12AX7 tubes for the phono stage of VAC Avatar SE integrated.

What would you choose ? Say, up to $500 for a NOS closely matched pair ?

Currently have Brimar military and don't like them. They are primitive and have recessed midrange.

I have Mullard long plates from 50s in the line preamp, RCA black plates from 50s in the driver and Mullard XF2 power tubes.

I was thinking same Mullard or RCA black plates but there might be something better to try.

inna03-05-2025 10:49pm

wharfy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 377 posts 03-05-2025 at 11:37pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @inna If you want mids, NOS Mullards have the mid-range-to-die-for-reputation. I imagine older 12AX7 have higher-microphony issues. Thoughts?
wharfy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 377 posts 03-06-2025 at 10:04am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @inna When I was looking for 12AU7 tubes and variants, I contacted these two- Brent Jesse and Andy at Vintage Tube Services.
wharfy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 377 posts 03-07-2025 at 10:07am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @inna Your query got me to look through my signal tube stash. In a box labeled 12AX7 is a pair of NOS Matsushita, black plates, that were manufactured using Mullard tube tooling equipment. I bought these from Brent Jesse at his recommendation. He also recommended Japanese manufactured 12AD7 because they are low noise tubes, used for recording. I didn't pursue it even though it had the same specs as 12AX7.