2. amps-preamps
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Mullard 12AX7 re-issue Cryo vs Non Cryo

Has anyone compared the Mullard 12AX7 Cryo to the non Cryo. While the Cryo exhibits a startlingly clear upper midrange and treble, it does seem somewhat tipped up and a little cold compared to my control tube. Probably perfect for someone but not for, what I consider, the neutral balance of my system. Has anyone else had this experience? I foolishly bought the Cyro version without ever having listened to the non Cryo. Is it worth my while to try the non cryo or perhaps the Groove Tube version?

I appreciate and respect conjecture but would really like some actual accounts if possible.

Appreciatively,

Anacrusis
anacrusis

Showing 2 responses by markd51

markd51
763 posts
 
Well, I'm not sure if this helps you, these were my findings using them in my CAL Alpha DAC. YMMV.

I bought a 1/2 dozen New Sensor 12AX7 for the Tube Store, as I wanted to try them. The price was reasonable enough.

Was previously running a pair of GT 12AX7M Platinum Graded from Upscale Audio. Neither I believe were cyro'd.

While I thought the New Sensor was OK, and ran it for about 20-30 hours, it seemed like something just wasn't cutting it, and wasn't sounding as good as the GT Mullard. The GT Mullard sounded a bit richer, seemed better detailed, and slightly more real to me. I won't say the NS Mullard Re-issue was a bad tube, I heard lots worse in the Alpha, and some better as well. The GT Mullard I felt in my application, came the closest to a NOS pair of '50's RCA 5751 TM Blackplates that I also got from Upscale Audio. Hope this helps.
markd51
763 posts
 
Most will probably agree, that you'll get the best performance from vintage tubes, and you'll no doubt pay the price for them as well.

I don't believe Kevin at Upscale carries the NOS RCA 5751 Triple Mica Blackplates anymore, but an email to him won't cost anything, and he may have some good suggestions for you for your particular application.
He's helped me in the past.

I cannot comment on the Ei, having never used it, and I as well don't consider myself any type of Tube Guru.

But, the GT Mullards, provided you get some good ones (I hear there has been some variability), are a good tube, and the price of admission is certainly reasonable enough. Kevin weeds through, tests-grades all Tubes he sells, and I believe he even backs them with a warrantee.

I understand Aspen Pittman has liquidated Groove Tubes, so these GT Mullards might start getting hard to acquire as well? Mark
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