Since no one answered this in my May Finds and Losses II post, I'll ask it here: What's a good reason for using a 2A5 in an adapter for the 47? Will I find wiring changes? (Crosley 141) I'd rather see a globe 47, of course. DENNIS

They're basically the same, although the 2A5 is indirectly heated whereas the 47 is directly heated...the adapter probably has a couple of resistors in it to give the cathode somewhere to go.

Dennis

The reason being, not having a 47 tube. They should have added voltage divider resistors across filaments and connect cathode to center tap. Would expect any changes were made in the adapter. Since a 47 only has 5 pins not enough to make chassis changes.

I don't understand the pressing need to sub for a 47 yet. The prices are not really all that high, as compared to a 45, or such. I just bought two of them at Dayton. Probably 5$ apiece, I can't remember all. Both are ST type and tested real strong. I know some of the parts websites are asking a ton for serviceable tubes. If you simply must have a globe 47, that will cost you. I found a good deal online for a Canadian branded one. Not as strong as the ST's that I have, but perfectly functional. Actually some have been subbing 47's for 45's with adapters that make them triode mode.

Older tubes were harder to buy 50 years ago than today. Many were discontinued long before that. An exception was 80. I remember that one being listed on 1960's price lists.

As repair stores closed, radios scrapped with tubes being pulled, older types became more available. That's how AES started. George Fathauer and his son were trying to buy old radio parts and had a difficult time. They decided to start a business buying up old stock and helping others find parts.

The 80 was still in the Sept '82 Sylvania price list, retail was $13.60...

A '74 Zenith list included 83($5.00, 40 cents less than 80) & a '70 GE list has 27, 75, 80 & 83... In '70 retail on a 83 was $3.05 while the 80 was $4.80, guess 83s weren't a big mover...

Tom