Do TAD EL84s....

[hudpucker]

...fit into the socket of a Blackheart Little Giant? I've read that the diameter is a bit larger than 'normal' on these tubes and the LG sockets seem to have a snug fit.

Or is there a better idea than TADs? (my Brimar just bit the dust)

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

[Sikor]

Look for Russian 6p14p (or sometimes stated as 6n14n). TADs are just those tubes, but selected. Anyway, 1 TAD costs here 25 EUR and I've bought pair of new 6p14p for 16 EUR shipped :)

[Brewmaster]

Look for Russian 6p14p (or sometimes stated as 6n14n). TADs are just those tubes, but selected. Anyway, 1 TAD costs here 25 EUR and I've bought pair of new 6p14p for 16 EUR shipped :)

I just compared my 6n14n's to the TAD's I have and the internals are slightly different. They do seem to be the same size. Obviously I use both and they are excellent tubes for my 18 watters.

[Sikor]

I just compared my 6n14n's to the TAD's I have and the internals are slightly different. They do seem to be the same size. Obviously I use both and they are excellent tubes for my 18 watters.
I should be more precise: I was talking about TAD EL84-M.
There are also different TAD tubes (i.e STR).

BTW there is still russian name on my TAD EL84s :D

Exactly like this, but with TAD logo and name:
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/thetubestore_2027_3850791

[Brewmaster]

It makes me wonder if they are the same as the Sovtek EL84M. Since the 6n14n came out of Saratov(according to some) where the New Sensor factory is one could come to that conclusion.

[ChickenLover]

FWIW - I have a pair of Sovtek EL84M and a pair of 6p14p (sold to me as 'Saratovs') and they are different internally. The 'Saratovs' that I have look identical internally to an EH EL84. I have a close-up pic at home showing all three side-by-side...I'll try to remember to post it tonight.

Also, my Sovtek EL84M have shiny pins and originally came in Russian boxes. The 'Saratovs' also came in Russian boxes but have discolored pins. The Saratov boxes had been wet at some point. These were supposedly for Russian nuclear missile subs...have no idea if the wet boxes have anything to do with that.

Note: I'm not saying the Saratovs and EH EL84 are the exact same tube...maybe they just used the same tools/parts/factory or something. I dunno...I just know they look identical internally.

[Brewmaster]

You made me go dig out a pair of EH el84 I had in the back of my tube cab and you are correct. They seem to be identical to the 'Saratovs'.

I think we can agree that there are not many branches on the Saratov/NewSensor EL-84 family tree.

[hudpucker]

Alright, I just can't in good conscience buy a new production tube (when there are affordable NOS choices) and be 'happy'; the difference between new stuff and NOS is just too obvious to me.


I've used Brimars, Sylvanias and GE's so this time I decided to go with grayplate RCA 6B5Qs. I can't imagine that anything new would sound as good (to my ears, anyway).

thanks, guys.