[KB]

The Continental Dual Mono (CDM) was specifically designed to allow for relatively easy tube rolling of the sub-miniature dual triode tubes used in the CDM. This is achieved by our implementation of a 8 pin tube PCB and 8 pin header on the CDM. ALO audio will have available unpopulated CDM tube boards for use for tube rolling as well as sell populated CDM tube boards ready to be used with your CDM. The stock CDM will sell with a NOS Phillips 6111wa tubes we purchased new in box with 1988 dates on them. There were large quantities of pencil tubes produced and can still be bought which is why we wanted to utilize our 8 pin header and PCB solution for tube rolling. We hope this feature of removable tubes for your CDM will make the product more enjoyable and fun for all.
 
In the coming days we will test and post compatibility but we are confident these tubes will work.
 
6112
6021 

6832
6BF7
6247
6AD4
5719
5718
6947
6948
 
So far we have only confirmed the 6112, 6021 and 6832 work ok. I will also post a short instructional video on disassembly and proper handling of the CDM. All one needs is a 1.5mm torx driver that we supply with every CDM.
 
Below are some images of the 8 pin header and ALO 8 pin sub-miniature PCB.
 
 


 
Here we have 2 unpopulated 8 pin header tube PCBs
 

 
various 8 pin tubes, on the far right is the 6832, on the left is the tube we will include stock with the CDM a Philips 6111WA.
 
 
 

 
How to install, simply load the tube with pin #1 into the square shaped hole on the PCB in the orientation you see above.
 
 
 

 
Solder and trim, be sure to mount the tube all the way on to the PCB straight and level.
 
 
 

 
Next you remove the existing tube simply by pulling off the 8 pin header and then lining the new tube up to install on to the 8 pin header.
 
 
 

 
 

 
Thats it your all set. Note the tubes will come installed with a small piece of 3M VHB tape which helps the tube stay level and straight. This can easily be replaced.
 
Please stay tuned for more information.
 
Thank you
 
Ken

 

[KB]

Reserved

 

[Ultrainferno]

Awesome Ken!

 

[KB]

All,
 
I just received a very special lot of NOS never been used still in box assortment of 8 pin subminiature tubes (other than 6111s)  that can be used in the CDM! We are hard at work proofing all of them out to make sure they are all compatible with the CDM. 
 
We just proofed out the 5719 single triode tubes. The great thing about these 5719s is they run cooler than the stock Phillips 6111WAs we are supplying with the CDM. The 5719 requires us to make a new 8 pin PCB for the CDM. I am working on having these made shorty. 
 
Please stay tuned as I will have updates and links to where all of these will be offered. 
 
In addition I will be posting a instructional video soon that shows you how to safely take your CDM apart to service the battery and change the tubes.
 
Thank you
 
Ken

 

[KB]

Hi All,
 
Below are a few videos regarding how to access your tubes and batteries in the CDM as well as information on the tubes we will have to offer soon.
 
Safe enclosure disassembly:
 
https://vimeo.com/aloaudio/cdmdisassembly
 
And information on the tubes themselves. 
 
https://vimeo.com/132886616
 
 
I will post a link to our CDM tube page were you can purchase all these items shortly.
 
Thank you
 
ken

 

[audiofrk]

interesting where is the dac I couldn't spot it in the pcb?

 

[KB]

  interesting where is the dac I couldn't spot it in the pcb?

 
Audiofrk
 
Its a 4 layer board so there are parts on the top and bottom, crowded so on the bottom.
 
kb

 

[KB]

I will add more this week, its a start though.
 
http://www.aloaudio.com/accessories/vacuum-tubes/continental-dual-mono-compatible-tubes
 
Ken

 

[sathyam]

That's quite a few tubes, especially if you are just starting! I am tempted now to get the CDM

 

[cbridgeford]

I am listening to the Mullard 6112 right now.   I like them so much I was about to order another pair, and it appears those are gone already.  Earlier in reply to one of Vinnie's posts, I mentioned how much the CDM feels like carrying around my Studio Six.  The Mullards take it even farther that way.  They are terrific in this amp.  

 

[ZzmadzZ]

Oh!! Mullard is really good! Makes the cdm more dynamic and a little more energetic!! Darn are they out of mullard??

Ken, will you be restocking? Hahaha!!

 

[cbridgeford]

I wanted grab a backup pair, just in case...

 

[ZzmadzZ]

I want a pair haha

 

[iichigoz]

Can anyone recommend a tube like the mullards?

 

[KB]

  Can anyone recommend a tube like the mullards?

 
iiChisoz,
 
I would say the Raytheon 6111s are similar.
 
Ken