I assume it's safe to use a metal can 6V6Y in any 6V6 application -- plug and play? I read something about one pin internally tied to ground, might as well confirm before wasting $50 ... anyone try these - what do they sound like? Vacuum Tube Valley (magazine #10) wasn't too complimentary about them for hi fi or even guitar applications but I'm always one to try anything
Metal Can 6V6Y ?
- Thread starter greg788
- Start date
Really really old 6V6s have pin 1 tied to the exterior metal of the tube. This would put about 12V DC on the metal portion of the tube which isn't the end of the world and there's an insulator on the bottom of these tubes so that can't touch the chassis. If you're concerned about it, the white wire that goes to pins 1/8 can be altered to just go to pin 8, then run a wire from pin 1 on each socket to one of the center lugs of a 5 lug strip touching the chassis.
Most often pin 1 on a 6V6 connects to nothing, so this isn't a concern.
Most often pin 1 on a 6V6 connects to nothing, so this isn't a concern.
The metal envelope may indeed do just that.
I bought a pair of early 60s RCA 6V6Y. My subjective evaluation is that they're very "solid state" or "modern" sounding, meaning transparent and resolving. Strings "pop" a bit, for example, like solid state amplification tends to do. I expected that going in because the metal cans are low distortion typically, plus no microphonics since no glass.
But, they're smooth sounding, not ruthless. They're worth a try since they veer so far to an extreme.
Overall, various 6V6, at least the ones I've tried, sound more similar than dissimilar over different vintages, manufacturers, etc. Word on the street is that the current Russian 6V6, esp. Tungsol and Gold Lion, are also pretty good (never tried them)
But, they're smooth sounding, not ruthless. They're worth a try since they veer so far to an extreme.
Overall, various 6V6, at least the ones I've tried, sound more similar than dissimilar over different vintages, manufacturers, etc. Word on the street is that the current Russian 6V6, esp. Tungsol and Gold Lion, are also pretty good (never tried them)
