Found some Raytheon 12AT7's from circa '55 and paired with some GE 5751 from '63 the sound was beautiful, detailed, huge soundstage, 3d imaging... and I didn't even have a drop of vino.
This is in the Envoy preamp.
This is in the Envoy preamp.
Best tube choices for Jolida Music Envoy
Just my "two cents" for Jolida fans...My pre is the L2 Underwood HiFi mod, which came w / NOS Brimar ECC83/12AX7s & NOS Mullard ECC81/12AT7/M8162s. Wonderful "McIntosh" musicality. I switched out the 12AX7s for Popes (Bugle Boys). Virtual sonic perfection! I then swapped out the 12AT7s for Miniwatts (essentially Bugle Boys). UNBELIEVABLE imaging and transparency! But a Miniwatt failed, and I now use Mullard 6201s in the AT7 position. I like the trade-off: slightly less 3-D, but more balanced w / my Maggie 3.6Rs. Ribbons & metal domes like a little dose of warmth. (The 12AX7 is the more important decision in terms of imaging, and I find that the Brit AT7s and the Dutch AX7s make wonderful music together.) Other good 12AX7 choices would be Siemens or Valvos from Germany, as I am told.) Don't let anyone tell you that a particular tube is "crap," or that it is too laid-back, too "fuzzy warm," etc. Another will say that the SAME tube is too forward / bright, etc! It all depends on your gear! This "subjectivity" is expecially true of the Telefunken 801s / 803s, and Mullards in general. In conclusion, pay the bigger bucks for an accurate and detailed 12AX7 and go for a less expensive and "warmer" 12AT7 in your Music Envoy. A matched pair of Mullard 4024s (AT7) can be had for $60 at Mullard tubes.com, and cryo treatment comes free from Tube Audio Products (KR Audio Products). Also check out Tube World and Upscale Audio. Good listening!