[raindownthunda]

just one pair of 6336 (one per side) as they demand such high current each.

Does anyone know if there is a difference between 6336A and 6336B tubes? The graphite plate versions look identical to me. Safe to assume they were all made by the same manufacturer?

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Does anyone know if there is a difference between 6336A and 6336B tubes? The graphite plate versions look identical to me. Safe to assume they were all made by the same manufacturer?

6336B is a more ruggedized version of the 6336A, meant to handle prolonged exposure to vibration, appears that it uses ceramic spacers as opposed to mica and gold plated strap frame grids. Electrically, they are the same as 6336A.

You can put those ruggedized tubes to good use bringing your amp along for off-roading, bull riding, theme parks, the options are endless!

 

[Monsterzero]

6336B is a more ruggedized version of the 6336A, meant to handle prolonged exposure to vibration, appears that it uses ceramic spacers as opposed to mica and gold plated strap frame grids. Electrically, they are the same as 6336A.

You can put those ruggedized tubes to good use bringing your amp along for off-roading, bull riding, theme parks, the options are endless!

Same goes for other tubes, including the Chatham potato masher. I've tried both versions and they sound the same in my system

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Same goes for other tubes, including the Chatham potato masher. I've tried both versions and they sound the same in my system

B for badass. Old military designation, or so I'm told.

 

[bcowen]

6336B is a more ruggedized version of the 6336A, meant to handle prolonged exposure to vibration, appears that it uses ceramic spacers as opposed to mica and gold plated strap frame grids. Electrically, they are the same as 6336A.

You can put those ruggedized tubes to good use bringing your amp along for off-roading, bull riding, theme parks, the options are endless!

Even playing Marilyn Manson at 105 dB? Definitely badass.

 

[Zachik]

You can put those ruggedized tubes to good use bringing your amp along for off-roading, bull riding, theme parks, the options are endless!

Maybe I should talk to Mischa, to ruggedize my upcoming amp...

 

[mordy]

6336B is a more ruggedized version of the 6336A, meant to handle prolonged exposure to vibration, appears that it uses ceramic spacers as opposed to mica and gold plated strap frame grids. Electrically, they are the same as 6336A.

You can put those ruggedized tubes to good use bringing your amp along for off-roading, bull riding, theme parks, the options are endless!

All better options than ballistic missiles…- I think these tubes were designed for such military use. From the spec sheet:
"If cooling is provided to keep bulb temperature within ratings, altitude rating can be extended to 60,000 feet."

 

[mordy]

Does anyone know if there is a difference between 6336A and 6336B tubes? The graphite plate versions look identical to me. Safe to assume they were all made by the same manufacturer?

It seems that Tung Sol made all of them even though they appear under several different brands.
https://www.antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=165872

 

[Zachik]

"If cooling is provided to keep bulb temperature within ratings, altitude rating can be extended to 60,000 feet."

Maybe I should start using my GOTL on airplane's seat tray...

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Even playing Marilyn Manson at 105 dB? Definitely badass.

The US military of course predicted these harsh operating conditions would come to pass. For that, you will need the 6336MM, insulated and damped to attenuate such destructive frequencies.

 

[mordy]

Does anyone know if there is a difference between 6336A and 6336B tubes? The graphite plate versions look identical to me. Safe to assume they were all made by the same manufacturer?

Finally took the plunge and removed my sextet of power tubes and put in a pair of 1972 Cetron 6336B graphite tubes. Drivers are top hat K-Rs 6N7 from 1942. Almost 12A of tubes...

First impression is wide sound stage and punchy bass - quite nice.
The poor 15A voltage regulator is working it's massive heat sinks overtime - glowing red:

- Just kidding; the red hue is from the temperature sensor beam of the infrared thermometer. After 15 minutes the heat sinks are up to almost 60C; the 5A tubes up to 139C; I expect the temperatures to go higher.
The 6N7 runs hot - the KRs are up to 80C.
The amp chassis is 35C with the two fans on.
6336B/6N7 seems to be a very nice combination.
Funny, but the temperatures of the various tubes have dropped a little - is it possible that the type of music influences the temperature of the tubes? More bass content and drums - the tubes work harder?

 

[mordy]

Finally took the plunge and removed my sextet of power tubes and put in a pair of 1972 Cetron 6336B graphite tubes. Drivers are top hat K-Rs 6N7 from 1942. Almost 12A of tubes...

First impression is wide sound stage and punchy bass - quite nice.
The poor 15A voltage regulator is working it's massive heat sinks overtime - glowing red:

- Just kidding; the red hue is from the temperature sensor beam of the infrared thermometer. After 15 minutes the heat sinks are up to almost 60C; the 5A tubes up to 139C; I expect the temperatures to go higher.
The 6N7 runs hot - the KRs are up to 80C.
The amp chassis is 35C with the two fans on.
6336B/6N7 seems to be a very nice combination.
Funny, but the temperatures of the various tubes have dropped a little - is it possible that the type of music influences the temperature of the tubes? More bass content and drums - the tubes work harder?

Really enjoying this combination - Cetron 6336B and Ken-Rad 6N7; excellent slam and dynamics.
Tried to capture some tube glow; these pictures are from my iPhone with delayed exposure nightmode:

Another view - it's hot in there!

The camera doesn't lie, but this is how it looks to the eye:

Have fun!
The 6336 tube glow makes up for the lack thereof in the 6N7...

 

[raindownthunda]

Hey Blue Halo owners - have any of you tried EL34
as input tubes? If so curious how you like them? sounds like they would have much more distortion as input tubes than say a 6j5.

 

[Xcalibur255]

I would think an EL34 would be somewhat less linear than a 6J5, but it might be very good for tone.

It's funny I was just thinking before you bumped this thread that's it's been far too quiet in here. Time for a pic!

I thought the way the evening sunlight was hitting the amp was pretty striking and had to snap this, only to look at it and go "DUST!" after seeing it. Oh well, it's still a nice shot.

 

[Xcalibur255]

@A2029 I meant to tell you, I finally am able to use the amp with the speakers the amp was intended for and it sounds just as lovely as it does driving headphones. The gain ended up being a total non-issue, the amp seems very content driving the Omegas. The room, on the other hand, is a disaster and a half but that's a totally different issue. I don't understand why people like vaulted ceilings so much, all it does is turn the room into a giant echo chamber. I didn't get a choice in the matter though so that's how it goes I guess.

The dozen acoustic panels I added to the room helped, but not enough. It's a work in progress.