Location: Romania
Posts: 7
I'm Doru.
Location: Geneve
Posts: 80
I'm Norm.
Think of it as a seriously good ECC81. It is in the output stage for this DAC.
Be careful. The Penta Labs ones I have are actually a 6414 and a 6829. I think a genuine 6414 has black plates. A 6829 has grey plates. The Penta Labs say 6829 on them but one also says 6414 in small writing. That is because that is what it actually is. It has black plates and looks exactly like the Raytheon branded ones I have. The other Penta looks exactly like the grey plate 6829 GE tubes I have.
Hence the comment about mixing tubes. Somehow the Pentas do sound great, even though they are a mix. Almost as if the best aspects of each tube shine through.
If you only have an ECC40 socket don't worry Norman. The Mullard ECC40s sounded OK and the Tungrams probably will too after a few burn in hours. I just personally prefer the 6414 by quite a bit. You might not!
From Watford valves:
"This 6414W was made and tested by Raytheon U.S.A for National Electronics as part of their premium selected Gold line range.
This is high grade valve was selected for computer circuits and was used extensively by IBM and the American Military. The 6414W was only made in the U.S.A and has a 10,000 hour heater rating. The 6414W Raytheon was selected as the factory of choice by National Electronics USA as It is a more ruggedly built, offers long life rating and is made to full military specifications. National Electronics then after a burn in process then selected the valves and then marketed them as their premium Gold line.
This valve is used by Manly Labs in a number of its studio products such as Voxbox, Massive Passive, ELOP, Mono and Dual Mono mic pre, SLAM, and Pultec EQ. Manley also use the 6414 in audio products such as Stingray amps and MAHI monoblocks.
This special quality industrial valve offers the best quality audio sound and used is by many of our professional studio customers using Manly equipment. This item is very now hard to find and this is possible the last time we will find this item in any quantity in pristine condition.
The valves come in the original National Gold line box with the 6414 made in the USA printed on the glass. These are the best 6414 that you can get."
ou might slip, you might slide, you might
Stumble and fall by the road side
But don't you ever let nobody drag your spirit down
Remember you're walking up to heaven
Don't let nobody turn you around
… Walk with the rich, walk with the poor
Learn from everyone, that's what life is for
And don't you let nobody drag your spirit down
Eric Bibb