12AX7 tubes for the phono stage of VAC Avatar SE integrated.

What would you choose ? Say, up to $500 for a NOS closely matched pair ?

Currently have Brimar military and don't like them. They are primitive and have recessed midrange.

I have Mullard long plates from 50s in the line preamp, RCA black plates from 50s in the driver and Mullard XF2 power tubes.

I was thinking same Mullard or RCA black plates but there might be something better to try.

inna03-05-2025 10:49pm

tomcy6 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,611 posts 03-06-2025 at 03:30am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Amperex are noted for their midrange. The ones made in the Heerlen, The Netherlands factory are what you might want. They can come with different labels, mostly Phillips, but also others. There was also an Amperex factory in New Jersey. Good tubes but not the same as those from Heerlen.
inna OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,613 posts 03-06-2025 at 03:57am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Amperex NOS, made in the Netherlands, is available from a very reputable dealer, from $200 to $450 for a matched pair. But would they be any better in my set up than Mullard or RCA ? That's the question.
inna OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,613 posts 03-06-2025 at 04:00am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete There is also NOS Raytheon long black plate for $500 for a matched pair, from a different dealer whose prices are often the double.
noromance Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,019 posts 03-06-2025 at 04:52am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Shuguang Black Treasure 12AX7LS from Grant Fidelity
inna OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,613 posts 03-06-2025 at 04:56am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete First, I don't do Chinese, and second - they are not available.