6x5 rectifier substitutes

[mig-ru]

i heard that i can substitute 6x4's for a 6x5. is that true? if so, why is it better/worse? thx.

 

[Duo]

This can be done, however, I believe the 6X4 has a lower current rating. The device that had the 6X5 in it may draw too much for the 6X4 and it won't last very long. Most of the time you can get away with this fine for a temporary substitute but don't expect reliable service, even though you may end up getting it.

 

[Colt45]

well, one is octal, and one is 9pin mini, for starters.

datasheets:

6X4
6X5

They look pretty similar to me.

the 6X5/4 is a pretty weak rectifier though, what do you plan on using it for?

 

[Duo]

hmmm, I was kinda wondering if one had a noval base and the other an octal. I remember now but I didn't then. In that case, I remember waht a 6X4 and a 6X5 are and a bit about their numbers. The 6X4 is very small and low powered compared to a 6X5. They aren't even close in current ratings anyway.

 

[mig-ru]

well i bought an amp recently which uses a 6x5 for a rectifier. then i was browsing the net and read somewhere that a 6x4 can be substituted in. so i was wondering if the 6x4 could be a better substitute(apparently not) because i hear the 6x5 is pretty weak itself.

 

[Duo]

If you want a powerful substitute, try a 5r4, it's much bigger but it'll work well in there. That's what I do with some of my amps when I upgrade them. I had a 6V6 amp and changed it to 6L6's and just gave it a bigger rectifier tube and output trannie, it worked well. What kind of amp is it you've got?

 

[Colt45]

yeah, there are quite a few beefier 5v rectifiers, but since his amp is using a 6X5 stock, it shouldnt be a problem.

if he decided to change it, chances are slim he has a 5v winding, so he will need a 6.3v rectifier..

6CA4 sound good?

hrmm, theres probably something betterout there.


but anyways, if its stock with a 6X5, it should be able to handle the current draw...

dimitry, what is the tube lineup of this amp? something mono & SE ?

 

[Circlotron]

Have a look at a pair of 6N3's or EY82's. If I remember a 6CA4 correctly (haven't seen one since the early seventies) the 6N3 is like one of these but with one large single anode instead of two half size ones. They were sometimes used as a pair in B/W tv sets. Used to use them to make junkbox amps when I was a broke teenager.
http://w1.871.telia.com/~u87127077/diod/ey82.htm

GP.

 

[Tom Bavis]

6AX5 will plug into 6X5 socket and it is higher rated. HOWEVER, it does have a higher filament current and would put additional load on your filament transformer. If the transformer has the capacity, it would be a good choice.