Best 12AU7?


What is the best 12AU7 or equivalent? NOS or new production. I like brighter sonics with good treble air. Thanks!

olds1959special

Showing 6 responses by olds1959special

I really like the mil spec triple mica black plate RCA 5814A I just found. Detailed, smooth, not dull, and not too bright either.

I'm using the Tung Sol 12AU7W / 6189 now. I find it bright, but in a very nice, warm and fat way! I keep coming back to this tube.

I call it fat because of the way it spreads out the sound. I call it warm because of the overall harmonic saturation. But it is basically bright, but more of a creamy, smooth bright!

@curiousjim 

I am using a single 12AU7 in a Hagerman Baritone tube buffer. So far, the new Tung Sol tube is working well for me in this circuit. I've tried:

 

new Tung-Sol 12AU7W

new Mullard 12AU7 (stock tube)

nos RCA 12AU7 cleartop

nos RCA 5814a black plate tri mica

nos GE 5814a grey plate