🔊What is 6N6P Vacuum Tube?
The 6N6P tube is a USSR (russian) double triode developed for both consumer and military-grade audio applications. 6N6P vacuum tube is known for its high current capability and robust construction, making it suitable for use as a driver stage in push-pull amplifiers, buffer stages, or even low-power output stages.
Key points
- 6N6P is a robust USSR double triode for audio applications.
- Best 6N6P tubes include 6N6P-EV and Foton for superior performance.
- Common equivalents are ECC99, E182CC, and 6N30P, offering similar functions.
📈 6N6P Piouts
Here is the pinout diagram information for the 6N6P vacuum tube:
- Note: Pin 9 is often connected to an internal shield in Soviet/Russian tubes like 6N6P.
- Base Type: Noval (9-pin miniature)
- Dimensions:Diameter: 22.5 mm maxHeight (with pins): 72 mm max
| Pin Number | Connection |
| 1 | Plate (Anode) Triode 2 |
| 2 | Grid (Control Grid) Triode 2 |
| 3 | Cathode Triode 2 |
| 4 | Heater |
| 5 | Heater |
| 6 | Plate (Anode) Triode 1 |
| 7 | Grid (Control Grid) Triode 1 |
| 8 | Cathode Triode 1 |
| 9 | Internal Shield |
🥇What Are the Best 6N6P Tubes?
The most sought-after and best-performing 6N6P tubes are:
6N6P-EV (6Н6П-ЕВ)
- Type: Extended-life military-grade version
- Why: Rated for higher reliability, longer lifespan, and better mechanical stability.
- How to Spot: Marked with “ЕВ” suffix, often with additional quality control stamps.
USSR-Era 6N6P Tubes (1970s–1980s)
- Produced By: Reflector, Voskhod, Foton plants
- Why: Many audiophiles report better sound quality and tighter factory tolerances in pre-1991 Soviet production compared to post-Soviet batches.
Foton 6N6P Tubes
- Why: Foton-made tubes are often considered premium among Russian brands, known for consistent performance in hi-fi applications.
📊What Are The Best 6N6P Tube Equivalents?
The 6N6P tube is most commonly compared to ECC99, E182CC, and 6N30P. These tubes share similar dual triode functions, making them suitable for high-current audio stages, especially in hi-fi and headphone amplifier circuits.
6N6P vs. ECC99: Which One to Choose?
- Base Type: Both use the Noval (9-pin miniature) base—directly interchangeable without socket modification.
- Electrical Characteristics: ECC99 has slightly higher plate dissipation (up to 5W per triode) compared to 6N6P (4W per triode). Both have similar transconductance and amplification factors.
- Durability: ECC99 is known for tighter tolerances and is often rated as a premium hi-fi audio tube, while 6N6P is generally consumer-grade.
- Application: ECC99 is used in high-end headphone amps and hi-fi systems, while 6N6P is a popular budget-friendly alternative in DIY audio builds.
6N6P vs. E182CC: Key Differences and Similarities
- Base Type: Both have a 9-pin Noval base, making them physically compatible.
- Electrical Characteristics: E182CC has a much higher maximum plate voltage (up to 300–400V) and higher current handling. It’s essentially a high-grade, special-quality tube.
- Durability: E182CC is long-life, industrial-grade, designed for professional and military applications, whereas 6N6P is rated for general-purpose use.
- Application: E182CC is used in professional broadcast and laboratory equipment, while 6N6P is mainly found in consumer audio electronics.
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6N6P vs. 6N30P: Are They Interchangeable?
- Base Type: Both share the 9-pin Noval base—no changes needed.
- Electrical Characteristics: 6N30P offers even higher transconductance and current capacity compared to 6N6P. It’s often called the “Super Tube” in audiophile circles.
- Durability: 6N30P is built to higher standards, often seen in premium tube preamps and amplifiers, with military-spec versions also available.
- Application: 6N30P is used in high-end audio gear, while 6N6P is typically chosen as a more affordable option in driver and buffer stages.
🎚️6N6P tube Datasheet:
| Parameter | Value |
| Tube Type | Double Triode (Dual Triode) |
| Country of Origin | USSR (Soviet Union) |
| Base Type | Noval (9-pin Miniature) |
| Filament Voltage (Uf) | 6.3 V |
| Filament Current (If) | 750 mA |
| Plate Voltage (Va max) | 300 V |
| Plate Dissipation (Pa) | 4.0 W per triode |
| Grid Voltage (Vg) | -7.5 V (typical bias) |
| Transconductance (S) | 6.8 mA/V |
| Amplification Factor (μ) | 20 |
| Cathode Current (Ik) | 45 mA |
| Inter-Electrode Capacitance | Input: 2.5 pF, Output: 1.8 pF |
📊What are the Most Popular 6N6P Tube Amplifiers?
The 6N6P tube is widely used in both commercial and DIY tube amplifier designs thanks to its high current capacity and smooth, detailed sound. The most popular 6N6P tube amplifiers include:
Little Dot MK IV / MK VI
- Type: Commercially produced headphone amplifiers.
- Why Popular: Combines 6N6P with tubes like 6H30 for powerful, dynamic headphone amplification. Known for rich midrange and smooth treble response.
DIY 6N6P Single-Ended Headphone Amplifiers
- Type: Single-ended Class A, pure tube circuit.
- Why Popular: Easy to build, affordable, and ideal for high-impedance headphones (e.g., Sennheiser HD600/650).
- Common Configuration: One 6N6P per channel, often using 6N1P or 6SL7 as input stage.
6N6P Push-Pull Stereo Power Amplifiers
- Type: DIY and boutique-built push-pull designs.
- Why Popular: Produces enough power (5–10 W per channel) to drive small bookshelf speakers. Often seen in Soviet-inspired and budget-friendly hi-fi kits.
Mingda MC-7R (Custom/Modified)
- Type: Preamp and integrated amp models sometimes adapted for 6N6P.
- Why Popular: Audiophile community swaps ECC99 or 6H30 tubes for 6N6P in these types of commercial hi-fi products for a warmer sound.
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