Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: jeff on August 06, 2024, 11:30:22 am

Title: 6V Rectifier Tubes
Post by: jeff on August 06, 2024, 11:30:22 am

Can a 6V rectifier tube(6X5) share the same 6V heater supply winding with the other tubes(12AX7, 6V6), or should it always use a separate winding?
I seem to remember being advised not use the same winding for heating 6V rects.
Any truth to that?
What's the reasoning?
I'm working on rewiring an amp with a 6X5 rect, worth it to add a separate 120V to 6V Xfmr?


Thank you.
Jeff

Title: Re: 6V Rectifier Tubes
Post by: Latole on August 06, 2024, 02:03:40 pm

I did not know this tube and I don,t have a answer for you.

Some search tell the 6X5 "..... has a bad reputation for unexpectedly shorting out and taking power transformers along with it. "
 it.

https://canadianvintageradio.com/cvrs-forums/topic/the-6x5-a-problematic-tube/

Title: Re: 6V Rectifier Tubes
Post by: AlNewman on August 06, 2024, 02:40:53 pm

Yes, it can run off of the same winding.  They were used lots in old radios to save having a 5v heater winding.
You may want to read up some, they are known to be unreliable, something to do with shorts between the heater and HT, I believe.  It can be solved with a fuse though.

I had one go once, only blew my mains fuse.