Hi, I am planning to build a PP amplifier with a global negative feedback. This is a general question: which tube would give the most musical sound?
Gain: let's say 20 dB
Required swing: let's say 15Vpp
Topology (driver stage): LTP ECC88 with 33k anode resistors
Output tubes: does it matter for the sound of the input tube? (BTW 807)
I lean towards the EF83 but waitig for experienced opinions.
Required swing: let's say 15Vpp
Topology (driver stage): LTP ECC88 with 33k anode resistors
Output tubes: does it matter for the sound of the input tube? (BTW 807)
I lean towards the EF83 but waitig for experienced opinions.
The EF83 is a variable gain (mu) pentode, usually use in constant level applications.
I'm not sure, that using as VAS stage it's the best choice.
The 180F is super VAS tube ... if you want single stage VAS and -relatively- large gain (about 45-50 as triode). I use it ... but prefer E280F or D3a.
GroupBuild Forum - 300B SE Project, Part 9 - E180F, E280F, D3a pentodes - triode connected - Damir, March 09, 2006 at 14:19:29
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/320418-45-amp-build-direct-coupled-3.html#post5383141
In your case (20dB gain, 7.5V peek) IMO none of them the perfect choice.
Try lower mu triodes.
I'm not sure, that using as VAS stage it's the best choice.
The 180F is super VAS tube ... if you want single stage VAS and -relatively- large gain (about 45-50 as triode). I use it ... but prefer E280F or D3a.
GroupBuild Forum - 300B SE Project, Part 9 - E180F, E280F, D3a pentodes - triode connected - Damir, March 09, 2006 at 14:19:29
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/320418-45-amp-build-direct-coupled-3.html#post5383141
In your case (20dB gain, 7.5V peek) IMO none of them the perfect choice.
Try lower mu triodes.
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The E83F is not the special quality version of the EF83. They differ quit a bit from eachother. I don't think the E83F is a vari-mu tube.
Attention! E83F is not the EF83's SQ version! And it isn't a remote control tube either.
Best regards!
Best regards!
I am considering the option of triode connecting the input tube. The E180F datasheet gives parameters for triode connection, but the E83F does not.
Sample schematic attached.
Are you read this?
E83F - MV Audio Labs
..and see this..
Figure 1 from Minimum noise pre-amplifier for fast ionization chambers | Semantic Scholar
Are you read this?
E83F - MV Audio Labs
..and see this..
Figure 1 from Minimum noise pre-amplifier for fast ionization chambers | Semantic Scholar
Attachments
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Two more examples: An amplifier and a microphone preamplifier, both using an E83F.
Addition: According to the attached page from VTV magazine no. 11 from 1999 the E180F is a frame grid tube.
Addition: According to the attached page from VTV magazine no. 11 from 1999 the E180F is a frame grid tube.
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Agreed. In my preamp I prefer below tubes in sequence (all wired as triode):
1. E810F - hands down one of the best high bandwidth tube with ultra high Gm. Rich and full of dynamic punch but not fatigue.
2. E186F - on par with E280F in most cases. A bit more smooth than E280F.
3. E280F - balanced and great sound overall but not as that open as E810F.
4. E180F - high dynamic but sounds flat and just OK. A little bit thin on treble and lack of deep bass punch like above other pentodes.
Russian 6E5P triode-wired is a fantastic tube. Cheap, too!
That's what I use as the input tube in my Midlife Crisis 833C mono amps.
That's what I use as the input tube in my Midlife Crisis 833C mono amps.
E83F sounds very musical and dynamic to me, lots of detail and non fatigue. E180F sounds great but a big grinder, harsher comparing to E83F.
However, E83F only has mu 38 while E180F has 50. So it depends on your circuit design, with our without a premap.
For sound quality, I would go with either E83F and E810F. Forget about E180F and E280F, they are really in between.
E810F hands down is the home run. One of the best sounding preamp tube I’ve ever used. E83F has some magical nuance that’s very sweet and relaxing. Both would be my choice.
I built a E810F + KT66 buffer out premap, and a PP power amp that has E83F as input tube. FYI.
However, E83F only has mu 38 while E180F has 50. So it depends on your circuit design, with our without a premap.
For sound quality, I would go with either E83F and E810F. Forget about E180F and E280F, they are really in between.
E810F hands down is the home run. One of the best sounding preamp tube I’ve ever used. E83F has some magical nuance that’s very sweet and relaxing. Both would be my choice.
I built a E810F + KT66 buffer out premap, and a PP power amp that has E83F as input tube. FYI.
@waltube, agree.
EF184 is an amazing sounding tube that I built with it in my another preamp with a 6080 buffer.
Among EF184 pin compatible family, I found EF8010 special quality is the best sounding tube to my ears, even though they are rare but still on the market today.
To call out, EF184 is pin to pin compatible to the ubiquitous EF80, and EF800, EF8010, 805S, E186F.
EF184 is NOT pin to pin compatible with EF83 nor E180F, E280F and E810F.
E83F is probably the only odd in terms of pin assignment. Ha!
EF184 is an amazing sounding tube that I built with it in my another preamp with a 6080 buffer.
Among EF184 pin compatible family, I found EF8010 special quality is the best sounding tube to my ears, even though they are rare but still on the market today.
To call out, EF184 is pin to pin compatible to the ubiquitous EF80, and EF800, EF8010, 805S, E186F.
EF184 is NOT pin to pin compatible with EF83 nor E180F, E280F and E810F.
E83F is probably the only odd in terms of pin assignment. Ha!
E180F & E186F are pin compatible and can be seen as the same family - there is some differenece for Ri.
Look at the datasheets.
6J9P-E & E186F are to me better than E180F, at least the samples that i have ( E180F Philips Miniwatt ).
E180F Phlips Miniwatt that i have are not low noise tubes compared to other two sorts.
Look at the datasheets.
6J9P-E & E186F are to me better than E180F, at least the samples that i have ( E180F Philips Miniwatt ).
E180F Phlips Miniwatt that i have are not low noise tubes compared to other two sorts.