[mordy]

I've got to think before I answer this. If I don't think I would say KenRad 6C5 in adapters from @Deyan. In the same adapters you can use 6J5. These are 'metal tubes' and much cheaper than the all glass versions (6C5GT and 6J5GT, often with and added /G as in 6J5GT/G). C5/J5 are glass tubes inside the metal. I haven't yet tried the Russian equivalent 6C2C/6S2S that is said to be very good and much cheaper. These are all input tubes (in the front).

I have tried very many combinations indeed. It's more a matter of different good than better. Sometimes you find the best combination and this impression will last until you listen to different music.

If I had to use just one combination with native transformer (no external PSU) it would be EL42 with Melz 6N12S. Unfortunately these Melz have become very expensive and always were in very short supply. Another good alternative as output tubes is either 5687 or E182CC. These use the same adapter. I bought mine from xulingmrs before I became aware of @Deyan.

Other people have other favourites and rightly so

I think JSK wants to know which power tubes are the best bang for the buck (without adapters).

 

[jsk ksj]

I'm thinking simple and cheap. This is my first foray into tubes & cannot afford to make expensive mistakes. Recommendations for both sets of tubes are welcome

 

[triod750]

I prefer ordinary 6N6P to 6N30Pi and then Ei 6H5M, tall bottle, for input. To me that is the best bang for the buck to get to know the amp and enjoy it.

 

[jsk ksj]

I prefer ordinary 6N6P to 6N30Pi and then Ei 6H5M, tall bottle, for input. To me that is the best bang for the buck to get to know the amp and enjoy it.

That's good to hear. I have the Ei 6H5M, tall bottles installed and a pair of 6N6P's on their way

 

[jsk ksj]

Lesson learned.... just because they have stopped glowing, doesn't mean they are not ridiculously hot.

Very sore thumb and forefinger to remind me.

 

[Cognomen]

That's good to hear. I have the Ei 6H5M, tall bottles installed and a pair of 6N6P's on their way

I prefer ordinary 6N6P to 6N30Pi and then Ei 6H5M, tall bottle, for input. To me that is the best bang for the buck to get to know the amp and enjoy it.

I

Lesson learned.... just because they have stopped glowing, doesn't mean they are not ridiculously hot.

Very sore thumb and forefinger to remind meI

 

[triod750]

Power tubes usually run very hot, not least 6N6P/6N30Pi.

 

[Cognomen]

If I am listening to my Little Dot MkIII and shut it off, it continues to amplify the signal for awhile. Tube kit can harbor lethal voltage. It's probably safest to turn it off and wait minutes until everthing is cool to the touch before removing and inserting tubes and be sure not to touch pins while doing that.

 

[jsk ksj]

It was coolish at the top of the tube, so I slid fingers down to get a better grip. Exponential gradient of heat. Holding an ice cube as I type this.

No lasting damage. I will laugh about it tomorrow. Probably.

 

[TrollDragon]

Your not a tube amp owner unless you've been burned at least once.

 

[Cognomen]

 

[mordy]

It was coolish at the top of the tube, so I slid fingers down to get a better grip. Exponential gradient of heat. Holding an ice cube as I type this.

No lasting damage. I will laugh about it tomorrow. Probably.

Getting burned by a tube happens to all of us...I keep a cotton washcloth handy when I touch the tubes - it helps to use it. Usually, when you shut off the amp, the capacitors need to discharge and the tubes need to cool off a little before you change them. Using the cloth, I wait until I cannot hear any more sound after shut-off.

 

[triod750]

Thin leather gives a good grip! And protection. Protects the tubes from skin oil too.

 

[jsk ksj]

Thin leather gives a good grip! And protection. Protects the tubes from skin oil too.

Just the gloves, right?

 

[triod750]

Just the gloves, right?

Not neccessarily

I use them mainly for the good grip they give but also for the protection they give. When I remove octal tubes I always use a screwdriver to pry them loose. This protects both the tube and the sockets, also adapters.