TUBE ALTERNATIVES FOR THE VALVECODE

The VALVECODE is designed to operate with Dual triode vacuum Tubes that are of the 8 pin octal base
with E.I.A. pinot (8BD), This includes almost every dual Triode with an octal base ever made. These
triodes are comprised of two triode Tube Cells within One Glass Bottle. The two triode cells with this
tube can be ether identical with each unit having identical parameters, or comprised of Triode cells that
are not identical. The technical name for the latter is Dissimilar Triode construction and is most often
representative of TV Vertical sweep tubes. These types are comprised of a low power but High Gain
triode section along with a low gain high power triode section, originally designed for TV service. These
types of tubes are not recommended for use in the VALVECODE, These tubes will function but not
optimally. There are classes of dual triode tubes that are also in the same 8BD octal socket as the tubes
designed into the VALVECODE yet are not recommended to be installed in the VALVECODE. These tubes
were originally intended for Voltage regulator and later computer use. The most popular of these types
are the 6AS7G, 6AS7GA and the 6080, 6081. The VALVECODE is not designed to accept these tubes and
installing them in any position in this Amplifier will damage the amplifier while subjecting yourself to a
potentially dangerous situation and as such only tube types 6SN7 and 6BL7 or equivalent be installed in
the VALVECODE for the utmost in sound and performance while ensuring you and yours safety

OUTPUT TUBES

The VALVECODE is designed to be fitted with triodes with each section identical. The preferred tube
types for the Outputs are the 6BL7GTA and the 6BL7GT acceptable the 6BX7GTA and the 6BX7GT type
number acceptable. The 6BL7GT and 6BL7GTA and the 6BL7GT and 6BL7GTA are no longer
manufactured and the VALVECODE owner must select the tubes from Stock manufactured decades ago
however have been in storage and thus never placed in service. Since the 6BL7 is not a current
manufacture tube the remaining old stock will someday become depleted and the VALVECODE will have
to be fitted with current manufacture devices. The VALVECODE is designed to accept in addition to the
preferred 6BL7 tube the Current manufacture and highly coveted 6SN7 Tube type. The 6SN7GT or GTA
are the preferred types for Long Life as the valvecode is a CLASS A Amplifier the output tubes are
operated close to their Dissipation ratings

INPUT TUBES

The preferred tube types for the Inputs are the 6SL7GT and 6SN7GT or GTA. The 6SL7 has more gain
than the 6SN7 and thus will result in more feedback lower noise; the 6SN7 is good for drive and
dynamics. The 6BL7GTA also works and results in lower gain than ether the 6SL7 or 6SN7 yet provides
the Highest Dynamics.

RECTIFIRE TUBE

The remaining tube is specified for a 5U4GB Rectifier tube. The European type GZ34 is a preferred
Substitution. The 5AR4 may result in Excessive High voltage and is thus not recommended at this time.
The 5Y3GB will also function in this location however excessively low voltage could result.