CJ PV-14L replacement tubes

Generally, Europe made some very good sounding small signal tubes. Since an EC90 is a European equivalent for an 8080, and depending on the brand of the tube, I would venture to say a Telefunken EC90 may sound a bit better or be quieter then their American equivalent. JAN tubes (joint Army Navy) U.S. made tubes can be very good as well. The problem is, the military spec for each JAN tube model was different. Was it a quieter tube or less microphonic? It was difficult to find out. In addition, consumer type RCA, GE, Sylvania etc. were some exceptional tubes. Many of them are highly prized, and this depends on the tube type. Did you know that some U.S. manufacturers branded their name on other manufacturers tubes?. Sometimes an RCA branded tube was actually made in Europe by Amperex. It wasn't uncommon back in the day. Johnmc87, not a dumb question at all.

Okay - maybe a dumb question. Why would the EC90s be so much better? Is this a typical approach?
Thanks.

Or if you could find some nos EC90's that may be a nice improvement.

I would stick with the CJ 8080's if I were you. They bought up a bunch of the NOS stock. The 8080 is a ruggerized military tube used in British walkie talkies. I have a pair in my CJ Pv-15.

The tube store or tube depot http://thetubestore.com/ or http://www.tubedepot.com/ to name just a couple.

Chuck

Thanks for all the responses - very helpful. I believe they are 6C4 tubes as mentioned. Next rookie question - where can I buy them if not through CJ?
Thanks.

All I could find on the tubes used in the CJ 14L preamp are that it has 2 valves. V1 and V2 and both are 8080s. I can't say that I have much familiarity with 8080s so I will leave it for those that do. I think I also read that these are called 6C4s. Good luck my only comment is that factory tubes are very very expensive and I personally can't see the difference between buying from a knowledgeable and careful dealer who screens out bad tubes and the factory.

Why don't you pull the tubes and let us know what kind they are, then we could offer suggestions.

Not sure what tube that model uses but you could roll a couple of different Manufacturers and determine if there are any differences. If that model was like my PV-10 you just remove the top and the tubes are right there just pull them out slow and easy. It is pretty easy to do.

No big deal as long as you don;t need to bias the tubes. If small signal tubes you can do it yourself. Just make sure to use same type tube in that position. I have a VTL 5.5 which i have cover off and tube role onece in a while, i leave top off. Like you said just wiggle out tube and reset it in tight. Make sure pins are in exact place. What type tubes does it take? I have some you may need.

What is the tube compliment for that unit?

I have a couple of CJ preamps and have bought tubes from them before.

Minuses: You will pay more for the tubes.

Pluses: You will be getting an "A" level tube. They have been tested in their circuits (not a tube tester) and they go thru a controlled burn in (on/off cycles) that they say will give them a longer life.

Worth it? Your call.

How to? If the unit is cold then just wiggle the old ones out gently. If the unit was on, let it sit for 20 minutes before pulling them so the caps can drain and so you won't burn your fingers. When you insert the new ones, line up the pins carefully, you shouldn't have to force them in.

Yes it is fairly straightforward, but you will need to pull the cover and ID the tubes for us.