CAL Alpha and an Equalizer

I've used both old and new Tesla's /JJ's, EI's, EH's and Sovtek. EI's had a very smooth top end neutal/warm mids, but not strong bass. The JJ's were as Michael described and not very sturdy. The EH's have a full bass and were fairly neutral thru the mids and highs. I was expecting them to be bright and etched. They were not! The Sovteks were cold and enimic. Bottom line I'm using EH's in both units.

Hi Newbie, You mentioned brand, but not number of Tube?
I assume by "EH", you are referring to Electro-Harmonix, correct?

Is it the 12AX7 EH you refer to?
Of course too, there are a number of different model Sovtek in 12AX7 (3 I believe?) Was it the Sovtek 12AX7LPS you tried?

I've seen some new NOS Sylvania Gold Brand 5751WA 3 Mica BlackPlates w/Square Getter on the net somewhere, but asking price is $140ea, and I'm thinking that this is a bit out of line, regardless how nice they are! Thanks, Mark

Mark,

Electro-Harmonic 12AX7EH. The Sovteks were the 12AX7LPS (a lot of folks seem to like these, I find them bright and I had three early failures as well) and the 12AX7w?? which were junk and I threw them out. Regarding the high priced NOS, Ive used very little of it. I've just got too much tube stuff to maintain and if I started using them in all my stuff I'd go broke. On those few occasions I do they find their way into tube phono and line stages where they can make a much bigger impact. One good thing about the Cal units though, they aren't hard on tubes - you get a lot of life out of them.

Hi all again,
I've come to this realization about the Cal Alpha (through the archives) and perhaps other equipment like this, that shares similar qualities.

Tube rolling is the key to suitable sound, but one sad fact, is that if one wants to put in a pair of NOS Sylvania 3-Mica BlackPlates with D-getter, be prepared to pull your pants down.

I just bought four c-9 version Shuguang-Sino 12AX7 tubes to try. In all honesty, they might be better than the crap shoot buying "supposed" NOS tubes from the online scalpers. Mark

Mark I have to agree with you regarding the tubes. I have had better luck using current production tubes than NOS stock in my Alpha as well. I do prefer NOS 12AU7’s and 12AT7’s to current production types in my other gear. A few years back I had an Alpha, which I bought here and it came with Golden Dragon’s. The printing on the tubes was very detailed, unlike some others I have seen lately. They may have in it for years before I got it, who knows? Those were the best of all the 12AX7’s I had ever tried in it. The guy I sold it to, was so nice I sent them along with a few other NOS brands. I am now regretting it. I’ve had my present Alpha for a month and I am really missing them. I have an order in for some 1990 NOS Golden Dragon’s and I’ll let you know how they sound.