🔊What is 6N3P Vacuum Tube?
The 6N3P is a miniature dual triode vacuum tube developed in the USSR. It features two triode sections in one glass envelope and was widely used in Soviet radios, oscilloscopes, and communication equipment. In modern times, it’s popular among audiophiles for DIY hi-fi audio preamplifiers, headphone amplifiers, and small tube amp projects.
Key points
- 6N3P is a dual triode vacuum tube popular in DIY audio applications.
- It has equivalents like 2C51, 6385, and ECC42 with varying specifications.
- 6N3P features a 9-pin Noval base, allowing easy interchangeability with equivalents.
📈 6N3P Pinouts
Here is the pinout diagram information for the 6N3P vacuum tube.
- Base Type: Noval (9-pin miniature)
- Tube Dimensions: Diameter ~22.5 mm, Height ~56 mm
| Pin Number | Connection |
| 1 | Plate (Triode 2) |
| 2 | Grid (Triode 2) |
| 3 | Cathode (Triode 2) |
| 4 | Heater |
| 5 | Heater |
| 6 | Plate (Triode 1) |
| 7 | Grid (Triode 1) |
| 8 | Cathode (Triode 1) |
| 9 | No Connection |
📊What Are The Popular 6N3P Tube Equivalents?
- The most recognized 6N3P tube equivalents include 2C51, 6385, and ECC42.
6N3P vs. 2C51: Which One to Choose?
- Base Type: Both the 6N3P and 2C51 use a 9-pin Noval base, which means they are directly interchangeable in most circuits without rewiring.
- Electrical Characteristics: The 2C51 has slightly tighter tolerances and can operate at slightly higher voltages compared to the standard 6N3P. However, core parameters like transconductance and amplification factor are similar.
- Durability: 2C51 tubes, especially those marked JAN (Joint Army-Navy), were produced to military specifications, offering higher reliability and longer lifespan than standard consumer-grade 6N3P tubes.
- Application: 6N3P is commonly used in DIY audio and vintage Soviet radios, while 2C51 was designed for professional and military-grade audio and RF equipment.
6N3P vs. 6385: Key Differences and Similarities
- Base Type: Both tubes share the 9-pin Noval base, so no socket modification is required when swapping them.
- Electrical Characteristics: The 6385 is a premium special-quality tube with superior linearity and lower microphonics compared to the 6N3P. It was designed for critical applications in industrial and military equipment.
- Durability: The 6385 offers higher build quality and longer service life due to its professional-grade specifications, whereas 6N3P is designed for general-purpose use.
- Application: 6N3P is popular for audio preamps and hobby builds, while the 6385 is used in laboratory and broadcast equipment requiring stable, long-term operation.
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6N3P vs. ECC42: Are They Interchangeable?
- Base Type: Both the 6N3P and ECC42 use a 9-pin Noval base. They can be swapped directly in most circuits.
- Electrical Characteristics: ECC42 has a similar double triode structure but typically features slightly different transconductance and gain values. The ECC42 is rated for hi-fi audio use in European equipment.
- Durability: ECC42 tubes from manufacturers like Mullard or Philips tend to have more consistent quality control compared to mass-produced Soviet 6N3P tubes.
- Application: ECC42 is mainly used in high-fidelity (hi-fi) audio amplifiers in Europe, while 6N3P is more common in Soviet and modern DIY audio builds.
🎚️6N3P tube Datasheet:
| Parameter | Value |
| Tube Type | Double Triode (Dual Triode) |
| Base Type | Noval (9-pin Miniature) |
| Filament Voltage | 6.3 V |
| Filament Current | 350 mA |
| Plate Voltage (Max) | 250 V |
| Plate Dissipation | 1.5 W per triode |
| Grid Voltage | -2 V (Typical Bias) |
| Transconductance (S) | 4.0–5.5 mA/V |
| Amplification Factor | 36 |
| Inter-Electrode Capacitance | Input: 3.2 pF, Output: 1.7 pF |
| Typical Applications | Audio preamplifier stages, RF amplifiers, DIY hi-fi amps |
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