My Art Series 12AU7 arrived about a week ago and I have about 25-30 hours on it in my Triode 25.
Was a bit steely and forward out of the box which was to be expected but even with zero hours it was apparent that this tube offered quite a different presentation from the JJ ECC802S which it replaced. It was clear from the get go that the Art Series Psvane offered up more detail and a more defined tuneful bass as well as more apparent refinement, even before break in.
I have about 25-30 hours on the tube at this time and it has smoothed out considerably at this point. The presentation was initially more front row and it's moved back somewhat; my preference would be more of the same if there's more run-in to happen (there are some suggestions online that the ART Series takes about 50-75 hours to fully burn in-my EL 34 UK's definitely seemed to need that extra time).
Generally speaking am very happy with the ART 12AU7 but hoping for a slightly more relaxed mid hall kind of presentation with a bit more burn in. Not sure about moving to the Horizon series if they are more "neutral"; only time will tell in that regard and I'm now reading a few conflicting things online about the Horizon Series vs the Art Series. They are both inexpensive enough to allow for experimentation though so I may take a run at a Horizon 12 AU7 and possibly some Art Series and Horizon 12 AX7's.
The Psvane Art 12AU7 also throws quite a nice image which seems to be a bit larger and projecting outside my speakers relative to the JJ it replaced which, to be fair, seems a bit muddy and diffuse by comparison. The only real area in which the JJ might have a bit of an edge is being more forgiving of weaker recordings. The Psvane will not win any awards there as I think it is simply painting a much more realistic picture of what is on the record or CD. And about 80-85% of the time that is a good thing.
FWIW, I did purchase this 12AU7 from Aliexpress seller GD-Parts Audio Store. Also bought my EL 34 UK's from them and excellent on both deliveries. Bullet proof packaging and box to really protect the tubes and my EL 34's have seen pretty extensive use for the past 8-9 months. So hoping the 12 AU7 will be trouble free as well. I would not hesitate to purchase from GD-Parts again-I think they are a good Ali seller.
Not too excited on hearing that the Horizons coming from Amazon are arriving in a bag. Hopefully this is something that Psvane can remedy-I'd like to hear from someone receiving them properly boxed before ordering from Amazon to be very honest.
