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801A

66.29.163.1

In Reply to: RE: No lance... posted by Jim Dowdy on November 02, 2009 at 17:09:12

I have listened to this tube in linestage and driver applications with a variety of OP tubes, like the supercharged KR and Vaic 300B types. You have too, at my place. IIRC. But who's keeping track?

This tube has a beautiful robust sound with huge imaging and that lush 10 sound. Like a 10 on steroids.

One of my all time faves. The 801 is getting harder to find, whereas the 841 not so much, but I don't have much experience with the sound of that one...just one amp Sam built.

Later
D

Follow Ups:

Re: 801A - Jim Dowdy 13:05:45 11/05/09 (7)
I have indeed heard the 801A on a number occasions - as Dave says, it sounds like a muscular 10/10Y.
However, I have not personally experimented/built with the 801A.
- How about the original RCA 801, white based, carbon plate... - Interstage Tranny 14:23:54 11/05/09 (6)
  The original 801 is really robust, able to handle high plate voltage and current. Plus, it works into any load opt without fuss. Power is easily increased with this bad boy.
  
  841 is a VT-51, rare indeed, but not in high demand. They require less bias but high drive. GL versions are out there, but not easily found in pairs. I still vote for the original GL10, or 801 with porcelain base, for best sonics.
  - can you explain that please? - gordan 14:45:22 11/09/09 (3)
    "Plus, it works into any load opt without fuss"
    
    any load opt? do you mean impedance or something else here?
    - Yes, I can explain that, I think... - Interstage Tranny 16:00:52 11/09/09 (2)
      Yes, the reflected impedance or load impedance of the 10 family of tubes is usually very high. The carbon graphite plate, ceramic base version 801 is unperturbed by lower impedances. So, while an 801A wants to see a 7-10K Ohm load, the original 801 doesn't mind a 3K Ohm load. The 801 can do well with the high load, as well.
      
      What is most important about these original 801s is how forgiving they are of high plate voltage and current. They really can put out some power, driven correctly. Check out their plate structure compared to the postage stamp size of the later 801A/VT-62. 801s are worth finding and trying...
      - RE: Yes, I can explain that, I think... - PakProtector 07:13:35 11/11/09 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yes, I can explain that, I think... posted by Interstage Tranny on November 09, 2009 at 16:00:52
        
        The reaction I keep having goes something like, 'how do you arrive at these conclusions'. I've not seen any indication that the gm/R_p varies much across the 801 family. It is likely that actual plate dissipation values might, but that does not much towards working into lower loads comfortably. In that arena it seems to be mostly a f'n of R_p...now that varies considerably across the output voltage swing....
        cheers,
        Douglas
        
        Friend, I would not hurt thee for the world...but thou art standing where I am about to shoot.
        
        Empirical Evidence, My Friend... - Interstage Tranny 18:13:49 11/11/09 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Yes, I can explain that, I think... posted by PakProtector on November 11, 2009 at 07:13:35
        
        Have you tried these tubes in SE ? How about push-pull ? When you do or have, comparing the various types of 10 tubes, in circuit, will definitely convince you that these original 801s are most forgiving. Also, please check the circa 1937 Transmitting Tube Manual. There, you will see the published data for the original 801, which might be a bit different than the 10 family specs.
        
        Come to think of it, have you seen any 10 family specs for AB2 operation ? I would like to compare. Nevertheless, specs aside, 10s, VT-62s and 801As do not like low Rp. Ceramic based 801s, with chunky, carbon graphite plates, don't seem to mind them, at all...
  - RE: How about the original RCA 801, white based, carbon plate... - wdh.co 18:32:25 11/05/09 (1)
    Like these
    Iam now using graphite 801 for drivers and outputs the bass and mids are better than the 801a if you can believe that.
    
    Edits: 11/05/09
    - Sweet ! ...(nt) - drummerwill 08:04:52 11/06/09 (0)

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