[Boatanchors] Re: WRL LA-1 Linear

[Gary Schafer]

"Barry L. Ornitz" wrote:

>  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
>
>

I have one of those amps too. It works ok but it does not put out as
much power as advertised. Back in those days there was confusion of what
PEP really was. I haven't run mine in awhile and don't remember how much
power it puts out, somewhere around 200 watts at most if I remember
right. Maybe only 150. It was used with 20A's and the globe scout.

The EL38 I think is the same as a 6CA7. Both equally hard to find. I
believe that they are popular with the audio people so the price is
rather high.

It could be converted to 1625,s or 837,s but would require a socket
change. Shouldn't be too hard to do as there is not much to the amp. The
power handling of those tubes would be equivalent to the EL38. If using
1625,s you would need to modify them to disconnect the suppresser grid
from the cathode.

73
Gary  K4FMX