Telefunken ECC83/12AX7 Smooth Plate Experiences?

[Myles B. Astor]

There were also some great sounding 6681-12AX7 floating around years ago. Tube Depot or The Tube Store had some a while back but think they're all gone. But the Siemens 6681s are very good too.

[Cellindo]

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

You bring up a very good point! So little of what is sold as NOS (esp. on Ebay) is really NOS nowadays. Unless it's sealed or from a reputable dealer all bets are off.

As long as the measurements done are WELL above the tube's spec, I couln't care less if the tube has been already used or not.

I think Valvo Germany (Hamburg factory) was also making excellent tubes. ;-)

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[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by Cellindo

As long as the measurements done are WELL above the tube's spec, I couln't care less if the tube has been already used or not.

I think Valvo Germany (Hamburg factory) was also making excellent tubes. ;-)

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

Personally I think the measurements are useless Can't tell you how many tubes I've tried that test like new (say using George Kaye's tube tester), sound nice but lack balls.

[esteban]

I did get these tubes from my usual dealer, and he did say that they measured really well. They are hard to find, so I believe these were the last two he had. I do trust him. But your point about newer amps (such as my Prima Luna) sounding best with (and being voiced around) more contemporary tubes seems to be a valid one. I will be keeping the Telefunkens, though, since they could come in handy in the future if I end up with an overly warm, bass-heavy system. In my current set-up, the stock tubes seem to be ideal. I did install those back (and this time did clean the pins! ), and the magic seems to be back.

I also did hear great things about NOS Mullards and RCA's. I would love to try those as well, if I ever can get my hands on them and the prices are not insulting.

Thanks all for the feedback.

[Whart]

Doesn't it also depend on the circuit in which the tube is used? I did alot of tube rolling in the Steelhead (6922/6dJ8) and found that the NOS Tele sounded best; the Siemens had the best over linearity, but sounded far less holographic, and the Mullard gold pins were very old school euphonic.
I agree that the prices on these tubes have gotten astronomical.
When I had the Audiopax 88 amps, the manufacturer actually recommended pretty cheap tubes that you could buy at places like the Guitar Center, and given the nature of the circuit, even recommended different brands in the same amp circuit. I had alot of fun with that- i think the Ruby tubes were like 8 bucks a shot!
On cleaning pins, Albert Porter turned me on to this product from the Eraser Company- it is essentially a pen with some synthetic bristles- they don't leave any residue and do an amazing job cleaning the pins, and the tool is very easy to work with. Unfortunately, nobody seems to sell them at retail - you have to buy a minimum of 100 dollars or so worth of product. I then used the Deoxit Gold or whatever it is called, more of a contact enhancer than a cleaner.

[ssmith3046]

I just wanted to mention that for a new production tube the Genalex Gold Lion reissues rate right up there with many of my vintage tubes.

[iamhifi]

I had the Tele for a while on the pre, they sound detail with great extensions, holographic somewhat but I was missing a bit of the warm sound I like so I try the 4004 and like it but still experimenting. I’m still tube rolling.
Angel

[Joe Appierto]

What you find to be the most satisfying all depends on the circuit you're using the tube in, the associated system and your personal tastes. As a good rue of thumb, you may find the following matrix from Tube World pretty helpful:




This isn't a plug for Tube World but I find his web site to contain a lot of useful information and the times I have purchased from Brendan, I've been satisfied. Delving into NOS tubes can be a very expensive proposition and the more you know going in, the better off you are.

Also, as was pointed out in previous posts, some contemporary designs voiced around current production tubes may sound their best using them.

[iamhifi]

I agree with the tube Matrix, I'm rolling my C22 60th. The Telefunken on the Phono MC is awesome, the Line soon will gain a pair of Amperex Bugle Boy Holand will see, and next on line is the Mullard 10m ecc83. This is fun and costly. The good thing is that whatever I don't like I can always sell back. Although keeping the Jules is always good to have.
Angel

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Joe Appierto

What you find to be the most satisfying all depends on the circuit you're using the tube in, the associated system and your personal tastes. As a good rue of thumb, you may find the following matrix from Tube World pretty helpful:




This isn't a plug for Tube World but I find his web site to contain a lot of useful information and the times I have purchased from Brendan, I've been satisfied. Delving into NOS tubes can be a very expensive proposition and the more you know going in, the better off you are.

Also, as was pointed out in previous posts, some contemporary designs voiced around current production tubes may sound their best using them.

I'm not a tube person normally, but based upon the descriptions offered, the 12AX7 Mullards and Telefunken ribbed plates get my attention.