6n7 as a driver

6n7 THD analysis

I have tested more than 10 different ST and metal 6N7. Some GT, other simply old ST G ones and metal as well. Both triodes in parallel as usually this is the configuration used as an amplifier driver. Found a good operating point from a distortion perspective around Ia=6mA, Vg=-5.6V. As you can see you should expect getting around 0.09% THD. With some good valves reaching as low as 0.04%, but will have to be hand-selected.

Some 6N7 under test

Great driver from a sound perspective, with low distortion close to a 26 and on average slightly better than the 6J5. Need to review famous 6SN7, but there are lots of measurements for this one out there.

6n7 THD histogram

Listening to the 45 Single Ended (SE) Amplifier

A perfect and warm sound

45 SE amplifier

Hard to describe in words what I felt when I played first time “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” from Charles Mingus. Perhaps it was the due to the fact that I play saxophone, but inevitably for me this song is one of the best ones to test the response of any amplifier. Sax duets, solos, a great bass line and varied moods along the way can take the amplifier to their best of their abilities. Being a jazz fan, couldn’t help myself when listening this amplifier for the first time. I used to play an EL34 push-pull, and liked its sound and power – specially for rock. But when it comes to the first watt, this amplifier is breathless. Pure and a warm tone. Playing this song made me understand all the fuzz about single ended amps. But, far from opening the debate about that, I’m sure that a 45/46 in push-pull has its own merits and would probably will one of those amps I’d like to build in the future.

Having a FE167E full-range driver that have a relatively high efficiency (94dB/W), the 45 SE doesn’t sound low. It has its own personality. Brilliant for jazz, it may need a tad of power perhaps when playing some rock and classic stuff.

7193 valve

It took me some time to optimise the driver stage. Started with an SRPP, then a paralleled 6SL7 to an 6J5 loaded with a gyrator in mu-follower achieving less than 0.20% THD at 150 Vpp. A great driver in my opinion. Now need to replace the 6J5 for the lovely 7193.

It looks like a Frankenstein valve, but it’s a lovely thing to me. Many claim that it’s a superior valve compared to the 6SN7/6J5 or even CV1988.

Adding the 7193 will require opening my 45SE and not having music at home for some time so at the moment is not what I have in mind.

Perhaps when I get the 4-65A up and running? It will take some time for that…