6C33C to more standard triode conversion - any ideas?

[GlidingDutchman]

Hi there

My request might be a bit tough...

There is a SE stereo amp on its way to me - got it as a gift from a friend! Yay! But... sadly the one 6C33C triode were acidentally bumped and some of its pins broke off.

Seeing the prices of a new 6C33C made me think if it isnt possible to convert the amp to take a more common triode power tube (KT66 or KT88 or EL34??).

The output is rated at 11 watts (OT dependant)

Or can the broken-off pins be re-attached in some way?

Thank you
D

[tubetvr]

It is difficult to attach new pins or to solder connections on pins that has broken off as the pins are made of iron or Kovar which is difficult to solder on, there is also a risk that the glass has cracked around the pins breaking the air tight seal.

I am a bit puzzled when you say that the 6C33C is so expensive, my experience is that it is actually cheaper or in the same price range as other power tubes. If you buy larger quantities you can buy them for about 15 USD and even if you buy just one they cost no more than about 40 USD from e.g tube depot http://www.tubedepot.com/sovpow.html

To convert the amplifier to another tube is quite difficult, the normal load impedance for a 6C33C in SE is ~600 ohm but for KT88 or EL 34 it should be much higher also the current is normally much higher with the 6C33C, (200mA cmp with ~70mA).

Regards Hans

[kevinkr]

The 6C33 is more closely equivalent to types like the 6528 and 6336 which generally are far more expensive. The KT66/KT88/EL34 are not even in the same league for plate resistance, etc.

Do not attempt to reattach pins, this tube runs so hot and the filaments run at high enough current that fireworks and a fried socket are likely to ensue.

Plenty of Eastern European vendors on eBay sell them for not much money:

http://cgi.ebay.com/6S33S-V-6C33C-B-...dZp1638Q2em123

I have not dealt with this specific seller, but feedback looks good, and the price is very reasonable. (FWIW I have had very good luck with a number of eBay sellers from Russia, Ukraine, Lativia, etc.. Promptly shipped, and well packed. No problems EVER. More than I can say for some other places.)

For more current listings when this one expires just do a generic eBay search on 6C33 - this turned up 9 listings today.

I don't really understand why people ship amplifiers with tubes in place, by dint of hard experience I have found this to be one of many sure recipes for disaster. Obvious really, isn't it??