[mhamel]

For only $8, I'm interested in giving that tube a try. Is it really a shot in the dark or do you think it is likely a good tube?

 
 
The Ei tube was made in Yugoslavia.   It's early 70s based on the A-Frame and getter.   I've got some Ei Philips PCC88s, they're not bad sounding tubes.
 
Likewise, there is no visible etch code indicating the Lorenz tube was made in Herleen, at least not from the photos.
 
The Mullards are also A-frame from what I can make out in the photos, probably a bit better than the Yugoslavian-manufactured tubes.
 
 
From the same seller as the Mullards, 1966 Valvo (Philips / Herleen Mfg = same tube as the Amperex Bugle Boy of that year) PCC189s for $24 USD/pr.   http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Valvo-PCC189-7ES8-tubes-NIB-Philips-Heerlen-Holland-/390688064788?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item5af6d2c514  

 

[CoiL]

Those on sale are Ei Philips according to sellers "philips etched codes" information.
Asking from seller some detailed information would be easiest way to confirm.
 
And I can see etched code on that Lorenz tube. Imo there`s clear delta at the beginning of lower line.
But safest bet again, would be asking from seller
 

 

  Tube-nuts, help me out... I took some serious look @ my 6GM8/ECC86 Amperex tube etched code with magnifying glass & strong light + reflections and just can`t find any tiny trace of etched code print at the place of one symbol spot. All I can see is clear⊿oJ5. etched core is in very good condition. Could it be that the symbol behind ⊿ is not 6 or 8 and is little o ? And if I compare it with the curve size of that nr.5 at the end of the code then it`s smaller, since it is lower ring part of 8, all I`m guessing that it is just little o. Could it be? And what does it say then? usually it means the year it`s made.

 
It's probably the bottom of a 6 or 8.   What does the getter construction on that tube look like?  That may help narrow down the year, too.
 
There wouldn't be a lowercase "o" in that position that I'm aware of.  The first year of 6GM8 production was 1958, so it would have the standard Philips etch code structure, where it's the last digit of the production year as the character following the factory symbol, in that case ⊿ for Herleen.

Yeah, I know that all again but it`s just so good quality etched code and if it were "bottom" of 6 or 8 then it would be larger. Plus, usually when etched codes come off then they leave some almost invisible mark on tube that comes up with strong white light on background + reflection + m.glass. But yeah, that probably is 6 or 8 most likely and since 8 has smaller circle, then it`s probably 8- year 1958 (or 68 ?, did they make them anymore that year?), october, 5th week.
 
Oh, and just a notice for everyone, don`t mix up two signs - ⊿ & 

Δ - 1st is Philips Heerlen Holland but 2nd is Philips Copenhagen Denmark. Seller often mix those up but mostly they are ​

⊿ and from Heerlen Holland. I haven`t come across Copenhagen Denmark version yet.
 
Edit: Btw, some Mullards on the bid: 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161181486938?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161181486879?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161181486730?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
Would like to try one out of them because I don`t have Mullard yet that has smaller gap between getter and horizontal plate under it.

 

[mhamel]

Yes, there were Philips tubes produced at the Ei factory in Yugoslavia, so it can still have Philips codes.

On the ITT tube, I grabbed that image and enlarged it. My mistake on that one, it is a Herleen tube.

Those on sale are Ei Philips according to sellers "philips etched codes" information.
Asking from seller some detailed information would be easiest way to confirm.

And I can see etched code on that Lorenz tube. Imo there`s clear delta at the beginning of lower line.
But safest bet again, would be asking from seller

Yeah, I know that all again but it`s just so good quality etched code and if it were "bottom" of 6 or 8 then it would be larger. Plus, usually when etched codes come off then they leave some almost invisible mark on tube that comes up with strong white light on background + reflection + m.glass. But yeah, that probably is 6 or 8 most likely and since 8 has smaller circle, then it`s probably 8- year 1958 (or 68 ?, did they make them anymore that year?), october, 5th week.

Oh, and just a notice for everyone, don`t mix up two signs - ⊿ & 

Δ - 1st is Philips Heerlen Holland but 2nd is Philips Copenhagen Denmark. Seller often mix those up but mostly they are ​

⊿ and from Heerlen Holland. I haven`t come across Copenhagen Denmark version yet.

Edit: Btw, some Mullards on the bid: 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161181486938?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161181486879?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161181486730?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Would like to try one out of them because I don`t have Mullard yet that has smaller gap between getter and horizontal plate under it.

 

[CoiL]

 
Imo it`s coded IPB ⊿4I1 
 
I have 2x Lorenz SEL branded PCC189, 1st is IPB ⊿0L1 and 2nd is IPB ⊿0K5. Philips PCC189 that I have is IPB(it maybe also IPL, not sure)⊿5B4. They all sound basically same and differences are very little and come into play with hard analytical listening (used 2 different sounding cans, HD-662F & HD-681, to compare those). Nevertheless I found Philips PCC189 a tiny fraction better than others. Some early thread posters bought from same dealer as I and were happy with those Philips PCC189, especially for the money they got it.
 
