2. amps-preamps
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Best 12AU7 Type Tubes for a Preamp

I am hoping for some help finding good quality and good sounding 12AU7 variant tubes for a preamp – I need two tubes. A price of around $100 each or less would be great but I would pay a bit more (150 ea.) for something that is likely to sound better. The unit came with JAN PHILIPS ECC82 (12AU7/5963) and I also own a pair of reissue/new Mullard ECC92 tubes. Both sets are quiet but I am wondering if there is something even better sounding at a moderate price.

Readily available NOS options I have seen include:

  • NOS RCA Blackplate or Clear Top at about $100-150 EA.
  • Amprex 7316/ECC186 at around $150 each, and
  • Mullard CV4003/12AU7 $150ea.

New options I have found (in addition to Mullard) include (among others):

  • Genalex - Gold Lion B749 / ECC82/12AU7, $70 ea.
  • Psvane 12AU7-S Art Series ECC82, $55 ea.

Thanks for any help.

mitch2

Showing 1 response by audioman58

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audioman58
3,885 posts
 

Psvane, fake gold Lion - out not even close Siemens ,Telefinken, Amperex,

Mazda, depending what your looking for in character, All pre 1970 for sure 

50s Sylvania, earlyRCA  , Phillips owned Amperex,and Mullard warmer nature 

Blackburn Mullard , lots of choices, Brent Jesse gives you 30 days to voice in your system and you can get 2-3 year warranty for extra $$.

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