Octal power tube alternative with top cap anode Sylvania ?

[chopstuck]

I remember reading about a top electrode tube (possibly anode) as a cost effective choice for NOS tubes.
This was in the early 90's IIRC. Maybe Vintage Guitar when it was still a small b&w rag.

Anyone have an idea what a cost conscious NOS tube choice would be ?
This will be for new builds such as D*mble or Fender style blackface amps.

My D-lite sounds pretty good with old mismatched 6L6s PA pulls. Not so good with new Sovteks.

I forgot to stock up on 6L6's in the 90's when good Sylvanias were about $10-12 ea.

[rsi]

You mean something like an 807 with an octal base? There's also the Sylvania 5933 but that uses the same base as an 807 I think.

[tubetek]

http://www.vacuumtubes.com/6BG6.html
I think this is what you are looking for; I've used several sets of these (from this seller) and been very satisfied...Hope this helps
tomT

[gingertube]

Whether they are still cheap and readily available I would not know.
The ones that I have seen used for Guitar Power Amps are:
6CM5 (EL37) - 40 to 50W from a PP pair.
6DQ6A, 6DQ6B - 40 to 60W from a PP pair.

Most of these were Horizontal Deflection Tubes from TV Sets, most require lower screen voltages.

Example:
http://www.ozvalveamps.org/goldentone/g ... occtgw.jpg

Cheers,
Ian

[chopstuck]

Tom , thanks for the tip. Yes that's just what I was looking for.
I'm thinking of some new 6l6 type builds and considering wiring the socket expressly for them.

Now I need to find some anode caps.

[Cliff Schecht]

6BG6, 807 and 1625 have all worked well for me as a 6L6 replacement. I prefer the early US-made 807s, they have a great clean and distorted character and a can take a beating.

Also the 829B is a cool UFO looking 6L6-ish tube. It's actually two 6L6's in a single envelope with a common cathode connection. Great for a loud SE amp or a 100W push pull pair. Only "issue" is they are rated at only maybe 250V screen and 750V plate so you really gotta be careful about keeping the screens from arcing or overdissipating. The sockets are also super weird (in a good way) and are harder to find than the tubes. I pay about $3 a piece for NOS examples of the tube and $5-10 a piece for a socket..

[tubeswell]

oops

[loctal]

A 6BG6-G is an 6L6-G with a plate cap. Or an 807 with an octal base.