About those Ei PCC189... like I said best is to ask from seller but I`m guessing that he meant ⊿ by "Philips etched codes" and ⊿ is sure Heerlen plant product.
 
Edit:
 
Anyone want to try 6N27P (equivalent to 6GM8/ECC86) ? -> http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261347352609
They should be very good tubes and they are actually very hard to get.
 
And thinking about grabbing one Ei PCC189 myself just for fun and to "brighten up" my collection.
 
Edit2:
 
Btw, I have some tube offerings in my list that have plenty of stock and should be good:
 
Philips ECC189/CV5331 Heerlen Holland with IX0-⊿3K2 codes
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310355054686?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
Philips E88CC SQ gold pins (used and no idea about condition)
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370895764969?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
JJ E88CC gold pins (always wanted to have this in my collection but want some more feedback with Aune T1)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350134725410?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
Brimar ECC88/CV5358 (foreign made - whatever that means, chance it`s Heerlen again)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310087990709?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
Philips CV5331 (A-frame Heerlen)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CV5331-PHILIPS-Military-ex-MOD-VALVE-TUBE-ECC189-5960-99-037-2298-NEW-BOXED-/321099731310?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item4ac309116e
 
Edit3:
 
10x pair of PCC189 Miniwatt (Heerlen Holland) for good price
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-PCC189-MINIWATT-TUBES-MATCHED-CODES-PRODUCTION-DELTA1G4-NOS-TUBES-/190981864398?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c7767fbce

 

[arcorob]

Coil...two questions
 
Did GE have ~~6GM8/ECC86 that were made for them in Holland ?
 
Also how are the old Reflektor plant ~~6GM8/ECC86?
 
Is it the 6GM8 ECC86 that sound more holographic or is it more dependent on the tube maker?
 
Thanks !!

 

[CoiL]

LOL, you can`t say that just 6GM8/ECC86 tube type sounds holographic ;D;D;D And it`s not dependent on tube maker also. Usually those tube types that sound "holographic" are pretty specific.
 
About how is 6N27P equivalent to 6GM8/ECC86? Use google and search for tube data sheets & museums for info. For example: http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6gm8.html

 

[arcorob]

  LOL, you can`t say that just 6GM8/ECC86 tube type sounds holographic ;D;D;D And it`s not dependent on tube maker also. Usually those tube types that sound "holographic" are pretty specific.
 
About how is 6N27P equivalent to 6GM8/ECC86? Use google and search for tube data sheets & museums for info. For example: http://www.radiomuseum.org/tubes/tube_6gm8.html

Thanks Coil...They were really two separate questions..(one about 6GM8) and another about how the 6N27P reflecktor tubes from 1969 sound.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251235437500?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
 
The problem is my friend...my OCD kicks in so....there are about 10 tubes I want to buy and try. So I have to SIT on my hands and chant "I will not buy 10 tubes, I will not buy 10 tubes, I will not buy 10 tubes...umm...at least not today"....LOL

 

[CoiL]

LMAO! ;D I know what you feel, thats the thing with low-priced tubes on eBay - you just can`t resist buying & trying them! It`s fun and addictive! No wonder I have 44 tubes and still some @ sight! ;D
With expensive tubes it`s easier to give up and think rationally. And fun about hunting cheap tubes is that you will probably find some gems with ridiculous price and they are actually worth a lot more, it`s like investing to collectors stuff, those prices will only rise!
 
But there is also option to search out most recommended ones and rely on gut feeling that it will match your cans/taste/music/hearing. 
So far most certain tubes to go are cheaper great all-arounder Amperex OG 6DJ8 & more expensive Amperex 7308 with its "holographic" impressions.

 

[spacequeen7]

Coil "knows what you feel" ..but he keep posting this hard to resist tubes ..I'm with you arcorob (trying really hard )but the 69 Reflector is very tempting (double support/wire D-Getter ) 

  

 

[CoiL]

Best deal out of those links I gave is imo 2 x PCC189 MINIWATT (delta1G4 Heerlen Holland) or Ei PCC189. I made an offer on latter (6$ per 1 tube) and if it`s accepted I`m going to get one. And post is free, LMAO crazy deal imho.
 
But I have 1 "secret" deal also ;P Won`t get them myself because I already have them but some of you fellas will get the chance @ PM
 
Edit: I got your PM and answered to you.

 

[spacequeen7]

*

 

[meggerman]

do you get the benefit of the Tube sound from the headphone output? (obviously the tube only works with USB)
 
thanks
 
also.. would these work well with IEM's like the Hifiman RE-400 ?

 

[CoiL]

Of course! That`s the point of this DAC that you can "colour" sound with tube for finding good match with your cans/music/hearing. About IEM`s I owe a answer.

 

[MrEleventy]

IMO, I think the T1 pairs well with neutral-ish type of hps. The subtle changes in rolling tubes are more noticable. In a roundabout fashion, I'm saying yes. Should pair well with the re-400s.

 

[meggerman]

thanks for the replies.
 
i need to read this thread through i think before I consider a purchase. Im new to all this stuff