Substitute 6AQ8 for my 6CG7's

[Einric]

I need about 6-9db more gain in my Aikido.
Would a 6AQ8 be a suitable front end substitute?
There is a matched & balanced quad of NOS Tungsram 6AQ8's on E-Bay for $40.
Then I would have a backup set of each.

I'd run the 6AQ8's in front with the 6CG7 follower.

 

[DF96]

6AQ8/ECC85 would give you 10-12dB more gain. You might need to adjust the cathode resistors to get the bias right.

Unusual request - most people find the Aikido has too much gain!

 

[TonyTecson]

i switch to 6r-rh2 when i wanted more gain, most of the time i go with 6r-rh8/6CG7/6H32

 

[Einric]

I am driving a Pass F4 (-.3db gain) on some pretty low efficiency speakers.
I'm really only looking for about 6db more I think.
I don't want to sacrifice the superb sound I have with my 6CG7's though.
I am running 290V B+ for what that's worth.
Switching to 12V heaters is simple with my Aikido since I'm running my 6.3v heaters in series right now.

 

[DeathRex]

6N1P is supposed to sound like a 6CG7, but with more gain (35). Or you can try a 6BQ7, 6DJ8, or 6N23P.

Look on the 9 pin Aikido pdf and it will list a number of tubes and their gains.

http://www.tubecad.com/2006/09/18/Aikido 9-pin Mono Rev A PCB.pdf

 

[Einric]

Yes, I have my manual and I can see the gain levels.
I know what some of my options are but I'm suggestions from personal experience here.

 

[TonyTecson]

i operated mine at B+ of 300volts...

 

[maynardg]

I have run a number of tubes up front. The one I settled on is 6n1p. A bit more gain than 6CG7 and they simply sound better to me. I have also used 6n23p successfully.