[Jens]

Hi there,

Due to an unfortunate incidence (long story that there is no point in bothering you with) I am currently one Philips Miniwatt ECC189 valve short for my GK-1R amp.

I now have everything built and tested, but not yet mounted in the enclosure, as I need to have some work done on the front and rear panels (a friend of mine is going to do this). However, I will mount trannies and PCBs shortly and make some kind of temporary setup for the front and rear panels, while he is working on the actual ones.

As it turns out, the Philips Miniwatt ECC189 is very hard to source in Europe, unless you want to pay exorbitant prices, so I am acquiring two ECC189s of the Selmer brand as temporary replacements (will be used as spares later on). Since these are from a Danish supplier, I should have them in a few days.

Do any of you guys know this brand at all?

Any experiences?

Personally, I have never heard of Selmer, but then I am no valve freak.

Also, since I want to acquire a twin for my Philips Miniwatt ECC189, can anyone point me to a source that would be able to supply this valve at  a reasonable price? - preferably a European one?

Also, since I am at it anyway, anyone know of a source for the Sovtek 6H23s, as I would like to try those out at some point anyway?

Inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

[AKSA]

Jens,

If sourcing proves difficult, I will send another of course, as we discussed.  I'm holding back only because of shipping and of course I try to conserve my limited inventory of these tubes.  But it's nice to have the same type.

I'm told the cat's meow is the Siemens 7308 Gold Pin.  These are expensive, around $US50 apiece, but they are very good, with a wonderful combination of detail, bass, engagement, and quietness.  I have heard them in a GK-1, but the Miniwatt 6ES8 is very, very good, with a tad more 'lushness'.

Cheers,

Hugh

[Jens]

Jens,

If sourcing proves difficult, I will send another of course, as we discussed.  I'm holding back only because of shipping and of course I try to conserve my limited inventory of these tubes.  But it's nice to have the same type.

I'm told the cat's meow is the Siemens 7308 Gold Pin.  These are expensive, around $US50 apiece, but they are very good, with a wonderful combination of detail, bass, engagement, and quietness.  I have heard them in a GK-1, but the Miniwatt 6ES8 is very, very good, with a tad more 'lushness'.

Cheers,

Hugh

Hi Hugh,

Hold on to your Miniwatts - there's no point in shipping them back to Europe, where they came from originally  

Also, sourcing of the Miniwatt is possible, although the price seemed exorbitant. I will go for the expensive supplier, if nothing else turns up.

You ever heard of the Selmer brand? - Anyone?

Incidentally, if you know a source that sells the Siemens Gold Pins for USD50 a piece, please share it with us. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a whole case at that price  

Cheers,

[Jens]

Got the two valves (tubes) today. Had not expected them before the beginning of next week, so this is a pleasant surprise.

They turn out to be of the UK Chelmer brand. (I heard that as Selmer when I spoke to the guy on the phone).

Anyone know anything at all about these UK made valves?

I am still trying to source a reasonably priced Philips Miniwatt ECC189 in Europe, as these are the valves I would like to use to ensure that everything is in the condition that was intended through Hugh's voicing. Anyone who has input on Philips Miniwatt ECC189 sources, preferably in Europe, please let me know.

However, the arrival of the two Chelmer valves means that I may be able to connect the GK-1R to my system this weekend - wauw!

[Occam]

a possible European source -
http://www.fust-electronica.nl/tpl6.htm

Chelmer does not really manufacture tubes themselves, but rather rebranded others.  In all probability, your tubes are probably rebranded Hungarian tubes by Tungsram, which are very good, and you can identify by a small metal tab with embossed numbers on the inside of the tube. If they were actually 'Made in Great Brittan' they are probably maufactured under that grand umbrella of Phillips, which had pretty much purchased all English tube manufacturer when the 6ES8s were current. If so. the 3 and 4 symbol on the outside of the tube will give you the particulars -

http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/u/oheinone/valves/pvm-coding.html

[Jens]

Thanks, Occam!

Very interesting information about Chelmer and the 6ES8 valves. I cannot find any metal tab inside my valves, but there are some faint numbers on the outside of the valves, near the base. Most likely they are Philips types, then.

Back to work on my GK-1R!

Cheers,