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Vintage threads from the first ten years

Red Bank/Bendix 6384

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6/17/1999 9:24 AM

Red Bank/Bendix 6384

Recently, I've learned about an old tube, the Red Bank/Bendix 6384 which Eric Barbour of Vacuum Tube Valley claims is the best 6L6 ever produced. I've asked around and no one seems to know a thing about it. I understand it was also produced by Tung-Sol and later, Cetron. I own a 66' Dual Showman that was modified before I bought it. I was considering installing KT66s in it, but after I heard about the Red Bank 6384 I need to know more about this mythical valve. I'm more concerned with the sonic charisterics and how it differs in tone from 6L6s and KT66s? If there is anyone who has any information on this mythical 6L6, please forward it? I'd appreciate it. Thank you for your time and effort.

6/17/1999 11:55 PM
BWilliamson	Have you read the Vacuum Tube Valley where they were talking about this tube? Suppose to put any tube to shame in strength of its construction. The PINOUT is different on this tube so you would have to rewire. VTV only could find one sample to test--didn't give a opinion on the sound. Sound like if you find one you wouldn't find another. bw

6/18/1999 7:16 AM

Yes, I did read the article in Vacuum Tube Valley by Eric Barbour. But I did some research on this tube and found out it was also manufactured by Tung-Sol and later Cetron which can be purchased. I'm still dying to find out what the sonic characteristics are. Another 6V6 legend is the Red Bank/Bendix 5992 which has been tagged a 6V6 with balls! Red Bank/Bendix sounds like an interesting tube company.

6/20/1999 11:29 AM
anonymous	I have seen the 6V6's for sale by one of the folks on the web. Can't remember who though. I'll guess KCA. But wouldn't mind running into some of them myself to try. Good luck on your search. bw

6/20/1999 5:26 PM
Steve M.	I can't comment ont the 6384, but I did find a used 5992 at a hamfest about 6 months ago. I agree with the VTV article, it doesn't sound that great in my champ clone, kida hifi. I don't know if this is due to the fact that it is used, or what. And the heater takes about 2 minutes to heat up. Steve

6/22/1999 2:54 AM

I've got one of the 5992's and it was NOS. Unbelievably tough construction with quite a rectangular plate. Probably would withstand a plane crash, but doesn't sound as good as the oval plate RCA 6V6GT, or even the GE oval/flat-ended plate type, and those really take the heat.

JAN Philips 6V6GT seem to do OK when abused

too,

seems like the electron beam is focused directly on the

plate

seam where it can take the heat best, a little glowing there hasn't hurt yet.

MBS

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