EML Type 50 Data Sheet

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Description

EML type 50 electron tube

 

Introduced in 1928 by RCA, the historical 50 tube, was one of the first higher power triodes for Audio Applications. The curves of this tube are extremely nice, and so distortion will be very low, even at high signal. For that reason, it was originally recommended to use transformer coupling, which method is the safest for high output power circuits. Although the EML50 is much higher quality than the original 50 tubes, and the EML can safely be used capacitor coupled, you can stay closer to the original circuits and design ideas, by using transformer coupling. (Some circuits with the LL1660 will be added to a later version of this data sheet)

High Resolution

Operation and operating points are identical to the historical 50, but it is also possible to use the EML at higher Anode dissipation, up to maximum 28 Watt continuous.

The quality of modern transformer cores is significantly higher than in the first days of tube production, and step-up coupling transformers can be found with perfect full HiFi properties. We recommend the Lundahl LL1660 Series here. These have a passive gain of 2.5 and seem the ideal combination with this tube.

Guarantee program for first owner.

The first owner can register the tube within 4 weeks after receival, at the Emission Labs ® website, to participate in the 5 years guarantee program, which is additional to the legal obligations of the seller.

Our Guarantee conditions


Register here for the 5years guarantee


Features

Sound Character of the EML 50

Specially intended for use with the historical type 50, the type 81 mono diode was introduced at that time. At EML we did the same thing, we introduced the 50 and the 81 together. In order to make a rectifier circuit, the classical way, just parallel the heaters of the 81 mono diode, and the result is a double diode, which is more powerful than a tube like 5U4G.

According to Alesa Vaic who was the first re-introduce the 300B in 1994 (under the Vaic Valve brand), DHT tube families, amongst others are also characterized by their heater voltage. This explains the popularity of the European 4Volt tubes, like AD1, PX4, PX25, RE604, but also 2.5V tubes like 45 and 2A3 have their own fans. The 50 (and also the 81 mono diode) with it's 7.5V heater are a family of it's own for this reason.

The EML50 is made with a boxed anode, which makes the tube larger than the RCA tube, and we get less distortion in return for that. This can already be seen by looking at the curves, which are simply excellent. Though there is a resemblance with 300B, the 50 is different. The 50 feels best at higher voltage and higher impedance. I try to describe the sound of such tubes as softer, silkier, less dominant than a tube like 300B.

Something which influences the sound very much, is the option of the EML50, to exceed the Anode voltage of the RCA, which is possible because of the boxed anode of EML (vs the tiny construction of RCA).

EML type 50 amplifierHere is a very nice report about a 50 Amplifier, placed here with the friendly permission of Raymond Woerdman.



EML 50 Filament Ratings
Filament Voltage

7.5Volt (AC or DC)
Tolerance on filament voltage 5%
Filament Current 1.25Ampere
Maximum Time on Stand By (Heater voltage only) 2 hours
.
EML 50 Maximum Conditions
not possible simultaneously
Anode Voltage 500Volt
Continuous Anode Dissipation 28Watt
Peak Anode Dissipation
(Not continuous)		 35Watt
Anode Current 120mA
Grid resistor with Auto Bias 250k Ohm (note4)
Grid resistor with Fixed Bias 50k Ohm (note4)
.
EML 50 Factory Test conditions
Anode Voltage 400V
Anode Current 55mA
.
EML 50 Typical Data
Anode Voltage
350V
400V
450V
450V*
Anode Current
45mA
55mA
55mA
62mA
Anode Dissipation
15.8Watt
22Watt
24.8 Watt
28 Watt
Control Grid Voltage
63Volt
70Volt
84Volt
81Volt
Anode Impedance (Rp)
1900 Ohm
1800 Ohm
1800 Ohm
1800 Ohm
Amplification Factor
3.8
3.8
3.5
3.5
Transconductance (Gm)
2mA/V
2.1mA/V
2.1mA/V
2.1mA/V
Power Output in Class A
2.4 Watt
3.4 Watt
4.6 Watt
6 Watt
Load Impedance (Ra)
4100 Ohm
3670 Ohm
4350 Ohm
4100 Ohm
Lundahl SE Output Transformer
LL1679-70mA
LL1620-60mA
LL1679-70mA
LL1679-70mA
ISO (formerly Tango) SE Output Transformer
FC-40-S
FC-40-S
FC-40-S
FC-40-S
Lundahl Inter stage transformer **
LL1660
LL1660
LL1660
LL1660

* Fourth table (450V/62mA) not allowed with historical tubes
** Choose driver tube DC current before ordering the Lundhal LL1660 drive transformer. Available is 10, 14, 18, 25mA. Wire for ' ALT S' to get a 1:1 inter stage Alternative wiring can be chosen to get a 1:2 step up.



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Download these curves as PTE file - What is that?

EML 50 Mechanical Data
Size including Socket
(but excluding pins)
145 x 58 mm
Single Tube weight
145 Gram
Shipment weight for
pair in gift box
700 Gram
Notes
  1. Hard-metals can be used in electron tubes, though these are more difficult to use, and more costly than the classical nickel. Hard metal Anodes have a more precise Anode distance, and do not change shape when heated, or at mechanical shock. This ensures reproducible tube parameters, and long term stability. Wolfram grids allow the most precise grid wire distance, because wolfram is an extreme hard metal. Best grid geometry ensures uniformity and linearity of the tube curves.
  2. Individual Test data, such as: Matching Data, Grid Current, Vacuum, Filament Current, etc., are on the Certificate that is on the outside of the tube box. Each tube is numbered from the inside, with a metal Tag
  3. Average Plate Characteristics are made with the Sofia Digital Curve tracer.
  4. Do not experiment with lower filament voltage, to expect better lifetime. If it was that easy, we would make the tubes like this ourselves. The specified filament voltage is the one for best lifetime.
  5. Gold Plated grids have a few advantages, such as increased bias stability, some protection against accidental overload, and better linearity of tube curves.