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What makes a tube with the Windmill getter structure. . .

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Posted on February 7, 2023 at 11:41:28
John PA
Audiophile

Posts: 4019
Location: The lower 48.
Joined: August 27, 2000
 special?


iBasso DX300MAX Ti. Focal Utopia and Stellia. iBasso SR2. Mr. Speakers, Ether II, Voce stats. Manley, Absolute headphone amp. LTA MZ3, Z10e electrostatic amp. Many other headphones, amps, cables etc.

 

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RE: What makes a tube with the Windmill getter structure. . ., posted on February 7, 2023 at 14:43:26
opalize
Audiophile

Posts: 109
Location: NorCal
Joined: March 18, 2021
 The "windmill" getter does not directly affect the audio signal or the sonic character (I assume you're referring to Raytheon origin?).

The getter structure can be a convenient visual indicator of a particular construction type and era of production.

The material purity, metallurgy, cathode coating chemistry, plate and grid alignment, getter deposition, vacuum draw, mica composition and cuts, plate shape, construction and coating, and quality control, etc. all matter to sonic performance, and can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, or between eras of production for the same manufacturer.

 

Yes, and thank you. I understand that and what getter is and how it . , posted on February 7, 2023 at 19:10:53
John PA
Audiophile

Posts: 4019
Location: The lower 48.
Joined: August 27, 2000
 works but I wonder why the windmill getter style, structure seems to command such a high value. It makes no sense to me, unless during that specific manufacture period, it coincides with what just happens to be a very good tube but then the windmill getter structure is used on a number of tube types by Raytheon.


iBasso DX300MAX Ti. Focal Utopia and Stellia. iBasso SR2. Mr. Speakers, Ether II, Voce stats. Manley, Absolute headphone amp. LTA MZ3, Z10e electrostatic amp. Many other headphones, amps, cables etc.

 

RE: Yes, and thank you. I understand that and what getter is and how it . , posted on February 7, 2023 at 19:33:03
Tre'
Industry Professional

Posts: 17306
Location: So. Cal.
Joined: February 9, 2002
 Yes, "during that specific manufacture period, it coincides with what just happens to be a very good tube". Nothing more than that.

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"

 

Exactly!, posted on February 8, 2023 at 09:11:08
opalize
Audiophile

Posts: 109
Location: NorCal
Joined: March 18, 2021
 no mas

 

I'm curious too!, posted on February 9, 2023 at 11:10:05
Jonesy
Audiophile

Posts: 3157
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joined: September 1, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2018
 The getter is certainly the easiest and quickest way to help identify tubes. But I think you're asking if any particular shape was chosen vs any ol' getter available at the time will do for a reservoir to hold the material.

Do some getter reservoir shapes work better than others by yielding more flash in the bulb to extend life. Are more/less gasses released by different internal designs that determine getter shape requirements. Why side getters in some instances.

Interesting question you have there.

Jonesy




"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."




 

Tungsol with the 6550 liked to hit the tube with plenty of . . , posted on February 9, 2023 at 12:32:48
John PA
Audiophile

Posts: 4019
Location: The lower 48.
Joined: August 27, 2000
 getter. With top and two sides, that extraneous gas should be absorbed. Then some tubes like the Sylvania types with huge getter flashed from top to half way down the tube!

I have a friend, if he is still alive, who worked for RCA and had patents in his name for tubes but of course RCA got the monies but his knowledge was like an encyclopedia. And any "new" circuit for tubes I would bring up from CCS etc., he would say, oh yeah, we did that in 1959, etc. Tubes were like eating an apple, as long as you have teeth. lol

Then Tim Fox, who used to come on here, has vast knowledge as well. I knew him in the Navy where we used mostly all tubes. He was an ET and then went on to become a Master Chief.




iBasso DX300MAX Ti. Focal Utopia and Stellia. iBasso SR2. Mr. Speakers, Ether II, Voce stats. Manley, Absolute headphone amp. LTA MZ3, Z10e electrostatic amp. Many other headphones, amps, cables etc.

 

RE: Tungsol with the 6550 liked to hit the tube with plenty of . . , posted on February 9, 2023 at 13:00:44
sony6060
Audiophile

Posts: 1465
Location: USA
Joined: August 8, 2014
 Windmill getter is not an indication of a special tube. Some liked Raytheon 5751 windmill getter tubes years ago, but a JJ E83CC is far superior.

 

RE: Tungsol with the 6550 liked to hit the tube with plenty of . . , posted on February 9, 2023 at 13:38:07
Jonesy
Audiophile

Posts: 3157
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joined: September 1, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2018
 That's pretty cool that you knew/know those people. A huge yet sad reminder of how some tube refinements were required due to military use and not to make them sound "more open".

Jonesy


"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."




 

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