Author Topic: F2B Tube Replacement? (Read 227 times)

flpete1uw · « **on:** September 23, 2015, 07:09:32 AM »

Alembicans,
I'm thinking of swapping out the Tubes to my oldy but goodie red capped F2B. I had a conversation with the guy I purchased it from, he stated the last time he changed them was around 1999. He went on to say in that time he didn't use the unit much, whatever that means?
Browsing this forum it looks like th JJ's are the choice.
I'm curious if going with gold plated ones are really worth it, $10 each. Same specs as the none gold plated ones.
https://tubedepot.com/tube-comparison-tool
Thanks, loving the F2B!
Pete

gtrguy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 23, 2015, 10:57:28 AM »

JJ's are great and Eurotubes is a good place to get them! I imagine gold plating makes for better contact over the years, but have had no problem without it!

keith_h · « **Reply #2 on:** September 23, 2015, 11:46:17 AM »

The only advantage to the gold contacts is their resistance to oxidation over a long period. Since the F2B socket isn't gold plated it doesn't buy you anything in that regard. I can also say it has never affected any of my old radios of which all of the sockets and some of the tubes are 70-80 years old.

More important to tube selection in the F2B is the envelope size. It needs to be able to fit inside the metal can which some do not.

Keith

flpete1uw · « **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2015, 11:55:41 AM »

Thanks Guys,
I kind figured the gold was overkill. Great point on the socket Keith.
I was thinking these:
https://tubedepot.com/products/jj-ecc83s-12ax7-preamp-vacuum-tube
It's weird they have on the pricing side extra $ for specific qualities. Low noise? Micro phonics?
Anyway $10 a pop seams pretty good!
Pete

flpete1uw · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2015, 04:51:19 PM »

Well replaced the old Slovek tubes with the JJ's and much much quieter noise wise.
Thanks for your input
Pete