Which Telefunken 12ax7

Thanks guys, I'm currently using a long plate Bugle Boy that's a little too soft for me overall with my current equipment, although I'm warming to it. A friend loaned me his smooth plate Telefunkens which I thought were a little more suitable with a wider variety of music. I'm using these in a 300b amp that doesn't need any extra softening up. I'm looking for dynamics, detail and PRAT but nothing unnatural. Another tube that looks interesting is the Mazda which somebody described to me as being a punchier Telefunken.

Thanks Teajay, terrific review. Brent Jessee is a local guy so I'll definitely try to get a pair for audition alongside the Telefunkins.

Mcfarland, Thanks for the heads-up. I'm not sure how, but I'll try to determine which plant if possible.

Well, as it turns out, while I was seeking consensus on this forum, the particular Telefunkens that I was eyeballing were sold to a gentleman in Hong Kong (the quick and the dead). In lengthy conversation with Brent, we decided to start with a pair of 1953 Siemens ECC83 long plates. If they're not everything I'm looking for, I'll try the Mazda's. Thank you everyone; your help was more appreciated than you know.

The Siemens have been breaking in for about 50 hours now and seem to be the ticket in my system. They are very detailed without being dry or bright. Definition, dynamics and accuracy of timbre have all been elevated to a level that now comes much closer to placing me before the artists. The bandwidth is astounding and perfect for my broad bandwidth amp. The soundstage is expansive. Most importantly, my attention is given entirely to the music.

One caveat: While it's all good here so far, I can imagine them seeming a little too thin in the wrong system. But still, I can't resist making the generalization that by pairing these with 300b's in push-pull, one has put together a dream team.