2. vintage
  3. 167623-20042

Your NOS tube favorites.

Just wondering what manufacturers and models of NOS (new old stock) vacuum tubes you guys/gals really like? I have some GE 12BH7A (not sure of the date) that sound very good. Also tried the Sylvania 12BH7A and Sylvania FAA 6SN7GTB and JAN 6SN7W GTA (various years from 1968 to 1979)

Which tubes have worked the best for you?
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lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
I have always wanted to try Mullards...and Telefunkens
They're polar opposites, but both are excellent in the right circuit.
There are quite a few types of Mullards, this is a situation where the most expensive are the best. MC1 (nearly extinct)  and the longplate square getter.






lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
My favourites always seem to be expensive:

Tung Sol 6SN7GT/ VT-231         Black Round Plates.
Sylvania JAN-CHS VT-231.
Amperex (or Philips) 7308 PQ.
Tung Sol 12AU7 Black glass.
Brimar CV4004 Boxplates.



senza
80 posts
 
I wouldn’t say the Mullards are dull. During all these years Mullards made many different types of 12AX7 or 12AU7, and many others.
The 50’ Mullard is not the 70’ sound. The short and long plates doesn’t sound the same also. Same thing for the Military specs etc etc etc.MC1, MC2, MC6, I65, I63, I60, CV... , M..., All have ther own sound. None ot them sound bright or ananlytical (I think).
The way you melt your different tubes in your gear is the key fot obtaining the sound you like the best.
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