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In Reply to: TUNG SOL BENDIX 6900 posted by h00hbt on December 20, 2007 at 13:59:48:
/H, hi. I have Tung Sol 6900. They are mil spec tubes just like Bendix. Same specs - nonex glass and all the rest. The character of the tube is same as Bendix - very powerful, very clear, almost "in your face" kind of thing. Some may like it and some may prefer other iterations. Trying to characterize the sound of a particular tube without some discussion of the circuit/operating conditions is virtually meaningless. That said, I do like the sound of the Tung Sol 6900. It is in a category only shared by the Bendix version. Is it better than other 5687 types? That is a matter of taste and personal preference. I like other 5687 versions as much as the Bendix or Tung Sol versions. I have some General Electric 5687 that one might be tempted to say offer more spectral balance. The 6900 stands out because it is so shockingly different. It affords the same kind of experience as one might experience switching amps around with slightly different sensitivities. The one with 1/2 dB extra sensitivity would stand out and probably get the nod as best sounding. I mention all of this to defuse the notion that just because something is expensive and somewhat rare it must sound better. The 6900 by Tung Sol or Bendix has unique sonic characteristics. Are they better? I wouldn't say that absolutely. In case you wanted to know the 6900 can be microphonic - just like any other tube. Make sure your heater supply is up to the job. These things draw 1 Ampere of heater current and consequently run very hot - even at low dissipation. Remove a 6900 from the socket while it has been running with caution. You may be startled enough by the temperature of the tube to suddenly grasp it with the other bare hand. If you do this you'll brand your skin with a nice circle of Novar pin burns.
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- Tung Sol 6900 - elektron 12/20/0717:59:19 12/20/07 (0)