2. amps-preamps
  3. 1332877392

12BZ7/12AX7 vs. 5751

I have a Cary V12 with 12BZ7 tubes in the input. I read an article last night that suggest that the 5751 is interchangeable, just with less gain, and that it sounds significantly better. Has anyone used a 5751 in place of a 12BZ7, or for that matter a 12AX7, and could you comment on any differences/improvements in sound?

Thanks!
grimace
sounds_real_audio
1,013 posts
 

Perhaps new speakers would make a more substantial improvement.
grimace OP
624 posts
 
As a retailer, I'm sure you'd think so.
xti16
1,525 posts
 
I have an Octave V70SE that uses a 12ax7 input tube and swapping it out with a 5751 was an improvement over the stock tube. I heard no loss of gain. I have learned from experience that the input tube makes the biggest difference. Here is a recent discussion.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1326387515&&&/12ax7-vs-5751

That being said it never hurts to ask the manufacturer.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
Why in the Sam Hell would you be rude enough to suggest new speakers? Grimace never mentioned speakers just a simple question about tubes.

Grimace sorry I can't answer your question but I do know 5751's are a replacement for 12AX7. I would contact Cary and Google search. I saw some very good advice awhile back on interchanging tubes but I do not remember where. Sorry.
goldeneraguy
442 posts
 
While I have never used a 12Bz7.I have tried NOS low noise, matched,(read expensive) 5751 tubes in place of the 12Ax7 that were stock in my Tron preamp.After about one month of listening I placed the 12Ax7 back in the Tron.
My conclusion was that the 12Ax7 gave more body to the music,with better dynamics,separation of musicians and wider stage.Others may say that my conclusion is wrong Joe's Lore) but this is what I heard in my room with my components.YMMV
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