6973 tubes

Hi

I see prices are all over the place for 6973 tubes used and new. I notice there are Russian 6973 tubes and "Please note: this genuine 6CZ5 tube was manufactured by RCA, then relabeled as '6973' by International Components Corporation. Please refer to the last photo, pin #8 is not connected. " (What effect does pin #8 have on the tube functioning as a 6973?)

If you are have knowledge about these, are the new Russian tubes any good?

How about the RCA 6CZ5 relabeled as a 6973?

Are you better of to stay with older domestic used tubes that test good rather than buying new Russian tubes?

Best
Darrell

Hi Darrell,
The "Ruskie's" have been making 6973's for years now---at least 10--, I had a problem with one run of them about 7 or so, years ago--since then ,they have been fine ! Re-numbered tubes generally have an external jumper on them, connecting pins 1-8. If not, I add it to the socket. Most Seeburgs had pins 1-8, jumped at the factory. Ron Rich

I stay away from the 6CZ5's, my valve guy said they were not a good replacement, they run hotter and less output.. genuine 6973's are expensive but definitely sound better in my opinion.. Electrovoice also do a 6973 but I havent tried those yet.. maybe someone here can fill us in on those.. I note that the price of 6CZ5's has almost doubled in the past few years.. supply and demand I guess..

Rusty

Well, take a look at the spec's:
http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/images/Fil ... LVANIA.pdf
http://www.jogis-roehrenbude.de/Roehren ... 3/6973.pdf

Jukeboxes run tubes at fairly conservative (that word!) ratings. I'd consider the 6CZ5 as Ok, but if newly made 6973 is available why not go that route?

Rob/NYC