[Heathkit] DX-60 Final Amplifier Tube Question

[Ken Miller K6CTW]

All,

I have an original DX-60 and have been looking around for another 6146 (or better yet a 6293 although pretty expensive it is supposed to last a LOT longer than a 6146 as it was designed for pulse modulation).  All this is just to make sure that the backup/repair kit for this radio will have a spare or two.  Searching the usual sites noted that there are a LOT of 6146W and 6146B variety tubes out there but not a lot of the older 6146/6146A.

Anyway, I seem to recall hearing that when replacing a 6146 or 6146A you should NOT replace it with a 6146B.  Since my earlier post, folks have sent me schematics for the later DX-60 models and there seems to be very little difference between the circuits.  The only one appears to be that the RF choke on the control grid is now a 1.1 MH instead of 1.0.  Thus my question, why not put a 6146W in there as they are cheaper and easier to find?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

73 - Ken, K6CTW