12AT7 tube

The Valvo 6201 blue label would be one to go after. I just installed a pair last night in a preamp & took out a pair of bugle boys. All I can say is WOW. The Valvo blues have the midrange sweetness of amperex tubes, but in a tighter-cleaner form....more detail too. The bass is tigher & punchier with the blues also. I've heard a lot of good things about the blues over the years...it appears it's true. I'm happy to say "I have the blues".

Siemens-Halske (not just "Siemens") E81CC is a premium tube. The Slyvania 12AT7WA is also very good.

Glory,

Sorry to say they are just the 2 micas...I've been chasing(trying to obtain via ebay, various sellers) the current 4 blues I have for a good 18 months...haven't seen a 3 mica yet.

All of mine (two separate purchases) came out of Germany.

Ain't it always the way...I stopped looking once I got the three in the mail last week.

I just check the auction. $138/pr is a reasonably rightous price for these tubes. Certainly higher than the 2 mica version. but no surprise I guess. The other completed auction from a guy in GB...$213 a pair(2x mica)..ouch! & someone went for it.

If you can find a pair at a price you're willing to pay I think they're worth the effort. If they aren't for you they'll sell in a heartbeat. If memory serves this is also a 10,000 hour tube.