Need 6CG7's - What are my options?

This tube is somewhat popular in the power section of headphone tube amps... RCA chrome/cleartops are pretty great.

 

That tube is also known as a 6FQ7... used by Audio Research a lot in the older
stuff (D series amps) as phase inverters, CCS's and other things... The other poster
is correct, the RCA clear tops are a good sounding tube, if you are using it as a phase
inverter I would also suggest checking out the NOS GE 6FQ7 which is a very good
tube. Ei makes a new 6CG7, but I have not heard it yet, so I can not comment.

The RCA clear tops should run about $20 a pop, the GE's should be same ballpark
or less than that actually.

 

Ampeg used these in some early Gemini, B22 and B42 amps. I believe they were used as a reverb driver. The ones I've seen were Ampeg labeled sylvania's and lasted forever, with very few microphonics. Antique electronic supply lists three types; 6cg7/6fq7 at $12.65, 6cg7 Ei for $9.95 and RCA clear top for $23.70. I'd ask the brand name on the $12.65 priced one and if they're USA brands(esp. Raytheon, Sylvania,GE, etc.) graba couple. The website is www.tubesandmore.com

 

For $12 extra for the RCAs (over the EIs) you'll probably get about 12X the life out of them. Your search is over.

 

It is my understanding that the 6CG7 is the 9 pin version of the popular 6SN7, which is an 8 pin octal, but will mildly reduced maximum power rating. It is also my understanding that the 6FQ7 is the same thing with better shielding between triode sections, which could be important in some higher frequency applications. When I re-built/re-designed one of my hi-fi amplifiers I used 6CG7 tubes and they worked very well. As someone else mentioned the microphonics are very low in this tube and they wear like iron. This was a very popular tube in old TV sets and I wouldn't pay a premium for a pair myself.

DJ