Tube selection 12AT7 and 12AX7 - preamp

Low noise/microphonics

I really do not like the JJ tubes in anything i have tried them in. For new i like the gold lion range better. The first thing i did with my Mac gear was toss the JJ's that come stock in them. With all the rebranding going on it’s getting hard to tell what new production tube is what.  

Other than that, I will stick to NOS tubes even the lower priced ones seem better to me. They are getting harder to find and the resellers are getting rather annoying with the lies, deception of new or not, so it's a crap shoot out there. 

I just bought 12at7 mullard reissue 6 tubes, and 12Ax7 reissue from mullard cryo 2 tubes, from upscale audio. I will receive them today.Apparently my Tsakadiris Alexander need eight tubes. I have 6  ecc81 and 2 ecc83 JJ they sound descent. The one I heard from the dealer are the 12at7  and 12ax7. I really love this preamp I was about to buy it but the dealer whom I bought the tsakadiris appollon monos. Did not give me the discount ,,I think he even raise the price. No deal then. Tmraudio listed it couple of weeks ago. And I bought for my Christmas gift. This preamp deserve a good tube I end up spending almost $300.

If you get a chance to try the Psvane Horizon series tubes, please give it a shot. My NOS Mazda 1962s are resting in their boxes.

By not naming the phono stage, you have limited your responses from others who may have experienced the same issue.  No equipment is immune from failure. . 

Regardless of the brand or source, when you use tubes in high performance tube equipment the tubes should be vetted. They should test good on a tester and then they have to be auditioned for noise, microphonics and crackling.

If these things are not done its the luck of the draw. A bad tube that is of a good brand won't have a chance against a good tube of a lessor brand!

So wherever you get your tubes from, make sure they have a warranty and can be returned if they don't work out!

Look @ Brent Jessee.

You can purchase old USA production 12ax7’s for $50/each and old USA production 12at7’s for $20/each.

Look specifically @ those selected for organ use as they were screened for noise.

The JJ’s with options (balanced/low noise) will run approx. $40/each.

I assume that these are for your Nagra/CJ preamps.

DeKay