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TUBES -- Telefunken OR Mazda 12AX7

Please offer your opinion. I am upgrading the input tubes in my Primaluna Dialogue II integrated amp. I am torn between Telefunken 12AX7 smooth plate ($225. pr) OR Mazda 12AX7 Chrome plate cryo treated ($235. pr). I am using Telefunken 12AU7 smooth plate in the driver stage and Bendix 5992 military grade in the output stage. I am hooked up to Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors in my 14 x 20 room. I listen to jazz, classic rock, Sinatra, Armstrong, female voice, Dead Can Dance, Pink Floyd, . . . you get the picture. Not into classical orchestra. Sorry. So, the cost is about the same. I like a detailed sound stage with air and a sharp kick drum. I want to see the instruments and touch the vocalists. What would you suggest that I buy? Thank you.
128x128dramapsycho
brf
1,715 posts
 
Both are nice tubes. I tried both the Mazda Silver plates and the Tele smooth plates in my phono stage. I could easily have lives with either, but chose the Tele as they provided a bit more inner detail and excelled at dynamics. If you like the Mazda, you should also try the Philips Miniwatts. Also, buy from a reputable tube reseller, it is worth the price.
rccc
216 posts
 
I have both and used them in 2 different phono stages. I give the teles a slight preference.
sbrown
148 posts
 
How a tube will sound in your particular piece of equipement is hard to tell without direct experience. Case in point, I have tried tele 6dj8's in a different pieces over the years and have always hated them. Recently, I was playing tubes in an Aesthetix phono stage and tried the tele 6dj8 in it. Wow! What a difference it made. I was using pinched waist Amperexes before so it wasn't like I was using junk tubes. I just found the right tube for that piece of gear. You'll need to experiment and do the same.

I would call Andy at Vintage tube services. He's a great guy to work with and can offer great advice.

Another tube I like almost as much as the tele's I'm using in the IO are the vintage EI tubes. Just a thoght as these will cost you a fraction of what tele's will.
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