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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
paulcreed OP
560 posts
 

Okay perkadin, will do

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,915 posts
 

Mazda silver plate 12AX7 are my easy favorite. They can be a tad bright, but their dynamics, detail and sweet mids more than make up for it. However avoid the 5751 silver plates - they're a ridiculously bright mess. 

Next is GE 5751 TMBP, specifically the 1953-54 vintage with "silver clips" over the plate ears which poke past the micas. Other GE TMBP vinatges are good but just don't have the magic. They're all better than the RCA TMBP, IMO.

Too many close calls to pick a 3rd, but sure RCA black plates and Telefunkens are in the running. The Telefunken ribbed plates are brighter than smooth plates, but then they're also more detailed and dynamic - just not as good as those Mazda silvers. Ameperex / Holland are always well balanced and should be in the mix. 

Mullards are too thick sounding for me, but a good choice if you need something really warm & syrupy. 

You know, the modern Russian Gold Lions and Tung Sols are quite good too. 

vrao81
59 posts
 

Raytheon 5751 2 mica black plate with windmill getter are the best 12ax7 tubes. Sylvania triple mica black plate 5751 are 2nd. The Sylvanias are warmer, sweeter sounding. But honestly gold lions or psvanes are the best value.

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