Thoughts on new production 12AX7 tubes

[bakerman]

I was wondering what most users here had in their amps in terms of 12AX7's. I've been a long time fan of NOS RCA's. I love the sweetness they can bring to my system but ran into a QC problem with my latest pair.

I bought, what I was told, a very strong pair of RCA's from a dealer that I've had good luck with before. These have been in my system for approx. 6 months when I noticed I was getting quite a bit of static from one speaker. Reversing the tubes determined it was the 12AX7's so I bought some new production ones to try out.

I ordered a pair of Mullard and a pair of Tung-Sol 12AX7's. I wasn't ready to put down $45 ea. for a Gold Lion just yet but am interested in those as well. I've been running the Tung-Sols in for a few days and really like the sound (I'm a fan of their new EL-34's). They may not be as sweet as the RCA's but seem to have a crispness and sparkle that I'm enjoying.

Of course I'd love to be using Telefunkens, Bugle Boy's or Dario Miniwatt's but can't justify $400.00 a pair for those!

I'd like to know what others here have had success with in terms of new production 12AX7 tubes.

[vintage_tube]

Doug, AA price for subscribers is $32 for GL Reissue 12AX7's (ECC83's).

I have spent thousands on 50's/60's era tubes and while I enjoyed the hunt and what they brought to the table, today I am more than satisfied with the new Gold Lion Reissues in the MC2301's and when I owned them, the C2300, C500T, MC275's. The GL's were not out when I owned my previous tube gear --.

My VAC pre remains stock for the moment and have not tried the Dario Miniwatt & Amperex PQ's as yet.

I'm not implying everyone will reap the same rewards with the GL reissues as it really depends on the design of the amp/pre that one has. Some amps/pres -- at least this is my impression, say CJ's for instance, not many owners of those have migrated over or stayed with the GL reissues. I have no facts nor have I read disaster reports -- just something which I have not heard of much praise of in a CJ. (if there are CJ owners out there who have -- please speak up).

I have found Siemens to be less expensive and be right in line with the Telefunkens. Mullards & Tung-sols didn't occupy tube slots for very long.

Tube are tubes and there is no guarantee on their longivity; just as there is no guarantees in life. The only true NEW NOS tube is one which is sealed.

What are your tube components?

Happy Holidays Folks,

Bob

[bakerman]

Bob, I'm using a Line Magnetic Integrated right now. 845 power tubes, 6V6 driver tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes. I find that the preamp tubes don't change the flavor as much as the driver tubes but there is a difference there. Right now I'm using a pair of Sylvania 6V6's and have a pair of RCA "coke bottle" 6V6's warming up the bench.

One nice thing about this amp is that I can swap out driver tubes to change the taste if I want. It accommodates 6V6, EL34, 6L6, 6550, KT88, 5881 etc...

[vintage_tube]

No experience with that amp -- however New Sensor offers a GL 6V6 variety and Shuguang makes a 845 boxed pair (not inexpensive -- nearly $500 a pair). Shuguang has a good reputation BTW.

Quite a few possibilities especially since it accepts a wide range of tube types.

Happy Holidays Folks,

Bob

[jostber]

I use these different quality 12AX7's in my amps:

NOS:

RCA 5867
Sovtek LPS

New:

Sunrise Voskhod

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by jostber

I use these different quality 12AX7's in my amps:

NOS:

RCA 5867
Sovtek LPS

New:

Sunrise Voskhod

Cool beans jostber -- how do those Sunrise compare to whatever you had prior. I understand their 12AX7VKA is basically a 6N2P with a 12AX7-compatible pinout.

Happy Holidays Folks,

Bob

[Niles]

I run the re-issue Mullards in my CD player -- they are very smooth and linear. I like them a lot.

My Integrated amp is running Tung-Sols. Jolida seems to be now using Tung-Sols exclusively in all their products calling for a 12AX7. I find the Tung-Sol is initially a bit abrasive, but smooths out after 50-100 hrs. It's also a bit hotter in the top end.

I even run the Mullard 12AX7 in my Bugera guitar amp. I like a cool jazz tone and the Mullard is perfect for that.

Overall, I think the new 12AX7's are getting better all the time. Haven't heard the new Northern Electric reissue. Interested in trying it...

[j3brow]

I have tried Gold Lions, re-badged smooth plate Tele, and Psvane tubes in my C2300. The Psvane replaced the GL almost a year ago

[bakerman]

While I did get both the Mullard and Tung-Sol reissues in, I've since bought a pair of Gold Lions and have really enjoyed them in my amp. They have a nice clarity to them.

Niles, I think you're right about new production 12AX7's getting better. Maybe I've just gotten use to them. The last pair of NOS RCA's I bought ended up with one going out in approx. three months. The dealer said they tested strong but you never really know do you. I'm willing to stick with new tubes just for longevity.

[Wasatch]

New tubes can go out early also.