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RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes?

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Jim McShane

In Reply to: RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes? posted by D_K on June 27, 2007 at 16:50:36

"1) Are there any tubes types that can be used as a direct substitute to the 6DE7?"

None I know of, although the 6DR7 isn't too far off. The 6DR7 has one section that is identical to a section in the 6DE7, but the other 6DR7 section has about 4X the mu of the corresponding section of the 6DE7. They pinout identically and have the same heater current draw though.

"2) If not, should I search for certain brand/year for these 6DE7s?"

I doubt there is much of a "database" out there on this tube. I have some different varieties on hand; if you want to drop me a note I'll look and see what I have. You'll need to do some experimenting on your own I suspect. Fortunately the tube is cheap.

"3) What exactly does a power/driver tube do? Does the type of tube I use make a difference in SQ?"

The driver tube provides adequate current and voltage to the power putput tubes. I don't know what you mean by "SQ", sorry. Sound quality maybe??

I'm assuming the 6DE7 is being used as a driver and power/output tube in your amp. One tube section is doing the driver job, the other is the power amp section. But without a schematic or more info that''s just a (hopefully educated) guess.

"4) Which tube change - rectifier or the power tubes - would make a bigger change in SQ?"

It depends, and really only some experimentation will give you the answer.

Follow Ups:

RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes? - becketma 11:57:44 06/29/07 (4)
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/frank/sheets63.html
I see specs from RCA, Sylvania, and Tungsol.
Bob
- RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes? - Jim McShane 15:06:52 06/29/07 (3)
  Yes, Frank has some great info posted - but the original poster wanted to know if there were subs for it.
  - RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes? - becketma 00:58:57 06/30/07 (2)
    "2) If not, should I search for certain brand/year for these 6DE7s?"
    
    Looks like he might have FUN collecting tubes from those manufacturers.
    
    Can't help with subs.
    
    Besides, I figured you have some of the best info about that Jim.
    
    Bob
    - RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes? - sacd lover 14:35:04 06/30/07 (1)
      The 6ew7 can sub if the tube will fit in the amp. This tube is a little larger physically; but electrically the 6ew7 will definitely work.
      
      http://www.nj7p.org/Tube4.php?tube=6DE7
      
      http://tdsl.duncanamps.com/show.php?des=6EW7
      - 6EW7 - John PA 16:40:01 07/01/07 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: 6DE7 power tube substitutes? posted by sacd lover on June 30, 2007 at 14:35:04
        
        Yes it works but is a little softer sounding and doesn't have quite the bass control. It does have a large sound field though and it looks really neat.
        
        The Elaborate DAC=Johnny's Balloon Meshplate 27 Balanced Preamp=Balanced Six Pacs=Newform Research 645
        
        Edits: 07/01/07

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