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    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
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    the safety precautions around high voltages.

Which valve, 5842 (417A) or 6H30

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I think I've found a headphone amplifier design I'd like to try.

The designer suggests either a Raytheon / JAN / WE 5842 (417A) or a 6H30.

At first he says that the 6H30 is an excellent choice but goes on to mention the 5842 has a more open and detailed sound, as well as higher gain, meaning that it can be driven from lower level inputs.

But then I've also read a lot of complaints about how noisy the 5842 (417A) is and that it's a matter of trying maybe ten or more to find a good one.

The 6H30 would also save me a valve socket since it's a daul valve, whereas the 5842 is single.

I've not tried either personally, so I'm kind of at a loss as to which one to go for.

If you have any opinions or thoughts about either of these valves they'd be very useful helping me make my mind up.

I'll be using them to drive a pair of Sennheiser HD 650's (300 Ohmies).
 
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