2. amps-preamps
  3. 193479-371

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.

inna
inna OP
7,839 posts
 

I read extensively on another forum where guys talk in details about tubes for their amps and it is now more or less clear to me. In my amp and for my taste it's Mullard. Amperex long plates and Raytheon black plates would be bright, regardless of their strong points, and RCA black plates would be a bit too thick. Sylvania long black plates have exceptional clarity and tonal balance but they can be microphonic and they lack the sophistication and depth of Mullards.

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
375 posts
 

@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.

tubes4good
39 posts
 

You may want to try the cryoed tubes from CryoTone. I have bought the 6SN7's. They are extremely quiet. And there's an extensive trial / return policy. They're not NOS, of course. 

inna OP
7,839 posts
 

 wharfy,

12AD7 ? I'll take a look.

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