2. amps-preamps
  3. 191886-148003

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 

128x128spacecadet65
cey's avatar
cey
275 posts
 

@spacecadet65 to find out if 5751 is substitute for 12AX7 in your amp/preamp, contact builder/manufacturer directly.

5751 ands 12AT7 are not interchangeable with 12AX7, despite folks treating them as such. any and all substitutions are circuit-dependent.

if you have a high gain preamp, 10-12dB attenuators are the most direct response. ive youse hlabs 12dB inline RCA attenuators for this very purpose. in my system theyre transparent. 

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,105 posts
 

Grant Fidelity are pricey but high quality.  

stereo_gen
60 posts
 

A few years ago, I have done my search for the same warm 12AX7 tube for my Vincent Audio SV237 and I've found this inexpensive Sovtek 1212AX7LPS (original version) for my to-go warm tube. You can go to the big A website to read reviews, and purchase, and return if you're not satisfied, but I don't believe you'll want to return it. 

willgolf
936 posts
 

I have multiple 12Ax7, 12AU7 and 12AT7 NOS tubes.  Send me a private email and I can tell you about them.  wlennatyahoo

audition__audio
1,494 posts
 

If you have other tubes in this equipment that werent bright then the tubes might be the solution. Many times the system is too blame and it is better to isolate the offending component(s) and sell them replacing them with something more to your taste. I think it a mistake to use tubes or cables as tone controls in a system. You could end up with a bunch of stuff that is useless when you upgrade.

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