Hi,
Here is one for you. I need a B9A base valve that has the heater on 4 & 5 which draws 300mA or less, that also has one or more pins that are NC.
Here is why: I have a Yaqin MC-5881A amplifier, the two indicator valves look ugly and are next to useless unless you have the volume high enough to rattle the windows.
I want to replace them with something else just for aesthetics, the heater and any NC pins will be kept, while the others will be snipped off. Three pins should keep the valve stable and it will still appear to be functional.
I have looked on the net but can't find anything that has all three requirements, hence this post to pick the brains of the experts.
Here is one for you. I need a B9A base valve that has the heater on 4 & 5 which draws 300mA or less, that also has one or more pins that are NC.
Here is why: I have a Yaqin MC-5881A amplifier, the two indicator valves look ugly and are next to useless unless you have the volume high enough to rattle the windows.
I want to replace them with something else just for aesthetics, the heater and any NC pins will be kept, while the others will be snipped off. Three pins should keep the valve stable and it will still appear to be functional.
I have looked on the net but can't find anything that has all three requirements, hence this post to pick the brains of the experts.
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I can't seem to locate that model. Do you mean an MC-5881A?I have a Yaqin MC-8551A amplifier
YAQIN MC-5881A Vacuum Tube HI-FI INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER : China-hifi-Audio online store, Yaqin,Meixing Mingda,XiangSheng,Line Magnetic Tube Amplifier, power amp, preamp,hi-fi CD Player high end audio for sale [MUIA983151] - $396.96 USD
I see your problem. The non-working substitute for the 6E2 magic eye must not overload the amplifier's heater supply. The likes of an EL84 draws 760mA.I need a B9A base valve that has the heater on 4 & 5 which draws 300mA or less
The E180F satisfies your pin 4 &5 and 300mA requirements, but has no n/c pins.
E180F @ The Valve Museum
E180F/CV3998-MULLARD
Why not simply isolate the other valve pins from the circuit? As far as I know, this can be done without impeding the normal operation of the amplifier.
The EC81 is a very good choice Robert.
EC81 @ The Valve Museum
They are available on that well known auction site!
Mullard EC81 | eBay
EC81 @ The Valve Museum
They are available on that well known auction site!
Mullard EC81 | eBay
Why not just fix the drive to the eye tube so it works at useful level?
I had considered doing that, but a different way, then decided I didn't like the look of them anyway.
Nice to see a happy customer! Send us some photos of your modification.
Will do
I'd be very careful with snipping pins - damage to the valve's base glass is not good(!)
Get rid of the unwanted pins using a cutoff disc on a Dremel type tool. I agree that using "dykes" or something similar is asking for trouble.
You can take most sockets and remove as many connections as you want, but have to leave enough to get the tube to remain stable.
You may have to wiggle the tabs and work them off, then drill out that hole.
I have easily done it for octal, 7 pin, and 9 pin.
I'd rather not do that, as if I decide to sell the amp in the future, I would like it to be easily returned to its original configuration.
What about just removing the two sockets and installing plugs in the holes?
That's a possibility if my plan with the valves proves ineffective for any reason, but I'd rather have something that adds to the aesthetics, and two more nicely glowing valves will do just that
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