[bcowen]

Sorry if this has been brought up before.

Is there any way to test tubes without an emission tester or other type of tube tester? If not, are there any recommendations for a tube tester that would be functional in the $100 range?

I got 4 Fotons off of eBay that I think were dead to begin with, and want to know how to verify before I request a refund.

You can test them for shorts with a DVM, but no way I know of to test for emission or GM without a tube tester.

 

[ScubaMan2017]

I don't mind, but I have to write it up first. It's a little more involved than Tidal. I'll PM you. It's not on the Web.

Would you consider posting it on this thread?

 

[Keno18]

Would you consider posting it on this thread?

Check out post #4663 on page 311.

 

[wabe]

It appears that at least 2 of the tubes I got are functional (I found a shop in town that can test tubes). My next question is on the adapter. I got one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GARAGE1217...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

to use in the Vali 2.

First question: is this the correct adapter for a 6SN7/6H8C tube? If not, which one should I get?

Second question: if this is the correct adapter, is there any way to determine if the adapter itself is bad with a DVM?

 

[Keno18]

It appears that at least 2 of the tubes I got are functional (I found a shop in town that can test tubes). My next question is on the adapter. I got one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GARAGE1217-12SN7-6SN7-TO-12AU7-6922-TUBE-SOCKET-ADAPTER-TOP-BUILD-QUALITY/254102508696?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

to use in the Vali 2.

First question: is this the correct adapter for a 6SN7/6H8C tube? If not, which one should I get?

Second question: if this is the correct adapter, is there any way to determine if the adapter itself is bad with a DVM?

I'm not familiar with the Garage1217 adapter, but you will need an additional 9 pin socket saver to put on the end of the Garage adapter because the adapter is too wide to fit the Vali's tube opening. Easily gotten from tubedepot.com.

 

[TK16]

It appears that at least 2 of the tubes I got are functional (I found a shop in town that can test tubes). My next question is on the adapter. I got one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GARAGE1217-12SN7-6SN7-TO-12AU7-6922-TUBE-SOCKET-ADAPTER-TOP-BUILD-QUALITY/254102508696?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

to use in the Vali 2.

First question: is this the correct adapter for a 6SN7/6H8C tube? If not, which one should I get?

Second question: if this is the correct adapter, is there any way to determine if the adapter itself is bad with a DVM?

Have not used that adapter but I have the 2C51 garage adapter. Being ceramic it amplifies noise and or microphones compared to the bakelite. Adapter you linked looks to be ceramic.

 

[Ripper2860]

I use a pair of Garage 2C51 adapters with my Valhalla 2 and have absolutely no issues with them being noisy or microphonic. Maybe it's your amp?? Or maybe it's your imagination.

 

[Keno18]

Found another good sounding cheap tube. The JJ 12at7. Open, airy, with one of the best transient dynamic responses I've come across. (The "gunshot" in Fiedler's "Slaughter on 10th Avenue".)

 

[wabe]

@Keno18, I found that out when I started trying to figure out how to make it work. I got a couple of the tubesaver adapters.

What 6SN7 adapters do you folks recommend, if you haven't used the Garage1217 one?

 

[bcowen]

It appears that at least 2 of the tubes I got are functional (I found a shop in town that can test tubes). My next question is on the adapter. I got one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GARAGE1217-12SN7-6SN7-TO-12AU7-6922-TUBE-SOCKET-ADAPTER-TOP-BUILD-QUALITY/254102508696?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

to use in the Vali 2.

First question: is this the correct adapter for a 6SN7/6H8C tube? If not, which one should I get?

Second question: if this is the correct adapter, is there any way to determine if the adapter itself is bad with a DVM?

That adapter will work as long as you specify how you want it wired when you order it. It's configurable for different tubes. Just be sure to spell out you want it configured for a 6922 on the bottom and 6SN7 on the top.

 

[wabe]

That adapter will work as long as you specify how you want it wired when you order it. It's configurable for different tubes. Just be sure to spell out you want it configured for a 6922 on the bottom and 6SN7 on the top.

Ah, this might be my issue. Which configuration should I have requested? I assume config 2?

Config 1: Pins 4 and 5 on the 9 pin side can be joined for use adapting a 6sn7 to say a 6dj8 socket or a 12sn7 series to a true 12.6v socket such as a 12au7 which does not utilize the center tap
Config 2: Pins 4 or 5 can be linked to pin 9 on the noval side for designs running 6.3v but allowing 12.6v dual triodes to be run per the center tap

 

[bcowen]

@Keno18, I found that out when I started trying to figure out how to make it work. I got a couple of the tubesaver adapters.

What 6SN7 adapters do you folks recommend, if you haven't used the Garage1217 one?

Just had one made for me by @Deyan . Haven't received it yet but from the pictures he sent the workmanship looks to be first rate. He's in Bulgaria so you'll have to wait a bit on the shipping. Mine is intended for the Vali 2 with a 7N7 on top rather than a 6SN7, but I believe he can configure an adapter for whatever you want. I like the one piece body on this which eliminates the need for a socket saver or extension (and more connections as a result). PM him if you have any interest.

 

[bcowen]

Ah, this might be my issue. Which configuration should I have requested? I assume config 2?

Config 1: Pins 4 and 5 on the 9 pin side can be joined for use adapting a 6sn7 to say a 6dj8 socket or a 12sn7 series to a true 12.6v socket such as a 12au7 which does not utilize the center tap
Config 2: Pins 4 or 5 can be linked to pin 9 on the noval side for designs running 6.3v but allowing 12.6v dual triodes to be run per the center tap

No. Based on that description, you'd want Config 1 to run a 6SN7 / 6N8S / 6H8C in a Vali 2.

 

[Mr Trev]

Just had one made for me by @Deyan . Haven't received it yet but from the pictures he sent the workmanship looks to be first rate. He's in Bulgaria so you'll have to wait a bit on the shipping. Mine is intended for the Vali 2 with a 7N7 on top rather than a 6SN7, but I believe he can configure an adapter for whatever you want. I like the one piece body on this which eliminates the need for a socket saver or extension (and more connections as a result). PM him if you have any interest.

Looks nice. Any mention on how tall is it? I'd like to keep it as low profile as possible - you know, for wind resistance & centre of gravity

 

[bcowen]

Looks nice. Any mention on how tall is it? I'd like to keep it as low profile as possible - you know, for wind resistance & centre of gravity

No mention of the total height. Be happy to measure it and post the info once I get it. I need a fairly low profile myself, due more to felines and the space I'm allotted in the living room for my HP stuff. And it'll get even more restricted when I finish the Schiit rack whose design I blatantly ripped off from @Paladin79 . I *did* thank him though.