"Larry Ozarow" wrote in message
news:8VGrd.8883$_E3.5531@trndny06...



Most of the vendors list a 6AQ8 as an equivalent and have it for between
$10-20. You think that's bad - I've got a totally mediocre Grundig 4570u
that's waiting until I can find an ELL80 that at least costs less
than the radio did.

What I don't like about tubes such as the ECC85/6AQ8 is they're so similar
to existing high volume/low cost tubes such as the 12AT7 or about half a
dozen TV tuner tubes. I can make some guesses as to why there are so many
sort-of tubes out there, but it does get to be a pain for the radio hobbyist
40 years after the manufacturers were playing these games.

I looked up the ELL80. A double audio pentode. I don't think I'd knock
myself out looking for one. I'd be too afraid the replacement tube would
get gassy or something a few months after installation. Maybe there's room
for a couple of 7 pin sockets, and you can wire in a couple of 6AQ5s or
something like that.

Frank Dresser