[Boatanchors] Re: WRL LA-1 Linear

[Barry L. Ornitz]

 Steve Wenger asked:
 
 > Does anyone know a good replacement for the EL38's? What is 
 > a good replacement if I rewire the tube socket. Anyone have 
 > any EL38's for sale? Anyone interested in buying the amp - 
 > make offer.
 
 This is a European sweep tube with a 25 watt plate 
 dissipation.  I do not know of a direct replacement.  I am 
 sending you the spec sheets in a separate message since 
 attachments cannot be included in the mail reflector.  These 
 have the characteristic curves which should help in finding a 
 replacement.  I have sheets from Philips and Mullard.
 
 The Svetlana EL-509 has a higher plate dissipation (good) but 
 requires a different socket.  It is still in production and is 
 available from some of the tube dealers selling to the vacuum 
 tube guitar amplifier crowd.  It might be suitable for this 
 application with possible bias changes.  I'll send the 
 Svetlana datasheet too.
 
 I have never been very fond of World Radio Labs' equipment to 
 begin with, and I consider amplifiers using multiple sweep 
 tubes something to be avoided anyway.  Thus I would not 
 suggest spending much money on restoring this amplifier unless 
 it is for historical purposes.
 
         73,  Barry L. Ornitz     WA4VZQ     ornitz@tricon.net