2. amps-preamps
  3. 179894-21

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
lithiumnk's avatar
lithiumnk
5 posts
 

@mitch2 Waiting for your impressions. I've Hattor Big pre with AMRG resistors. I'm thinking of getting its tube active stage.

 

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 

@mitch2 

Good choice going with the Amperex PQ.

I sent you a PM.

vthokie83
863 posts
 

Congratulations on the Amperex 7316 PQs, they will be amazing for you. I couldn't find my notes, I think I sent it in by accident with a lot of tubes I'm having tested again. If you do more tube rolling, here is a good source, and Brent's tubes are above reproach:

http://www.audiotubes.com/6dj8.htm

pmiller115's avatar
pmiller115
96 posts
 

What kind of sound are you seeking?  Tube selection can add or subtract to what kind/color of sound you may be looking to achieve. I can recommend a source that was very helpful for me and that is Vintage Tube sales and Andy who you will  find at that location. I was a new to the tube shopping experience when I first ran into this site on a recommendation and found Andy VERY helpful. Experimenting with tubes can be - as with other things in this hobby- quite frustrating and I came to rely on Andy's advice to a great degree. Good luck. 

andynotadam's avatar
andynotadam
169 posts
 

Shssh. Don't tell anyone, but the 1950sTung-Sol 12AU7s are really terrific. They're as old as me and I just bought a backup pair so go crazy out there!

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