Tung Sol 5881 in laney LC50??

[ryanrobles]

I have an Laney LC50 - basic 2 channel combo - currently fitted with 2x6l6GC (SED) and 4x12AX7(EH).

I wanted to try out the new Tung Sol 5881 - heard good things about it. However, I am nervous that it may not be compatible with the Laney after reading the following extract from tubestore.com

"The Tungsol 5881 is a 23 watt tube and is rated for a maximum plate voltage of 400Vdc. The many amplifiers that have higher plate voltage but use a tube rectifier can use the Tungsol 5881 tubes without issue."


Here's what i know...

1. The LC50 plate voltages measure approx 405v on each power tube. The LC50 has a solid state rectifier.

2. The 5881/6l6 is specified as original equipment in the service manual and on the schematic.

3. Watford Valves (UK) recommend the Harma 5881 in their LC50 amp upgrade kit.

4. The LC50 is directly compatible with the EL34 without modification – service manual provide for bias settings for EL34 and 5881. I understand that the EL34 also runs on a lower plate voltage and is rated to 25w.

5. Other internet sources state that NOS Tung Sol 5881 were rated at 400v, but that the reissues are more resiliant and can handle 450V+

Given the above, do you think my amp could use the tung sol 5881 (23w) tubes?? :15:

Any help would be great.


Ryan


I have tried Laney and they are not responding to my requests for support.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Tung Sol 5881 in laney LC50??

the 400v info is for the real tung sol 5881, the new "tung sol 5881" should be fine in any 6l6gc application
the old tubes are pretty resilient reguardless of their rating, fender deluxe amps ran at 400-450 volts and used 6v6 tubes that were only supposed to handle 375 and typically ran fine. when i got my '66 deluxe reverb it had 445v on the plates of some jan/phillips 6v6gt's which werent rated any where near 400v but ran fine way past spec voltage

 

[Buckeyedog]

Re: Tung Sol 5881 in laney LC50??

As an FYI - Many of us Egnater Mod 50 owners love the new TS 5881's in our amps......Bruce's amps usually have a pretty high plate voltage so I think you are safe.
Jeremy is right on about the tubes as well.