[chrisdrop]

JMO but if you get a 6SN7 socket that gives you a lot more options. Fairly straightforward to go from 6SN7 -> 6J5 and also gives you the option of using e.g. 7N7 or 6CG7s with adapaters. Seems like if you get a 6J5 socket you are committed to the single triodes, unless you want to buy dual triodes and only use half of them.

That is a fair comment.

Isn't @leftside's amp a beauty (and a beast) ?!

In my Glenn amp, I 90+% use the 6SN7 socket via an adapter for 6J5-like tubes. Another possibility in a Glenn OTL amp is to replace the C3G slots with 2x 6J5 sockets , keeping the 6SN7 socket. I am not sure which was suggested to you @Bonddam. I like the C3G sockets and have a number of adapters for those sockets.

As nice as the coke bottle glass GEC tubes are, I find the best bang for the buck 6J5 are the early metal base tubes from KenRad, Sylvania, TungSol, etc with foil getters.

Perhaps today, I'll pop in some metal base Sylvania 6J5GTs. I only have full the metal KenRads, and no TunSols in this family... More toobz!

 

[chrisdrop]

Sylvania 6J5GT/VT-94D (metal base)

As per @leftside's comment, I rolled in some Sylvania 6J5GTs today.

These tubes were, for some period of time (probably during Christmas this past year) my most reliable, oft returned to inputs. It is nice to have them back for listening today. Rolling from the Fivres pictured above, a few things are noticeable. By contrast, the Sylvanias are a bit warmer and fuller in the lower end. They have solid representation across the spectrum. They don't sparkle quite like the Fivres, but that is their key trait. I could happily live with these for some time. I consider them neutral to slightly warm with a good sized stage.

These are not expensive tubes FYI. I think they can be had for $10-$20 each NOS.

I don't know the date of these things. I don't have good notes on Sylvania date codes.

 

[CAJames]

My adapters are a couple weeks away and I've started shopping for 6[J|C|P]5GTs. Seems the Ps are the most expensive, and apparently no metal can version. Curious if you've had any (good) experience with the Russian versions?

 

[chrisdrop]

My adapters are a couple weeks away and I've started shopping for 6[J|C|P]5GTs. Seems the Ps are the most expensive, and apparently no metal can version. Curious if you've had any (good) experience with the Russian versions?

Sadly, I have not. I have not tried however. Nor Chinese. For other tube types, I have tried Russian tubes and never had much luck.

FYI: Billington has US made NOS 6P5G and 6P5GT at 15GBP/ each.

 

[CAJames]

Thank you for the link. I know Billington but I struggle with them. I'd love to order a bunch of Mullard/GEC/Brimar but my Scottish heritage simultaneously insists on ordering at least 250GBP to get the wholesale discount and refuses to spend 250GBP on tubes.

 

[leftside]

Thank you for the link. I know Billington but I struggle with them. I'd love to order a bunch of Mullard/GEC/Brimar but my Scottish heritage simultaneously insists on ordering at least 250GBP to get the wholesale discount and refuses to spend 250GBP on tubes.

Doesn't take too many Mullard/GEC/Brimar to reach 250GBP... and you'll be saving money in the long run.

 

[chrisdrop]

Thank you for the link. I know Billington but I struggle with them. I'd love to order a bunch of Mullard/GEC/Brimar but my Scottish heritage simultaneously insists on ordering at least 250GBP to get the wholesale discount and refuses to spend 250GBP on tubes.

Martin at Billington is also very reasonable, so I am sure you could find a way. Also, on inexpensive tubes, any lack of discount is not that material Regardless, understood.

 

[leftside]

I make no guarantees about these tubes, and I don't know the seller, but this is a good price:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MARCONI-L63-6J5G-VALVES-TESTED-PAIR-TUBES/324199272487

 

[CAJames]

Martin at Billington is also very reasonable, so I am sure you could find a way. Also, on inexpensive tubes, any lack of discount is not that material Regardless, understood.

Yeah, it didn't take long for me to send them a shopping list. 6P5s, GEC L63s (GT not the older coke bottle) and pair of 6F8Gs to get the discount. Since I need 4 plus a spare the GECs are pretty much the top of my price range. I'm finding some 6C5s and 6P5s over here too. Scottish heritage will just have to deal with it.

 

[leftside]

Yeah, it didn't take long for me to send them a shopping list. 6P5s, GEC L63s (GT not the older coke bottle) and pair of 6F8Gs to get the discount. Since I need 4 plus a spare the GECs are pretty much the top of my price range. I'm finding some 6C5s and 6P5s over here too. Scottish heritage will just have to deal with it.

Martin knows me very well

 

[leftside]

Here's some BLACK METAL 6C5 for @Monsterzero. The Mazda even have the word "METAL" on the tube.

 

[CAJames]

Martin knows me very well

That looks so cool! I never get tired of the pictures you post.

 

[leftside]

That looks so cool! I never get tired of the pictures you post.

Thanks. I have boxes of 6J5/6C5/6C5V/6P5/L63 tubes... These tube sockets in an amp are also very versatile. With adapters you can also use EL3, 5693, 76, EL11 and a bunch of others. I can also use 6N7 in the 6J5 sockets in my amp.

 

[Monsterzero]

Ok
Stupid question
Is there particular tubes that are best with electronic music? There’s so many to get I’d like simplicity and get the best right away. I figure bass fast detailed great highs.
This amp will be for listening to my Verite open.

Its hard to go wrong with Ken Rad VT94s and either a six pack of 6BX7s or a pair of Bendix 6080s for a fast hard hitting roll.

Here's some BLACK METAL 6C5 for @Monsterzero. The Mazda even have the word "METAL" on the tube.

\m/ Horns up!

That amp is stunning! Im afraid to ask,and if youre not comfortable saying it publicly I understand,but what did that beast set you back?

Oh...I think all Glenn owners should know about this thread. @zach915m @Hansotek

Great thread idea @chrisdrop

 

[Hansotek]

Drooling all over myself. Love that design @leftside