Following from a contribution by our esteemed Ampdog on diyaudio.com (Push-Pull 6L6 or EL34 Schematic, Mullard 5-20 vs. Ampex 6516), i spent a bit of time looking at the EF86 small-signal pentode. When I looked at the curves for triode connection I thought wow! This seems to be a superb valve for use as a preamp - the gain is a moderate yet not anaemic 35 or so, it seems to be super-linear over a wide range of Vg once you get above the knees, it can handle the 2V+ of modern sources, and there is enough room to swing around 100V or so for DC coupling! So I am eager to try it out.
However, if it was all good news then why don't all amps use it? Answers on a postcard please
However, if it was all good news then why don't all amps use it? Answers on a postcard please
