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.
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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- 46 posts total
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. |
@spacecadet65 how many hours do you have on the preamp? I ask because the original Matisse needed about 100 hours to sound good. There is also some evidence from owners indicating that changing the 12at7 in this particular circuit has more impact than changing the 12ax7; and it looks like you have already infused some warmth on the 12at7 side. Would hate for you to go down a rabbit hole of tube experimentation and substituting tube variants that may not be optimal in the circuit if the unit isn't fully burned in yet |
@stereo_gen I had the Sovtek 12AX7 LPS in my Black Ice FX Glass Tube DAC as the tubes selected when I purchased the DAC from Black Ice. Those tubes sounded ok in the DAC and thought I’d try them in my Phono Pre and they sounded pretty bad. I put them back in the DAC feeling there might be something better out there and ended up trying some NOS RCA 5751 Triple Mica Black Plates off EBay for the heck of it and I was blown away… MAJOR DIFFERENCE !!! Much more musical, more analog sounding and for the price you can find these for they’re absolutely a steel of a deal. |
- 46 posts total