2. amps-preamps
  3. 191886-148003

Seeking a Warm 12AX7 Tube for Preamp

Hi All-

 

I got hold of a newer tube preamp. I bought some match ed JJ 12AX7 tubed and after they burned in for a bit, they sound very strident and bright. Can anyone recommend  a tube brand that will be warmer in the upper mid and high frequencies? I can't afford NOS. I'd like to keep it under $100 for the pair matched. Viva Tubes has the new Mullard reissues, PSVane Art Series, Electro Harmonix Gold Pins, and Tung Sol Gold Pins in their new stock that are matched. Any suggestions?

 

Thanks 

128x128spacecadet65
bgross's avatar
bgross
388 posts
 

@skiznfliz, @trivema  - triple mica black plate GE 5751 are the bomb for sure. I bought a set last summer from a local Mass dealer. Use them in my lineatage and they are just sublime. A better fit with my heavily re-worked Valencias. Super quiet too, what a great tube. Might even replace my Tele smooth plates as my new favorite. Just my experience 

cey's avatar
cey
270 posts
 

@fertguy OP said warm, which excludes TF. 

cey's avatar
cey
270 posts
 

@spacecadet65 to find out if 5751 is substitute for 12AX7 in your amp/preamp, contact builder/manufacturer directly.

5751 ands 12AT7 are not interchangeable with 12AX7, despite folks treating them as such. any and all substitutions are circuit-dependent.

if you have a high gain preamp, 10-12dB attenuators are the most direct response. ive youse hlabs 12dB inline RCA attenuators for this very purpose. in my system theyre transparent. 

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,040 posts
 

Grant Fidelity are pricey but high quality.  

stereo_gen
60 posts
 

A few years ago, I have done my search for the same warm 12AX7 tube for my Vincent Audio SV237 and I've found this inexpensive Sovtek 1212AX7LPS (original version) for my to-go warm tube. You can go to the big A website to read reviews, and purchase, and return if you're not satisfied, but I don't believe you'll want to return it. 

More to discover