Belles 21A upgrade

the stock tubes in the belles 21a are mullard cv-4003 i believe.
here is a link to thread discussing tube dealers.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1239836974&read&keyw&zztube=dealers

I opened up my 21A last night and found out their not Mullards but GE6189/12AU7A. Are these any good!

Wig

My preferred variant is the GE 5814A BLACK PLATE from the mid 1950's. IME though with your pre-amp, you will only get so far rolling the tubes. In order to make it sing, parts need to be upgraded.

How good are these tubes?

you have a solid state amp, so a warmer 12AU7 might be preferred

best in order
all are nice, smooth high end 12AU7's

2 low noise pairs) ECC82 Mullard branded Philips NOS 1964-1969 in Philips boxes (recommended)
1 pair $160) 11.8/12.2 and 11.4/11.6ma 1967 and 1969
1 pair $160) 11/11.8 and 11/11.2ma 1964 and 1966

1 platinum low noise pair $150) CV4003=12AU7WA Brimar NOS in original boxes 1974-1975 1-5% matching, boxes moisture damaged
1 tube) 12.2/12.5ma 1974
1 tube) 12.5/12.7ma 1975

Low Noise Platinum Pairs $125/pair) CV4003=M8136=12AU7 Mullard "Box Plates" NOS copper grid posts 1982-1985 most in original boxes

a 5814A could be used as a sub

1 platinum low noise pair $150) JRC-5814A RCA black plates double mica 1962-1965 original boxes (best pair)<-------
1 tube) 12/12.1ma
1 tube) 12.2/12.4ma

Thanks,
Wig

Wig,

No one can answer your question as tubes are opinion orientated and specific to ones gear/taste.

There is no reason at all to spend more than $60.00 for a pair of 12AU7/5814A tubes for your particular unit. It would be a waste of money.

The GE BP 5814A is dead neutral in sound. That means wide bandwith. No rolled of highs, no rolled of bass, no excessive brightness, very dynamic etc.

E-mail me, I've got lots of tubes. I'm not out to make any $$$. I do not need the money, but also am not a library. Be specific as to what type of sound you like.

B