s as American tube production consolidated. These tubes feature the highly regarded GE "Short Grey Plate" construction, known for exceptional durability, low noise, and a punchy, clear tonal character.

This is a Military Specification (12AT7WA) premium version of the standard 12AT7. They were built to rigid government standards requiring tighter tolerances, extended heater life (10,000+ hours), and structural reinforcement against shock and vibration.

Why this set is special:

Finding a single matched pair is common, but finding a factory-matched quint (set of 5) with identical date codes is exceptionally rare. This set is perfect for technicians stocking a shop, or for audiophiles/musicians looking to re-tube multiple amps (or a complex preamp section) with perfectly consistent glass.

Tube Identification & Construction:

• Label: RCA (Radio Corporation of America)

• True Manufacturer: General Electric (USA)

• Type: 6201 (Premium 12AT7WA / ECC81)

• Date Code: 79 26 (26th week of 1979)

• Plate Structure: Short Grey Plates

• Getters: O-Getter (Halo)

• Mica: Double Mica spacers (Excellent microphonic rejection)

• Box: Original RCA Red/Black Standard industrial boxes

Test Results:

This set is New Old Stock (NOS). All five tubes have been tested on a calibrated mutual conductance tube tester.

• Result: All 5 tubes test at 100% or higher for emissions and mutual conductance.

• Shorts/Leakage: None detected.

Sonic Signature & Application:

The GE-made 6201 is widely respected in the guitar amp community, particularly for Fender Reverb Drivers and Phase Inverters. The "Short Plate" design is inherently less microphonic than long-plate variations, making these ideal for combo amps where speaker vibration is an issue.

• Tone: Bright, articulate, and harmonically rich without being harsh.

• Best For: Fender Blackface/Silverface Reverb drivers, Phase Inverters in high-gain amps, or Hi-Fi preamps requiring the ECC81 specification.

Specifications:

• Amplification Factor (μ): 60

• Heater: 6.3V / 12.6V

• Max Plate Dissipation: 2.5 Watts

• Equivalents: 12AT7, ECC81, CV4024, E81CC

Shipping:

Tubes will be professionally packed with bubble wrap and double-boxing to ensure the original cartons and glass arrive safely. Ships fully insured.