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DIfferences in Philips Miniwatt 12AU7

Hi! I'm looking to tube-roll my the preamp section wich uses 12AU7's. I am specifically interested in the philips miniwatt tubes for now. On the used market, I have come across multiple versions of that tube, some said to be from Holland, other Australia, others France with the 6189 code on it. Is there any significant sonic differences between those NOS versions? Any of them I should stand far away from? Thanks!

plagoniste
yakbob
468 posts
 

Some Philips history to help you decide:

https://upscaleaudio.com/pages/philips-holland-factories

The Holland production is a safe bet. Only you can say if they help your system.

Also beware of tube generalizations (like “Mullard 12au7s sound warm”). I have a pair of Blackburn produced Mullards with Sonotone labels that are crispier and airier than anything in my collection.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 

I'm really hot on Gold Lyons lately, they do everything you want a tube to do.

tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,588 posts
 

It would be hard to say what differences in sound Phillips Miniwatts made in different factories would produce in your system.

Give Brent Jessee a call.  He may or may not have any Phillips Miniwatts, but he can probably help you find the tubes you're looking for.

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