Daddy Dee Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 I've been recently introduced to a new tube, well, new to my (limited) experience. The rebuilder of my Mark III's has included NOS Ratheon 6AN8A tubes. From the little I've read on the internet, am I understanding correctly that these were in the Mark III's as original, too? Is there any difference between 6AN8 and 6AN8A? Have been thinking I'd pick up a pair for spares and the good news is that USA NOS are quite reasonably priced. Is this tube one that is flavored much differently from manufacturer to manufacturer? Any recommendations for the Mark III's? On an additional tube topic with the Mark III's. In a conversation with the rebuilder, he was telling me he thinks the 6550's are the best choice for big ole horns, as compared to the KT88's. I thought this was an interesting comment. Anyone have a take or experience on this. As far as potential for tube rolling, he recommends, if desired, vintage Tung-Sol, not new manufacture, 6550's. These things are fairly pricey and the Svetlana 6550's sound pretty dang good. Good enough to give that sense of "how could it get any better than this?" So that's pretty good. Just as an aside, I've just listened to these Mark III's for a few hours.... but I have to say this Merlin driving them on Khorns is a deeply satisfying listening experience. What a great little brick of a preamp, killer in it's own right, and for the price... unbelievable. An excellent match for these Mark III's. Good enough to go gaga. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRBILL Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 Hello, Dee, The 6AN8 is appropriate for parallel-filament circuits and/or series circuits nor requiring controlled warm-up. For your application, either will work fine. I SO want you to try KT90's in your Mark III's. Direct drop-in. Just re-bias. They provide a few more watts, much smoother bass, and no danger of rosy plates when your house current exceeds 117vac. Ask anybody who has tried them. DR BILL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted August 9, 2005 Author Share Posted August 9, 2005 Bill, Thanks. On the KT90's, any particular recommendations? I'd like to check them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRBILL Posted August 9, 2005 Share Posted August 9, 2005 DEE, My KT90's are EH. They are the only ones that I have tried. They have the "wafer" or sometimes called "coin" base to keep the height in check. They are REALLY big tubes! Michael Marx at SNDTUBES@vacuumtubes.com has the 6AN8 & 6AN8a for 6.00, (NOS), pot luck on brand unless you specify. BILL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted August 9, 2005 Author Share Posted August 9, 2005 Thanks Bill. I've got a pair of EH KT90s on the way. Looking forward to hearing them. Thanks for the heads up and the link on the 6AN8's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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