Best looking tube?

[Rob11966]

Frivolous question I know but one of the features that we all love is the look of glowing tubes.

I am thinking of shape and glow and considering both driver and power tubes.

My next build will be guided by the answers! I know this is bad

 

[SY]

In the Small Signal category...

http://www.pmillett.com/glowing_hybrid.htm

 

[Gordy]

Frivolous question...
I know this is bad

Yes; you are a very bad, bad boy.

Oh alright then...

304TL , especially with full enclosure as done by Moth (http://www.mothmuseum.com/mothaudio/m304tlhi.html) and Alum Rock (http://www.alumrocktech.com/photos/1a.shtml).

6C33 , but not particularly linear according to the datasheet, so best kept as a voltage regulator.

Almost anything from Sophia and Emission Labs (http://www.sophiaelectric.com/setube.htm, http://www.emissionlabs.com/html/products/products.htm)

 

[jackinnj]

Well, the ne plus ultra of my ham-radio youth was the 4CX250:

And I used this beauty, a 2E26 in my first 6m amplifier --

 

[rcavictim]

I have been putting parts aside to make a high powered monoblock for subwoofer based on a pair of 450TH's. That is the large beauty in the far right of the attached photo. Moving towards the left 833A, 805, KT88. I currently enjoy a SET stereo amp using the 805.

 

[mashaffer]

That 703A is a fascinating tube. I think that is the first triode data sheet I have seen with no mu specified anywhere. What kind of voltage gain do you get with it?

 

[astouffer]

That 703A is a fascinating tube. I think that is the first triode data sheet I have seen with no mu specified anywhere. What kind of voltage gain do you get with it?

I have a pair of those tubes and noticed the same thing. There's also a mistake on the physical dimensions in the datasheet. This page claims the mu is 12. Always wanted to use a CCS or choke load this as a driver for something larger. As far as sockets go you need to have access to a machine shop.

http://www.r-type.org/exhib/aaa0555.htm

 

[TubeHead Johnny]

I'm not into the exotic types, but I think the old Tung-Sol coke bottle 6550's look kinda sexy, especially under dim lights and a few glasses of wine!

 

[tvi]

Pedersen S3/500 ?

Regards
James

 

[6f6]

Magic Eye tubes, such as 6U5, were no doubt selling point for radios in the 30's.

 

[DaveInVA]

To me its a toss up between this 150T from my Dad's transmitter or the blue Arcturus tubes....

Dave

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

 

[astouffer]

The 205d is another favorite of mine...

http://www.the-planet.org/nnetg/bugle205d_3.jpg

 

[jon_010101]

Boring, I know, but I think one of the best looking reasonably-sized output tubes is the KT66. Also, 807 and 1625. Especially when blue glow is factored in.

 

[rdf]

For me it's the 828 & 814. A pair lights the room.

 

[pointy]

hope the link works

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ledGMAKpZz0&feature=channel_page>

 

[nhuwar]

Ok Here's some I like.
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn74/nhuwar/Photo0085.jpg

The order is 6sn7gt, 4-400a, 6c21, 4-1000a, 849


In my opinion the 6c21 is the prettiest I have seen. It's basically a 450th but pulse rated and the mu is a little lower.

I put the 6sn7 for scale. The 849 is a nice one too. The one I have has seen many hours as you can see. I got it for show.


There is one other that I don't have and probably never will and thats a 8d21. It was one of rca original tubes for vhf tv it's a dual tetrode and it just looks really cool.

One day I still might make an amp with the 2 6c21's I have but thats a long way down the road.

Oh sorry for the low quality pic I took it with my cell phone.

And just in case some one doesn't know how big a 6sn7 is the 6c21 is 12 inches tall.

The 849 is a beast.

Nick

 

[HollowState]

I like the 8078 triode with it's square carbon plate. The 7092 is very similar and a tiny bit bigger. However from a more useful standpoint, I think the TJ mesh plate globe 300B is very cool looking.

 

[rcavictim]

I like the 8078 triode with it's square carbon plate. The 7092 is very similar and a tiny bit bigger.

A pair of those ought to make a good headphone amp!
Forget B+, just use the grid to modulate the space charge boiling off the cathode.

Actually you couldn't find a better triode for a tabletop tube tesla coil.

 

[nhuwar]

A pair of those ought to make a good headphone amp!
Forget B+, just use the grid to modulate the space charge boiling off the cathode.

Actually you couldn't find a better triode for a tabletop tube tesla coil.

Thats my next project for some plasma tweeters LOL,,,,, Really it is.



What's the dissipation on the 8078? It looks like something used for induction heating rf sources.

Nick

 

[HollowState]

Actually you couldn't find a better triode for a tabletop tube tesla coil.

Ah yes, I've build my share of those. But with 304TLs amd 6C21s. I didn't have this 1000T back when I was into them.

Nick, as far as the dissipation on the 8078, I'm not sure, but I would guess 1000 watts, maybe more. Induction heating...probably so. I have a life long collection of monster tubes.

Edit: I just found out that an 8078 is also called a TB4/1500. So I guess the plate dissipation is 1500 watts.
http://www.tubes.it/amperex_rf_eng.htm