ECC81 or 83 or 85 or 88 ???

[Bernhard]

Hi,

which of them should be preferred ? Best sound ?

I like to use them in a DAC output stage and know they are more or less exchangeable.

Also how do I see if a plate is smooth or what

Bernhard

 

[fdegrove]

Hi,

Since it's for a DAC I'd prefer the ECC88 based on electrical properties.

Also how do I see if a plate is smooth or what

A smooth plate is usually rather long and completely flat, like a sheet of paper if you like.

That's a term often used to distinguish between those and the more commom ribbed type plates.

TFK used both types for their ECC83s, some Philips ECC81/2/3s where built with smooth plates as well.

Nowadays the only manufacturer I know of building their small triodes like this is EI in former Yugoslavia.

Cheers,