[Isaacc7]

The 5b/254m have been in my system since last night. The word that comes to mind is "punchy." It is unlike any other British tube I have heard. Forward sound, super solid bass, and a brighter treble compared to the Cossor 807. The Sylvania 14n7 was just too much of a good thing, way too much in my face. Have switched to the Tungsol BGRP and that is working better.

Having thought about it a little, the size difference shouldn't surprise me. There is 30+ years difference between the two tubes I showed. All the tubes had shrunk down by the 70s. Octals had given way to miniature 9 pins. I'm amazed that there was not only enough demand in the 70s and 80s for 807 tubes but enough that allowed a redesign. You'll see these tubes labeled either STC or ITT but they seem to be the same thing.

 

[triod750]

I wonder if it will calm down with use? It wouldn't be the first tube to do so.

 

[triod750]

Is there any mid-range?

 

[Isaacc7]

Is there any mid-range?

Oh there is of course lol. I was just relating what stood out to me. They remind me a lot of what I think of as the Sylvania sound in *sn7 tubes. That's a good thing in my book.

 

[leftside]

The 5b/254m have been in my system since last night. The word that comes to mind is "punchy." It is unlike any other British tube I have heard. Forward sound, super solid bass, and a brighter treble compared to the Cossor 807. The Sylvania 14n7 was just too much of a good thing, way too much in my face. Have switched to the Tungsol BGRP and that is working better.

Having thought about it a little, the size difference shouldn't surprise me. There is 30+ years difference between the two tubes I showed. All the tubes had shrunk down by the 70s. Octals had given way to miniature 9 pins. I'm amazed that there was not only enough demand in the 70s and 80s for 807 tubes but enough that allowed a redesign. You'll see these tubes labeled either STC or ITT but they seem to be the same thing.

Nice! Don't see too many mentions of this tube. Of course there are multiple different variations.... The late 1950's versions with the twin rectangle getters are meant to be the ones to look out for.

 

[Isaacc7]

Nice! Don't see too many mentions of this tube. Of course there are multiple different variations.... The late 1950's versions with the twin rectangle getters are meant to be the ones to look out for.

Mine are the single halo getter. Billington seems to have some of the double getter ones in stock. And like the vast majority of loctal tubes I don’t see any date codes. Any idea how to date them? As is my wont, I’d love to get some of the 12v versions, just to rescue another tube lol.

 

[leftside]

Mine are the single halo getter. Billington seems to have some of the double getter ones in stock. And like the vast majority of loctal tubes I don’t see any date codes. Any idea how to date them? As is my wont, I’d love to get some of the 12v versions, just to rescue another tube lol.

All I know is the rectangle getters are the earlier tubes. Some have factory and date codes.
https://dbtubes.com/en/standard-telephone-and-cable/2408-cv428-5b-254m.html

 

[Isaacc7]

All I know is the rectangle getters are the earlier tubes. Some have factory and date codes.
https://dbtubes.com/en/standard-telephone-and-cable/2408-cv428-5b-254m.html

Oh no, not today. Not buying those! Do not tempt me! Lol

 

[bcowen]

Oh no, not today. Not buying those! Do not tempt me! Lol

So.....how many did you buy, and when are they arriving?

 

[Isaacc7]

So.....how many did you buy, and when are they arriving?

Nope. I am seriously not buying any more tubes for at least the next 6 months or so. I’m more likely to buy adapters for tubes I already have.

 

[triod750]

You don't have to buy tubes seriously, you just buy them.
Same with adapters...

 

[mordy]

You don't have to buy tubes seriously, you just buy them.
Same with adapters...

You mean not to spend serious money, eh?

 

[triod750]

Seriously - what is there not to understand? Spend and live happily ever after...
But don't ever sell any tubes. You could need them in next amp or next life.

 

[bcowen]

Seriously - what is there not to understand? Spend and live happily ever after...
But don't ever sell any tubes. You could need them in next amp or next life.

Somebody wrote a song about that: "Tubes can check in any time they like, but they can never leave." So it must be true.

 

[triod750]

Seriously 2.0; be sensible with what you are doing. Just buy the right tubes at the right price and then use them.