Do small preamp tubes 12ax7 need to be matched?


I had a Telefunken 12ax7 tube go out on me in the V4 (R) position of my Aesthetix Rhea, so I replaced the pair with stock Sovtek 12ax7WBs. Do I need to replace the Teles with a matched pair, or can I just pick up a single and throw it in. Obviously, I'll stick with smooth plate, as that is what was in there.
stew3859

Showing 1 response by pindac

Just recently I purchased two early 1960’s E88CC Tubes and two Genalex Gold Lion E88CC Tubes, both sets were advertised as matched pairs.

I thought I was buying a safeguard tube with the Genalex to tie me over whilst I was awaiting the usable vintage valves to be discovered.
On testing both sets of valves to Vintage measured as good as new.
One Genalex would not produce a reading.

I personally like to have a matched measured valves to use.