6HE5 as output pentode?

[bst]

I recently picked up several sleeves of new 6HE5 compactrons. The data sheet looks very similar to a 6V6: with 250 volts on the plate, plate resistance is 50K, transconductance is 4100 uMhos, plate current is 43mA. Max plate voltage and dissipation are actually a little higher than a 6V6.

I'm considering a push-pull amp with these 6HE5s; has anyone tried them?

(In fact, I'm thinking of an all-compactron stereo amp, with a dissimilar triple triode for the input and phase-splitter duties, and the 6HE5s for outputs).

Comments and other alternatives appreciated, as always.

[Tom Bavis]

It appears to be identical to the 6EZ5, which is similar to 6V6. I haven't looked closely at the curves, but it should work nicely in any 6V6 circuit. Almost double the filament current though. I'd use a 6U10 as a gain stage and long-tail phase splitter, since I have a half-dozen. Sockets are the hard part, though AES has 'em, and they show up on eBay from time to time.

[bst]

Thanks for the response, Tom.

I'll try to lash something together and report back on the initial performance. There are several triple-triodes worth looking at; one with mu factors of 70-20-20 (like half a 6SL7 feeding a 6SN7), a couple with mu factors of 100-100-100 (ex. 6C10, like 1 1/2 12AX7s), one with 46-18-18 (like half a 5965 and a 6SN7), and so on.

At local prices as low as 50 cents each for NOS compactrons, I can afford to do lots of experimenting without really worrying about inadvertently toasting something.

[Tom Bavis]

If you have two gain stages, the mu = 18 triodes are enough - like 6MJ8. The squat little 6U10 is cute though... 6C10 and similar are hard to find and pricey - used by Mac, Ampeg, Scott.

[ilimzn]

Originally posted by bst
At local prices as low as 50 cents each for NOS compactrons, I can afford to do lots of experimenting

At that price it's worth buying them all