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Post by killerq on Nov 15, 2020 2:57:07 GMT
Is it just any 9 pin tube, or are there certain types within that category.
I always though that that number labeling on tubes put them in a category by how many pins they had. I’m learning that I’m wrong.
For example, the Ember 2 manual lists a bunch of types of tubes that are compatible - I assume those are all 9 pins?
I own the Ember 2, I have only ever used it with a 6SN7 adapter installed. I’d like to hunt down some nice tubes that fit the stock configuration.
Thanks!
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solderdude
Administrator
measureutternutter
Posts: 4,886
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Post by solderdude on Nov 15, 2020 11:08:41 GMT
Is it just any 9 pin tube, or are there certain types within that category. I always though that that number labeling on tubes put them in a category by how many pins they had. I’m learning that I’m wrong. For example, the Ember 2 manual lists a bunch of types of tubes that are compatible - I assume those are all 9 pins? I own the Ember 2, I have only ever used it with a 6SN7 adapter installed. I’d like to hunt down some nice tubes that fit the stock configuration. Thanks! Not all 9 pin NOVAL tubes are suited. Some have different internal pin arrangements heater voltages or have other specs that aren't really suited. Jeremy's list only shows tubes that should at least bias themselves. However, some of them are noisy, others have low gain or high gain, some require playing with the input cap settings, others don't. Some of them are quite L-R unblanaced, some may be out of spec some are rolled-off others reach 100kHz. It really is a crapshoot and you need to be lucky for something to work really well. The amp was designed around ECC88 derivatives but the autobias/auto heater circuit has been designed to also work well with a lot of other tubes. Some equally optimal, others may not be but may sound nice. |
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Post by killerq on Nov 15, 2020 22:30:23 GMT
Thanks! So, what’s your favorite tube that works well with the stock configuration?
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Post by techboy on Nov 15, 2020 22:41:55 GMT
9 pin don’t compare to 6sn7. My fav is Sylvania VT 231.
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Post by lobalwarming on Dec 3, 2020 10:53:12 GMT
And once you go down the long and sometimes expensive 6SN7 tunnel, there's light. Shining on pairs of 6J5Gs. A pair of Zenith 6J5Gs are still reasonable and to my lobes, better than the best of the 6SN7s in many ways. Bigger, more open soundstage with excellent tonal balance. But, no rush. Enjoy the 6SN7 journey - Sylvania 6SN7WGTs are fun. A late 50s TungSol Tall Bottle 6SN7GTB is great choice as well. Grey glass RCA from the 40s can be a pathway back to a smokey jazz club. If the path takes a turn down CV1988 Brimar Street, that's not a bad place to hold up for awhile. In terms of the mini tubes, my (low cost) preference is the Tungsram ECC80. Exceptional clarity. Not as spacious as a good 6SN7. But that's the beauty of rolling... a tube for every mood. ;-) |
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