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.
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?