[jonchard]

What is the difference between a Kenrad 6c5 and a Kenrad 6j5? Do 6c5 work in dual 6j5g adapters?

 

[jonchard]

6C5C for me are unobtanium! Would LOVE a set.

 

[steve468]

What is the difference between a Kenrad 6c5 and a Kenrad 6j5? Do 6c5 work in dual 6j5g adapters?

Same adapter, and I believe if you can use a 6J5 you can use a 6C5. They're pretty close electrically, as Mordy mentioned above.

I couldn't tell you the difference sound wise - in general I find 6C5 to be a bit more balanced, smooth and intimate sounding than 6J5.

 

[Isaacc7]

What is the difference between a Kenrad 6c5 and a Kenrad 6j5? Do 6c5 work in dual 6j5g adapters?

Electrically they are the same. Physically they are not and so they will have a different sound. The 6c5 is just a 6j7 that has been wired as a triode at the factory and lost its top cap. I guess that makes them more a triode 6sj7 but those weren’t being made when the 6c5 was lol. I have had some good experiences with some 6c5 tubes and some triode wired 6j7(ish) tubes.

 

[Isaacc7]

It’s funny, this thread was originally made because the prices of 6sn7 tubes had gotten too expensive. Little did the originators know how high t they would go! And now we’re getting the same complaints about the single triodes as well. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted lol.

Metal 6j5 and 6c5 are still great deals as are metal 6v6,6f6, and 6l6 (shhh, don’t tell anyone!). If you’re willing to forgo exotic European brands you can also get adapters for triode wired 6j7 or 6sj7. Those are also mostly metal and mostly still really cheap. Also great tubes. Mullard ef36 and ef37 also fit the 6j7 adapters but the best ones are getting harder to find. I’m not convinced that the newer ef37 are any better than the American 6j7…

Another option is to get an adapter that allows you to use other voltages. The 12v tubes are still a great deal. Once again, there are few European 12j5 and equivalent but the American ones are really good and mighty cheap for the most part.

 

[TLO]

It’s funny, this thread was originally made because the prices of 6sn7 tubes had gotten too expensive. Little did the originators know how high t they would go! And now we’re getting the same complaints about the single triodes as well. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted lol.

Metal 6j5 and 6c5 are still great deals as are metal 6v6,6f6, and 6l6 (shhh, don’t tell anyone!). If you’re willing to forgo exotic European brands you can also get adapters for triode wired 6j7 or 6sj7. Those are also mostly metal and mostly still really cheap. Also great tubes. Mullard ef36 and ef37 also fit the 6j7 adapters but the best ones are getting harder to find. I’m not convinced that the newer ef37 are any better than the American 6j7…

Another option is to get an adapter that allows you to use other voltages. The 12v tubes are still a great deal. Once again, there are few European 12j5 and equivalent but the American ones are really good and mighty cheap for the most part.

This is the reason why I skipped single triode tubes because of the prices though I have the CV6. There is another cheap option to explore if you dont mind of adapters. That is diode single triode tubes or dual component tubes like triode-pentode, triode-hexode, triode-heptode tubes. You can run these tubes as single triode tubes and ignore the other component, just make sure you check the specs of the triode section and you are good to go.

 

[trollbearpig]

Does anyone know the difference between 6c5g 6c5 tube Fivre mesh punched and 6C5G Fivre Mesh anode black? These are some nice looking tubes but the price between them is quite big

 

[jonchard]

Does anyone know the difference between 6c5g 6c5 tube Fivre mesh punched and 6C5G Fivre Mesh anode black? These are some nice looking tubes but the price between them is quite big

I've had an eye on these too - would like to know the ins and outs!

 

[triod750]

I’m a total believer in the magic of the metal can 6J5GT. My favorite quad are late 1930’s GE that I found late last year- they looked almost brand new-



But of course if you’re fortunate enough to find the 6C5C you’ll love them as well!

Just be aware that the bottom 6C5C isn't the same as 6C5. 6C5C is kyrillic letters that translated becomes 6S5S...

 

[triod750]

Does anyone know the difference between 6c5g 6c5 tube Fivre mesh punched and 6C5G Fivre Mesh anode black? These are some nice looking tubes but the price between them is quite big

For one thing this isn't mesh anode it's some kind of punched 'screen' or 'shield', I don't remember what to call it. You would find the anode inside that 'screen'.

 

[robo24]

For one thing this isn't mesh anode it's some kind of punched 'screen' or 'shield', I don't remember what to call it. You would find the anode inside that 'screen'.

The first are better but not worth that price difference. I’ve found some of those other shaped ones for less, and it can be difficult getting 4 of the same exact construction.

 

[triod750]

When people ask which tubes are the better ones there really isn't but one correct answer. This depends on circuit, tubes they will be used with, source and everything else in the audio chain. Still, some tubes are usually better than others.

 

[Isaacc7]

Does anyone know the difference between 6c5g 6c5 tube Fivre mesh punched and 6C5G Fivre Mesh anode black? These are some nice looking tubes but the price between them is quite big

The more expensive ones are older and look cooler. I can’t imagine the difference in price is worth it. They’re bound to sound more alike than different. I use Fivre 12j7gt wired as a triode so should be the same as the 6c5gt. They sound good. Mind you I only paid $12 a piece for them lol.

 

[mordy]

I’m a total believer in the magic of the metal can 6J5GT. My favorite quad are late 1930’s GE that I found late last year- they looked almost brand new-



But of course if you’re fortunate enough to find the 6C5C you’ll love them as well!

With all due respect a date code of 9-09 and factory code of 188-5 should indicate a later decade than the 30's. 188 is the GE factory code and 05 is the Owensboro, Kentucky factory that GE bought from Ken-Rad (Kentucky Radio) in 1945. The pictured tubes have to be made after 1945, the 9th week (March) of 1949 or maybe later.
The earliest (GE) metal tubes have a different shape with an indented top - here is a 1943 example:

The early ones often have an orange print as seen above.
Still, these are unsung heroes - great sounding tubes that are still very inexpensive.

 

[Designsfx]

With all due respect a date code of 9-09 and factory code of 188-5 should indicate a later decade than the 30's. 188 is the GE factory code and 05 is the Owensboro, Kentucky factory that GE bought from Ken-Rad (Kentucky Radio) in 1945. The pictured tubes have to be made after 1945, the 9th week (March) of 1949 or maybe later.
The earliest (GE) metal tubes have a different shape with an indented top - here is a 1943 example:

Good one @mordy
Now I know who to ask directly when trying to figure out the age of a tube!