SixAPre

[RPMac]

I use 6A3's as my "everyday" tubes because of $$$$. ( Raytheons right now ) l've had good luck from eBay.

As Doc said, the BeePre was developed and voiced with EH 300B's...probably the best place to start.

I agree with Chris, it's a matter of "flavor". Depends on speakers and room effects, then what amp, and then what you like.

I believe the design and using a DHT makes it a great preamp. Thanks PJ!!

Would be interesting if PJ could come up with a mod to use 10Y family of tubes.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

Would be interesting if PJ could come up with a mod to use 10Y family of tubes.

The 10Y needs a lot more plate voltage than is available in the BeePre to run in class A1, which makes it not such a suitable choice.


I was commissioned not that long ago to build a preamp using the 12A/112A.  The microphony was very difficult to deal with, and required a significant redesign to the circuit that ultimately undermined the compatibility of the preamp significantly. 

In the simplest terms, the 12A can only run 10% of the current and will have 10x the output impedance with more microphony...

 

[Chris65]

Chris65:What are you running in your Beepre?  Any favorites?
I'm always interested to find better tube sources- if you have a moment, I'd appreciate it if you could direct me to some of the quality tube vendors you mentioned.

No particular favorite, usually running 300B, sometimes 6A3. I enjoy both. And a 6B4G with adapter works too.

If you search 'NOS tube suppliers' you'll find plenty of dealers. Also try vintage radio parts or similar.
I've had, or heard of good experiences from these but there are many others (guess it's ok to post links? )
https://vacuumtubesinc.com
http://www.findatube.com
http://www.vacuumtubes.net

 

[STURMJ]

Other than the rack issue, do you have a favorite- or all pretty close?

Pretty close, 300b is slightly more detailed.

 

[kip.duff]

Chris65:

I also found The Tube Center in Orlando.

http://www.thetubecenter.com/

I think the reason I might not have paid much attention when I stumbled across a site like these is that there is not a lot of detail or specific info like photos, possible matching, written description, etc.  Guess that's because you're getting a better price and they don't have time for the advertising and presentation.  Also, I believe they do not  sort or match as much- if at all.  Just missed getting some 6A3's for $35 each at The Tube Center.

 

[scotth]

Chris65:

I also found The Tube Center in Orlando.

I don't get it. Do you have to call to see what is in stock or what brands/types of each tube are available? Seems weird that they have 1 price listed for each tube type. Some of which seem very very low.

 

[kip.duff]

scotth:

I called the guy at the Tube Center, and he was real approachable.  The website says they have 3.5 million tubes under one roof.  He described the tubes, and said someone bought all six.  Asked me to email him with info on tubes I was looking for, and he would call me when some more came in.  Does not offer matching, but he said he felt that if the tubes were in a lot, might be close enough anyway.

I'm starting to wonder how important matching is in this application- does C4S reduce the importance of matching?  Is it important at all?  I get the impression that many people may be using unmatched tubes in their BottleHead equipment, but don't really know.

 

[Chris65]

I also found The Tube Center in Orlando.
I think the reason I might not have paid much attention when I stumbled across a site like these is that there is not a lot of detail or specific info like photos, possible matching, written description, etc. 

Yes, as I said there are many tube suppliers. If you're concerned about details like this, you can always ask.
It would be a massive task to sort this kind detail if any sizeable amount of stock was held.

For info:

Matching between channels in a single ended amp is not particularly important. -PB

 

[Analogluvr]

No particular favorite, usually running 300B, sometimes 6A3. I enjoy both. And a 6B4G with adapter works too.

If you search 'NOS tube suppliers' you'll find plenty of dealers. Also try vintage radio parts or similar.
I've had, or heard of good experiences from these but there are many others (guess it's ok to post links? )
https://vacuumtubesinc.com
http://www.findatube.com
http://www.vacuumtubes.net

Any idea where I can get tube socket adapters so I can run the 6b4g

 

[Leland Hankins]

Ebay

 

[Analogluvr]

I found one 4 pin to 8 pin but it doesn't list the 6b4g as one of the tubes you can use. Will it be connected properly or is it something that needs to be custom made?
Seller is caryelectronics (14973)
Item number isNumber151166600567
Can someone verify this is correct?
Thanks

 

[Chris65]

That would not work, the pin-outs are different. I'm weary of those sellers claiming 5Z3/80/6A3 to 5U4G/6B4G, they're just not the same. Found only one correctly listed, item no. 391676079868.
Or make your own....

 

[Analogluvr]

Thanks so much that's exactly the help I was looking for! I don't know why that one didn't come up with my search. I did buy a pair so hopefully they will work out.
Maybe I'll start a new thread and ask for 6B4G recommendations.