Dave, I have Elite 12AX7E and the 12AX7EG and some non elite 12AX7's. The EG's and the non-elites appear for all pratical purposes to be identical except for the pins. I can't tell the difference between the non-elites and the EG if they are both free of noise and microphonics. The elites are allegedly screened more tightly. In any even I've had few failures of either, but some of both.
The 12ax7E has steel pins and grey plates. To my ear the tube is a tad warmer in tone, perhaps a bit more in the lower mid-s and upper bass.
I'm presently using the E's in 3 different amps and one pre-amp,and the EG's in two DAC's.
In general the EI is a very nice tube. Balanced and perhaps a bit on the warm side of neutral. I like it a lot especially compared to other current production tubes. Beware of quality control issues and buy from outfits that test and guarantee microphonics, or buy some extras just in case.
The 12ax7E has steel pins and grey plates. To my ear the tube is a tad warmer in tone, perhaps a bit more in the lower mid-s and upper bass.
I'm presently using the E's in 3 different amps and one pre-amp,and the EG's in two DAC's.
In general the EI is a very nice tube. Balanced and perhaps a bit on the warm side of neutral. I like it a lot especially compared to other current production tubes. Beware of quality control issues and buy from outfits that test and guarantee microphonics, or buy some extras just in case.