🔊What is 6N1P Tube?
The 6N1P tube is a dual triode vacuum tube commonly used in audio applications. Developed in USSR, it’s highly regarded for its sonic performance and robustness. It is often compared to Western tubes like the 6922 and 12AX7 but has its own unique characteristics that make it a preferred option for high-fidelity audio circuits.
📈 6N1P Pinouts
Understanding the pinout of the 6N1P tube is crucial when integrating it into your circuit design.
This standard pinout configuration makes it interchangeable with some Western equivalents like the 6922 and ECC88.
| Pin Number | Function |
| Pin | Function |
| 1 | Plate (Triode 1) |
| 2 | Grid (Triode 1) |
| 3 | Cathode (Triode 1) |
| 4 & 5 | Heater |
| 6 | Plate (Triode 2) |
| 7 | Grid (Triode 2) |
| 8 | Cathode (Triode 2) |
| 9 | No Connection |
🎚️Popular 6N1P Tube Equivalents
The 6N1P can be swapped with other tubes in certain circuits, depending on the application. Here are some of the closest equivalents:
- 6922 / E88CC: A popular substitute in hi-fi audio systems, but the 6922 has lower filament current.
- ECC88 / 6DJ8: Shares similar pinout and characteristics but differs slightly in transconductance.
- 12AX7: Not a direct equivalent due to differences in gain and pinout but often used in guitar amplifiers.
- 6N2P: Similar filament voltage but incompatible pinout; some modifications are needed
6N1P vs. 12AX7: Which One to Choose?
- Gain Factor: The 12AX7 has a higher gain factor (around 100), while the 6N1P has a moderate gain (approximately 35). This makes the 12AX7 more suitable for high-gain applications, like guitar amplifiers, while the 6N1P is ideal for lower-gain, hi-fi audio stages.
- Filament Current: The 6N1P draws 600mA, whereas the 12AX7 only requires 300mA. This can affect your choice depending on the power supply capabilities of your circuit.
- Sound Profile: The 6N1P is known for its warm, smooth sound with low distortion, making it a great choice for hi-fi applications. The 12AX7, on the other hand, delivers a bright and crisp tone with more harmonic content, often preferred in guitar amplifiers for that “classic rock” sound.
- Application: The 12AX7 excels in preamp stages of guitar amps, while the 6N1P is better suited for audiophile-grade hi-fi systems, preamps, and headphone amplifiers.
6N1P vs. 6922: Key Differences and Similarities
- Filament Requirements: Both tubes have the same filament voltage (6.3V), but the 6N1P requires a higher current (600mA) compared to the 6922 (300mA). This is a critical factor when swapping these tubes in an existing circuit.
- Noise Performance: The 6N1P is slightly quieter than the 6922, making it a preferred option for low-noise applications such as hi-fi preamps and driver stages.
- Plate Voltage: The 6N1P can handle a maximum plate voltage of 250V, while the 6922 typically maxes out around 220V, giving the 6N1P a slight edge in handling higher voltages.
- Durability: The 6N1P is known to be robust and durable, often outlasting the 6922 in high-stress applications.
- Sound Profile: The 6N1P provides a warmer, smoother sound, whereas the 6922 is more neutral and analytical. Depending on your sonic preference, this can significantly impact your choice.
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6N1P vs. 6N2P: Are They Interchangeable?
- Pinout Differences: While both tubes share a similar construction and filament voltage (6.3V), they are not directly interchangeable due to their different pinout configurations. The 6N2P has an internal connection between pins 4 and 5 for the heater, whereas the 6N1P uses separate pins.
- Filament Current: The 6N2P has a lower filament current draw of around 340mA, making it more compatible with circuits designed for lower power consumption.
- Sound Characteristics: Both tubes have a similar sonic profile, but the 6N1P is considered slightly warmer and smoother. The 6N2P is often used in vintage Russian audio equipment and some modern preamps.
- Application: The 6N2P is frequently found in low-power applications, while the 6N1P is better for circuits that can handle its higher filament current.
6N1P vs. ECC88: Which is Better for Your Circuit?
- Electrical Characteristics: The ECC88 (also known as 6DJ8) has a lower filament current (300mA) compared to the 6N1P (600mA). This means that swapping an ECC88 with a 6N1P in a circuit without proper adjustments can overload the power supply.
- Sound Quality: The ECC88 is known for its transparent, neutral sound, while the 6N1P delivers a fuller, warmer tone. This makes the ECC88 a great choice for analytical applications and the 6N1P ideal for musical, engaging sound.
- Plate Voltage: The 6N1P can handle higher plate voltages, making it more durable in high-stress circuits.
- Durability and Life Span: The 6N1P, specifically the 6N1P-EV variant, is designed to be more rugged and long-lasting compared to the ECC88, which can be prone to microphonics in some cases.
📊6N1P tube Datasheet:
| Parameter | Value |
| Glow Voltage | 6.3 ± 0.6 V |
| Incandescence Current | 600 ± 50 mA |
| Anode Voltage (Nominal) | 250 V |
| Maximum Anode Voltage | 300 V |
| Anode Current | 7.5 ± 1.5 mA |
| Cathode Current Limit | 25 mA |
| Grid Voltage at 10 μA Anode Current | -20 V |
| Reverse Grid Current | 0.5 μA |
| Cathode-Heater Voltage Limit | 250 V |
| Maximum Anode Power Dissipation | 2.2 W |
| Steepness Characteristic | 4.45 ± 0.65 mA/V |
| Inter-Anode Voltage Limit | 2.5 V |
| Amplification Factor | 35 ± 7 |
| Cathode Resistor for Automatic Shift | 600 Ω |
| Maximum Grid Circuit Resistance | 1 MΩ |
| Input Capacitance | 3.1 ± 1.1 pF |
| Output Capacitance (Triode 1) | 1.75 ± 0.35 pF |
| Output Capacitance (Triode 2) | 1.95 ± 0.35 pF |
| Through Capacitance Limit | 2.2 pF |
| Inter-Anode Capacitance Limit | 0.2 pF |
| Glass Miniature Design | Yes |
| Durability | 5000 Hours Minimum |
| Weight | 15 g Maximum |
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