[JonnyBoy]

Has anyone ever used Russian Preamp Tubes? I ordered 8 from Russia, they're almost here 2-3 weeks shipping, they are from the 1970's and tested. The guy has a high perfect selling record. The "OTK" is supposed to be the higher grade military stamp they place on quality tubes. They were cheap enough not to set me back much, but I am curious if anyone has used any? Made by VOSKHOD.

So these things are 6n2p-EV and I have read are not bad, but the pins are wired differently, I have to change two leads. It depends if the voltage of the amp is 6.3 volts or 12.6 I have a feeling 12.6? This sucks. Anyone have any idea? other than throwing them away, I am wiling to solder a little to use them, I got 8 for 10 bucks. That should last me 2 years, if I don't drop my amp again....

[strumminsix]

So these things are 6n2p-EV and I have read are not bad, but the pins are wired differently, I have to change two leads. It depends if the voltage of the amp is 6.3 volts or 12.6 I have a feeling 12.6? This sucks. Anyone have any idea? other than throwing them away, I am wiling to solder a little to use them, I got 8 for 10 bucks. That should last me 2 years, if I don't drop my amp again....

Ummm, I do believe these are not replacements for 12ax7s.

I get 4 years on average from JJ 12ax7s not sure about your 2 year thoughts.

[JonnyBoy]

You're right not direct replacements for 12ax7's, but are almost identical in their purpose, a 12ax7 at 6.3 volts. The problem I learned after the fact is that they are running a different circuit voltage in the exact tube due to the lower operating voltages they use there. From what I read these are fine tubes musical tubes, they require a small mod to utilize and they are cheap. In the audiophile sites a few guys use nothing else, and the mod was worth it, claiming it was simple to do and undo. They are EXTREMELY inexpensive considering the purported quality.

I fell for the misleading info about them being a Russian 12ax7 which they are, just have to be tied together at one of the pins to another during operation for 12 volt operation. he put 6.3 volts as part of the description but I didn't catch that. I didn't realize the mod until I read a bunch of different comments about them.

I haven't used them so I have no Idea about the quality, but I have only read good things about this particular tube, comparing them to NOS golden boys, and for a dollar a piece. I am not out much in this deal, about the price of one good tube. It would be nice to see if this is what they say it is...

[strumminsix]

Dude, maybe I'm missing something but what's the point of cheap if you need to spend time rewiring and then forced to only use those tubes?

Besides, a 12ax7 is only a couple bucks most anywhere... Unless you tell me those are quarter me things penny wise, dollar foolish.

[JonnyBoy]

I hear you, and agree totally. I would never have bought them if I knew at the time they were not direct replacements. I learned about it much later in my research. My point is what to do now that I have a bunch coming and they are supposed to be the cats meow in terms of tone. I would like to see if that's true. its a matter of adding 2 jumpers, not a huge undertaking. but you're right and I am in the middle of purchasing new "Standard tubes". I am not in the mood to cause more damage to my amp as important as it is to me.