How important is it for you to attain a holographic image?

gdnrbob,

The moisture is gone, thank goodness and my son fixed the leak.
 You’ll have to talk to my wife about the blanket. ;)

Just put a blanket over it when you listen and remove when done. I think it will be a big improvement. Glass is terrible due to it's reflective properties.
B

BTW I have on order 2 Telefunken Black Diamond ECC82 / 12AU7 from TubeDepot for $96. To be shipped in 2 to 4 weeks because they're out of stock.

Rvpiano, this tube sounds like a Mullard, and plays over it's price.


I believe NOS last longer. The decision has to be made as to how much of the price increase is due to rarity, as opposed to how good the tube sounds. You can get a lot of bang for the buck through tubes.


12AU7 RCA Cleartop (side getter),SPECIAL MATCHED PAIRS

New Old Stock Original Box and White Box. A great tube that rivals West Europe types, making it a great buy at this price. Some say the side getter contributes to the low microphonics of this tube. Wonderfully balanced airy highs, midrange warmth, and accurate bass. These pairs have been carefully hand selected for close dynamic mutual conductance on a Hickok 539A. I have sold dozens of pairs of these, and clients agree this tube is an incredible bargain among NOS tubes. Stock up now, this tube is vanishing from the market just like the Telefunken smoothplates!

$69.00 per pair

The cleartop RCA 12AU7 was made in abundance.  It was used in many electric organs in the 50's and 60's, often rebranded.  Great tube for cheap price.