12au7 tube?


Looking for a good 12au7 (JJ ecc802s currently). I know the Telefunken ECC802s is the holy grail, but it comes at a price that is just too steep for me to justify. Many will recommend Mullard, but I always find them a bit too "wooly", lacking in definition. They're going in a Mastersound 845 Compact.

 

What tubes would you recommend that fits between the clarity of the Telefunken (without the price...) and the Mullard? I don't mind spending a bit of money on a pair (let's say max $500 for the pair, prefer to be lower if at all possible).

audiojan

@twoleftears Question: has anyone tried the Apos Ray 12AU7, which seems to be the new kid on the block making a few waves.

 

Are you aware of who the OEM is for Ray tubes btw?

Not to blow their cover but it’s fairly easy to search and find on the internet. Think large manufacturer who batches their top % of tested tubes and puts a different label on it.. Perhaps the helpful part is they are supposed to be top matched triodes tested [and as good as a guarantee that Ray gives them] whatever that is at the time the warranty is needed fwiw.

Yep. Black plates, not black tops! As opposed to clear tops, and thanks for your patience.

I’ve got to try some more pairs later today. Cheers!

 

 

 

Are you aware of who the OEM is for Ray tubes btw?

Not to blow their cover but it’s fairly easy to search and find on the internet. Think large manufacturer who batches their top % of tested tubes and puts a different label on it.. Perhaps the helpful part is they are supposed to be top matched triodes tested [and as good as a guarantee that Ray gives them] whatever that is at the time the warranty is needed fwiw.

@decooney Yep. There is nothing new under the sun here, and I have to roll my eyes when somebody uses marketing / branding to act like a new tube manufacturer. At least be more up-front: "here is who makes our tubes, and here is what we do to (maybe) make them better than the standard production"