Seeking a Warm 12AX7 Tube for Preamp

The picture of the GE 5751s that I'm waiting to come in look to be gray plates.  The other 2 tubes are 12AT7 and I have Mullard reissue in those. I don't know what other tubes are interchangeable with those. But I can already see how I might lose myself in a rabbit hole here. LOL

I'm scheduled to get the shipments in tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

G

Oh it’s a rabbit hole for sure! I’ve ended up with four tube amps, one tube/SS hybrid and a collection of over 250 vacuum tubes. The tubes will outlive me AND my children! Unlike my wine cellar which always seems low, wonder why?

BTW, rolled in one of the GE 5751s last night in front of Raytheon GTB listening to Beth Hart’s new release.  Very relaxed, smooth and warm presentation with plenty of detail.  I think you’ll really like the GE vs the strident JJ.
 

Dropping from the higher gain 12ax7/100 down to a 5751/70 or a 12aT7/60, just having the lower gain should make a difference to help calm things down some.

While I currently use mid 1960s Mullard Blackburn 12Au7 and 12At7s myself in my amps, the most important thing discovered is sourcing tubes from a great tube reseller with the best testing and validation equipment. Truly matters.  

For re-issue tubes, I’ve tried and still own many [if not all] of the new production tubes mentioned here above, they are nice backup test tubes for reference checks once in a while. While not as musical, some of the new PSVane small tubes and Genelex Gold Lyons have worked okay for me in multiple amplifiers. Try that 5751 for a while and maybe a good 12aT7 next in those spots, and you might be good enough, and just listen to the music.

GE 5751 Triple Mica Black Plates did it for me. 
I know many folks despise EBay for tubes, but you probably can pick up a matched NOS pair for a few bucks under your budget to try out and see if you like. Make sure to check the seller’s feedback and that the seller accepts returns and you should be fine.  GE 5751 Triple Mica Black Plates are very desired excellent sounding tubes and in most tube reviewers top 10 lists.

@skiznfliz, @trivema  - triple mica black plate GE 5751 are the bomb for sure. I bought a set last summer from a local Mass dealer. Use them in my lineatage and they are just sublime. A better fit with my heavily re-worked Valencias. Super quiet too, what a great tube. Might even replace my Tele smooth plates as my new favorite. Just my experience