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Suggestions please. Your favorite 3, 12ax7 tubes

Hi, thanks for any suggestions. Looking to purchase 2 or 3 pair of 12ax7’s for a Audio Hungary a50i. Right now I’m using Mullard 1960’s Blackburn and have Gold lion gold pin as back ups.
 

I’m considering the Telefunken but don’t want bright or sterile or it to shout at me, but still very interested due to there reputation. I hear the RCA black plates are nice. I have always liked the RCA 6sn7’s but not sure if they sound close to each other. Another one I was considering is the Tungsram, not much experience with 12ax7’s so any insight would be appreciated.

paulcreed
tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
538 posts
 

Your pretty much got it.  Tele’s (and most of the European tubes) aren’t warm enough for me but are very nice sounding just on the bright side in my mind.  My fav’s are the late ‘50’s Mullard long plates, ‘50’s RCA black plates, ‘50’s Amperex long plates with the foil getter. All very close.  Others Sylvania black plates, Sylvania 5751 Gold Brand triple mica black plates.  

larryi
3,746 posts
 

For a warm sounding tube, I like Amperex Blueboy ECC83/12AX7.  For something a little leaner , but very clear and dynamic, I like Telefunken ECC803S.  For my phono stage, I run the ECC803S.  These vintage tubes are, unfortunately, very expensive.

perkadin's avatar
perkadin
281 posts
 

Just get the most expensive tubes you can find, chances are they'll have the most effusive recommendations and largest cult following.  After you buy them you'll be able to post back here and find plenty of others that will agree with your purchase and help tamp down any cognitive dissonance.  We got you, go nuts. 

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