2. amps-preamps
  3. 192267-2893

Tube selection 12AT7 and 12AX7 - preamp

Sharing results of my internet reading..

This is all based on current production, no NOS or used tubes.

Best 12AX7.    JJ ECC803S Gold pin

Best 12AT7     JJ ECC81 gold pin or Mullard new.

Should I select,  1.  Balanced? $2 per tube 2.  High Gain? $2 per tube 3.  Low Noice/Microphonics $4 per tube?    as offered by Tube Deport?

Any comments?

dcaudio
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,410 posts
 

If you get a chance to try the Psvane Horizon series tubes, please give it a shot. My NOS Mazda 1962s are resting in their boxes.

testpilot
956 posts
 

By not naming the phono stage, you have limited your responses from others who may have experienced the same issue.  No equipment is immune from failure. . 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,861 posts
 

Regardless of the brand or source, when you use tubes in high performance tube equipment the tubes should be vetted. They should test good on a tester and then they have to be auditioned for noise, microphonics and crackling.

If these things are not done its the luck of the draw. A bad tube that is of a good brand won't have a chance against a good tube of a lessor brand!

So wherever you get your tubes from, make sure they have a warranty and can be returned if they don't work out!

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,633 posts
 

Look @ Brent Jessee.

You can purchase old USA production 12ax7’s for $50/each and old USA production 12at7’s for $20/each.

Look specifically @ those selected for organ use as they were screened for noise.

The JJ’s with options (balanced/low noise) will run approx. $40/each.

I assume that these are for your Nagra/CJ preamps.

 

DeKay

 

 

More to discover