Best 12AU7 Type Tubes for a Preamp

Excellent thread. About two weeks ago decided to shuffle the pre amp tube line up on my Raven Nighthawk/Blackhawk modified, and pure magic was the result. (User experiences may vary) Front row went Volvo/Mullard 3 hole ECC81 (12AT7 equivalent), , row two CBS Hytron 12AU7( USA) , and row three Tungsram ECC82 (12AU7 equivalent) (Austrian).. This is more revealing than any combo tried yet. Tried all low gain 12AU7's throughout but lost details. Kicked the RCA clear tops out of the line up. Blurry (May have been an off pair.) For customers of Raven Audio, Dave and James are tube heads and provide personal help and tubes for their devotees. Very nice , tested, graded, and guaranteed High frequencies now are dreamy.

if this will help

british    mullards- warm, detailed, good dynamics

german   telefunken, siemens, open, airy, good head room, great sound top to bottom

holland   amperex, phillps good sound staging, 3 dimensional, good top end, bass may be a little sloppy with some. ( bugle boys are my favorite)

tung sol, rca , slyvania, electric harmonics or any of the us made tubes are all about the same to me and lower cost.  depends on your listening taste

talk with andy at vintage tube svcs in mich  616 454 3467 very knowledgable and helpful.   tell him damon from atlanta sent you....

Best combo i’ve tried yet on my Jadis amp is a mix of RCA Black Plates and Telefunken Smooth Plates.

I yet have to try Amperex and Siemens Nickel Plates.