2. amps-preamps
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Best 12AU7 Type Tubes for a Preamp

I am hoping for some help finding good quality and good sounding 12AU7 variant tubes for a preamp – I need two tubes. A price of around $100 each or less would be great but I would pay a bit more (150 ea.) for something that is likely to sound better. The unit came with JAN PHILIPS ECC82 (12AU7/5963) and I also own a pair of reissue/new Mullard ECC92 tubes. Both sets are quiet but I am wondering if there is something even better sounding at a moderate price.

Readily available NOS options I have seen include:

  • NOS RCA Blackplate or Clear Top at about $100-150 EA.
  • Amprex 7316/ECC186 at around $150 each, and
  • Mullard CV4003/12AU7 $150ea.

New options I have found (in addition to Mullard) include (among others):

  • Genalex - Gold Lion B749 / ECC82/12AU7, $70 ea.
  • Psvane 12AU7-S Art Series ECC82, $55 ea.

Thanks for any help.

mitch2
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 

I've already expressed my preference for NOS tubes and to buy from a reputable dealer, but I must give props to Psvane. My preamp came with a Psvane 12AU7-S with gold pins and it had very nice tonal qualities. It presented a wide soundstage, but lacked the depth that so many NOS have. Nice top-end, not etched like some of the Russians, just a pleasant sounding tube that works very well when combined with NOS.

johnss
585 posts
 

the PSVANE ART-S series are pretty tough to beat sonically.

If you are looking for more midrange warmth, the RCA black plates are a great choice. 

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,440 posts
 

Brimar CV4003 from Upscale worked great in my Rogue RP-1 and RP-5.
The RCA were brighter.
Genalex Gold Lion we’re pretty good as well. 

lancelock
1,100 posts
 

In my Backert Labs Rhythm 1.3 I use NOS 12SN7’s with the proper adapters in place of 12AU7’s and the results are wonderful.

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,261 posts
 

It's really circuit dependent how a tube will sound.  While asking for others' advice is a good starting point, this is something that you will have to experiment with first hand.  Buy a bunch of tubes and switch them in and out.  You may have a strong preference, or you may not.  Sell the ones you don't use.  Brent Jessee is my go to tube guy.

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