If you’re not opposed to NOS, or used that measure well, try the Raytheon 7025. A low(er) noise 12AX7 that I have found to generally produce a full sound that is on the warm side. And they can be found for very reasonable prices.
Seeking a Warm 12AX7 Tube for Preamp
Hi All-
I got hold of a newer tube preamp. I bought some match ed JJ 12AX7 tubed and after they burned in for a bit, they sound very strident and bright. Can anyone recommend a tube brand that will be warmer in the upper mid and high frequencies? I can't afford NOS. I'd like to keep it under $100 for the pair matched. Viva Tubes has the new Mullard reissues, PSVane Art Series, Electro Harmonix Gold Pins, and Tung Sol Gold Pins in their new stock that are matched. Any suggestions?
Thanks
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- 33 posts total
@ knotscott
Which JJ 12AX7 did you purchase? The ECC83-S or the ECC803-S? I have use BOTH and found the 83S more balanced (warmer) than the 803S (analytical) on my Zesto Phono-Pre. I spoke with the designer, George, who compared the 83S to many, many other tubes- including expensive NOS tubes, and sonically the 83S won (with a bonus - they are cheap $33 - Tube Type: 12AX7 Types (thetubestore.com)). In the future I may roll tubes, but I will never be without the 83S... not harsh in the slightest. |
@spacecadet65 I bought a bunch of 12AX7, 7025, 5751 and 12AT7 NOS and a couple new production variants to replace a stock JJ 12AX7 that I also found “bright and strident” in a Willsenton R800i 845. The R800i uses one 12AX7 as the V1 signal tube in the preamp section so it has a noticeable impact on tone not withstanding a GFB design. The clear winners for “warmth,” which I would describe as enhanced bass response and rolled off treble are the RCA and Brimar black plates. The RCA is the much better of the two, the Brimar is smooth and warm to the point of sounding a bit mushy with lack of detail. The RCAs are warm, smooth and retain detail. A real stand out in my rig is the Raytheon black plate, it is warm yet linear with no high roll off, strong bass, clear airy treble and neutral yet present midrange and superb soundstage depth. Can you tell I really like it!? Of the remaining lot, in order of neutral, transparent to detail and airy I’d rank as follows: GE Mullard Telefunken Gold Lion gold pin from Russia Sylvania 5751 black plate RFT Amperex Bugle Boy My three favorites are the Raytheon black plate, Telefunken smooth plate, probably the most balanced linear and neutral of the bunch without losing any details, and the Amperex BB. The Amperex is in a class of its own for airy details and a much higher soundstage. The Raytheon has depth and detail with punch, the BB has more detail in the higher frequencies and the soundstage appears two or three feet higher. It’s a great jazz or modern well recorded Indie track tube. The biggest disappointment is the Mullard. Everyone raves about them online, but in my system, it is just average. Balanced, yes, linear, yes, but nothing special. It’s possible some of the strident edge is coming from too much gain. You might consider rolling in a 5751 or even a 12AT7 depending on speaker sensitivity. Just a thought. Cheers,
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- 33 posts total