Telefunken Labeled ECC801S Made by Valvo


Anybody has experience with the above tube. What are the differences between the above tubes and blue print Valvo 6201
hzhu1920
The Valvo blue pinch-waist 6201's are terrific sounding tubes (and very expensive these days!) The TFK 801s is also considered a premium tube, but regardless if made by Valvo or TFK, it is a 12AT7, whereas a 6201 is a slightly different tube (has a bit less gain than a regular 12AT7.) Many people consider the 6201 more refined sounding (smoother) than a 12AT7. A similar relationship as the 5751 to the 12AX7.

It's perfectly OK to substitute a 6201 for a 12AT7 in most applications. The slightly lower gain will not be an issue (except perhaps in a tube MC phono preamp.)