[UntilThen]

EL156 is a tube I would like to design around some day, I have lusted after it, but too many other projects, probably never will but they sure are purdy. Quite expensive but still nothing compared to legend tubes like NOS 300B, type 50, PX25, etc.

In looking at the history of EL34 and the events that follows, EL156 is the last of that illustrious family of tubes.

This is an article I will spend some time reading because there's a lot in it.
https://worldradiohistory.com/Archi...m-Tube-Valley/Vacuum-Tube-Valley-Issue-16.pdf

 

[L0rdGwyn]

In looking at the history of EL34 and the events that follows, EL156 is the last of that illustrious family of tubes.

This is an article I will spend some time reading because there's a lot in it.
https://worldradiohistory.com/Archi...m-Tube-Valley/Vacuum-Tube-Valley-Issue-16.pdf

Do you plan to add GEC / Gold Lion KT77 to your wishlist? Those seem to be getting quite rare.

Here, try these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-X-KT77-G...626979?hash=item592332e3a3:g:g~8AAOSwfSJbWLrN

 

[UntilThen]

I already have Gold Lion KT77 and I’m buying GEC KT77 from my supplier. To my ears the KT77 are one of the best in my stable. Fine stallions.

 

[UntilThen]

The Telefunken EL12 spez is better than the KT77- just. IMHO.

 

[UntilThen]

I’m getting a pair of lightly used GEC KT77 for $450 and a pair of lightly used Tung Sol 6550 1960s for $450. Both very rare to my knowledgeable supplier. That’s Aussie currency.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Very nice, you will have a wide selection of the finest IDH power pentodes. I wonder which ones become the daily driver

 

[UntilThen]

The brand new pair of NOS GEC KT88 with original GEC box will be last at $1100. Then comes good 6SL7 and 12a*7 and 6sn7. The love of NOS tubes cost me dearly and Odyssey will be one rare big albino whale.

 

[UntilThen]

Very nice, you will have a wide selection of the finest IDHT power pentodes. I wonder which ones become the daily driver

There are all daily drivers rotated weekly except the GEC KT88 which I will juggle in my hands.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Do you not already have many good 6SN7 / 6SL7 from the GOTL days? I remember your love for the Sylvania 6SN7W metal base. IMO, the sound of the best 6SN7 surpasses the best 12AU7.

Loving NOS tubes is a dangerous illness, the more rare the tube the more severe the disease. I will use this one soon, RCA 801A directly-heated triode, graphite plates and ceramic base. I should probably donate them to a museum instead.

 

[UntilThen]

Do you not already have many good 6SN7 / 6SL7 from the GOTL days? I remember your love for the Sylvania 6SN7W metal base. IMO, the sound of the best 6SN7 surpasses the best 12AU7.

Sylvania 6sn7w metal base and Mullard ECC33 were sold off with Studio Six. I gave my jewels away.

I do love the Brimar 12au7 long plates in TU 8200. Have already bought Siemens 12at7. Will be getting a pair of rare Mullard 12at7 with gold pins.

I have a pair of Tung Sol 12sl7gt bgrp. Will ask Tomas if I can use 12volts drivers. I suspect possible but will complicate things. Trying to keep it simple is a challenge.

That’s a very nice tube you have there. We have the same weakness for good rare tubes and I still have to collect good rectifiers.

 

[UntilThen]

I want to dip in @leftside chest of rare drivers.

 

[UntilThen]

Generally I find 12a*7 to have a tighter tone. 6sl7 and 6sn7 have a more full body tone.

It’s interesting that Auris Nirvana use a single 12au7 but it sounded lush and warm with the EL34s but still with great details.

 

[UntilThen]

Came back to the nation's capital and I had not listen to Elekit TU-8200 for a week. Absence makes the heart grow fonder except in this case it's a eargasm. Tubes used are Brimar 12au7 long plates and EL12 spez as well as the tube preamp of TU-8500, which sports a pair of Philips Miniwatt 12au7.

These tubes will eventually go into Odyssey and I can't wait !

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Sylvania 6sn7w metal base and Mullard ECC33 were sold off with Studio Six. I gave my jewels away.

I do love the Brimar 12au7 long plates in TU 8200. Have already bought Siemens 12at7. Will be getting a pair of rare Mullard 12at7 with gold pins.

I have a pair of Tung Sol 12sl7gt bgrp. Will ask Tomas if I can use 12volts drivers. I suspect possible but will complicate things. Trying to keep it simple is a challenge.

That’s a very nice tube you have there. We have the same weakness for good rare tubes and I still have to collect good rectifiers.

Can use a voltage doubler circuit with a switch to use 12.6V tubes, this is how it was done in the GOTL, 6.3VAC, then 12.6VDC / 25.2VDC from a voltage doubler. But of course that means more work, more chassis space, and that is up to Ultrasonic if he recommends it. I personally like to narrow the scope of tubes used to optimize the design, just my preference. Jack of all trades vs. master of one sort of thing.

Here is my favorite rectifier



I use tube rectification in my first ever SET amp, 4V B4 base European types, like these.



But have been using regulated supplies lately, so there isn't much point in a tube rectifier in that case. I am thinking of using a tube rectifier in an E55L spud design since it will have a passive power supply. I like that I can knock off some excess voltage and use an old transformer, and they look cool.

BTW, I hope you don't mind me butting into your thread @SonicTrance , I just like talking tube DIY so your thread is right up my alley! But I will hush if it is a bother.

 

[baronbeehive]

I'm sure sonic won't mind.

For the 12v tubes you could use 6v to 12v adapters, Glenn makes those if you can't find them, but check with sonic first.