Tube selection 12AT7 and 12AX7 - preamp


Sharing results of my internet reading..

This is all based on current production, no NOS or used tubes.

Best 12AX7.    JJ ECC803S Gold pin

Best 12AT7     JJ ECC81 gold pin or Mullard new.

Should I select,  1.  Balanced? $2 per tube 2.  High Gain? $2 per tube 3.  Low Noice/Microphonics $4 per tube?    as offered by Tube Deport?

Any comments?

dcaudio

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

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!