2. amps-preamps
  3. 193152-1301

12au7 tube?

Looking for a good 12au7 (JJ ecc802s currently). I know the Telefunken ECC802s is the holy grail, but it comes at a price that is just too steep for me to justify. Many will recommend Mullard, but I always find them a bit too "wooly", lacking in definition. They're going in a Mastersound 845 Compact.

 

What tubes would you recommend that fits between the clarity of the Telefunken (without the price...) and the Mullard? I don't mind spending a bit of money on a pair (let's say max $500 for the pair, prefer to be lower if at all possible).

128x128audiojan
bolong
658 posts
 

Amperex AU7 NOS "Bugle Boy" if you can find them with enough life left in them.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=amperex+NOS++AU7+Bugle+Boy&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_odkw=amperex+NOS+Bugle+Boy&_osacat=0

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,957 posts
 

@bolong +1

decooney
2,212 posts
 

Tried 22 different pairs of vintage 12au7s, and 6 pairs of new re-issues.

Vintage best for me, 1965 Blackburn Plant Mullards if you like vintage. Stored now.

New, PSVANEs are lasting longer than any of my former Gold Lyons.

Get them curve tracer matched triodes w/guarantee, with guarantee.  

 

audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
430 posts
 

I used Genalex Gold Lion in my previous preamp, so maybe those will tested. And the PSVANE are not overly expensive either, so I might as well toss them into the mix

 

Greatly appreciate all the advice and knowledge!!!

cey's avatar
cey
289 posts
 

the TF ecc802s is probably not the holy grail, but its expensive. if you want to spend money theres a blackglass TF 12AU7 variant. theres also the 7316 by philips holland, of which there are several versions. lng plate d-foil getter is the top tier. somme people swear by the siemens nickel plate ecc82, and theres the siemens 5814 triple mica as well. 

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