For 12AX7's, the Mullard CV4004 platinums are nice balanced tubes and won't break the bank. Amperex Bugle Boys are nice as well, but I've found them to be noisy... but I may have just acquired a noisy pair. Telefunken smooth plates are nice as well, with heavy emphasis on mids but slightly rolled off at the extremes.
For 12AT7's, consider Mullard CV4024's, Amperex or Phillips white labels, Telefunkens, Siemens and Sylvania tubes from the 1950's / 1960's.
Buying from a reputable supplier is critical:
- Vintage Tube Services (reasonable prices & very high quality, but plan on it taking several weeks to get your tubes)
- Brent Jessee Recording & Supply (reasonable & good quality)
- Tubeworld (expensive but good quality)
- Upscale Audio (decent selection & pricing)
For 12AT7's, consider Mullard CV4024's, Amperex or Phillips white labels, Telefunkens, Siemens and Sylvania tubes from the 1950's / 1960's.
Buying from a reputable supplier is critical:
- Vintage Tube Services (reasonable prices & very high quality, but plan on it taking several weeks to get your tubes)
- Brent Jessee Recording & Supply (reasonable & good quality)
- Tubeworld (expensive but good quality)
- Upscale Audio (decent selection & pricing)