[Heathkit] 6GW8

[Drew P.]

The 6GW8 has definitely become scarcer and more difficult to find since vintage stereo enthusiasts have started restoring old units that use these tubes.

6BM8 is probably closest you will find, but it has less gain and the pinout is different.  You'd need an adaptor between tube and equipment tube socket. 

The 6GW8 has been described as having a beam power pentode section like a 6BQ5 and a triode section like a 12AX7.  I am envisioning an adaptor built into a pipe tee with a 9 pin plug in the base of the tee, a 6BQ5 sticking out one arm, and a 12AX7 sticking out the other.  It would, of course, magically compensate for the difference in heater currents without the use of any external components or external wiring.

I'll build it in some other lifetime.

Drew