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Telefunken E88CC Variants

Hi all!

I recently acquired a project preamp without documentation which uses six pentodes dual triodes (two in phono stage plus four in linestage).

I assumed all would be the same E88CC, and prior to turning it on, proceded to test the tubes on my TV-7U/D. Four are Telefunken, one Siemens, and one sans-branding (likely Chinese).

When I began testing, two showed no conductivity for both triode sides, which led me to question whether they were in fact E88CCs. Of course they lack markings other than the Telefunken diamond and country of manufacture.

What's odd is that the two mystery tubes were not in the phono stage, but instead within the linestage section, which relies on matched pairs for the two channels.

Attached is a comparison of the tube in question as well as a known, labeled Telefunken E88CC. The known E88CC has a getter plate supporting the halo post, whereas the tube in question does not. I'm not familiar enough with 9-pin tubes - much less Telefunken models to identify whether this is just another variant or a different tube altogether, so pitching this out to the experts 😉.

In the attahed images, the known E88CC is the one with gold pins and the mirror image of the number "11" inside its diamond on the underside.

Thanks!
 

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marceljs,​

The best you can do of the current situration is to reinstall all tubes ON THEIR ORIGINAL LOCATIONS. If uncertain you are
out-of-luck.
Then power up and check the amp's functions.

Your next plan of action should be to document the amp, reverse engeneer and create a schematic including which tubes
are used and in which locations. As some of the tubes lacks markings you have some detective work ahead, making
a schematic and identifying what pins are used for these tubes, this might give a clue of what type in used there.
 
Thanks for all your replies. I realize the photos are not the best for resolving differences between the E88CC from Ulm and the "mystery tube" from Berlin.

In addition to the known E88CC having a getter plate between the halo and the cage assembly, the other notable difference is the length of the plates themselves. The "mystery tube" has significantly longer plates, and the cage assembly is located more centrally within the height of the glass envelope.

Thanks!
 
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You don't know the real identity of the left handed tube, right? I suppose it's a E288CC by TELEFUNKEN. due to it's longer plates. Any other frame grid double triodes that I had my hands on or before my eyes at least don't differ in their plate lenghts from yiur E88CC.

Best regards!
 
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For the 2 tubes with no conductivity, did the heaters light up on the tester? Check for open heaters or just identify the heater pins with a meter. Then use a magnifier to look internally to see if you can identify the pins leading to the cathodes and plates, grids. Use data sheets to find agreements.
 
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Is there continuity from pin 4 or 5 (heater) to pin 9, (or any other pin). If so then you have center tap. That will help narrow it down / rule out some possibilities.

Get a torch and have a look to see which pin number's internal wire is welded to the plate/anode.

Ultimately you'll need to draw out the circuit from visual inspection, assuming you wish keep it and improve it.
 
Is there continuity from pin 4 or 5 (heater) to pin 9, (or any other pin)
The only continuity is between pins 4 and 5.

Here are some additional images.

Due to silvering in the lower portion of the glass envelope, I find it difficult to make out the pin connections.

Thanks
 

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