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Radiotechnique 12AU7/ECC82/6189 Sonics

Radiotechnique 12AU7/ECC82/6189... What's the sonic difference between the long and short plate versions? Is there any difference in the various years of manufacture? Which version is the "best"? Versions to avoid?

I'm exploring tubes for my DAC. So far I like the Sylvania 6189. But I'd like more warmth, without going the mushy Mullard route.
pmboyd
ps68
230 posts
 
Jardron,

Many thanks for you very informative response, very helpful!

Rgds,
Paul.
jo1mtb
121 posts
 
I’ll just add on, at this point and for whatever it may be worth: the 12au7wa 6189 is a stunner tube. I have not compared it to the other RTs but to Brimar 12au7. It’s very extended both too and bottom, with higher saturation/density and color. I have 4 running in the gain of my PL Evo400 pre. I will say you can have too much of a good thing with these. Ex: I put two more in the gain section of my Evo400 amp, and it was like too much rich icing on a cake. I keep the Brimars there; quite and more formal and orderly sounding.
tablejockey
3,992 posts
 
Lets hope the OP used these 8 years to find something that works.
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