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

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.
inna OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,613 posts 03-06-2025 at 05:01am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Well, there is a matched pair of NOS Mullards 10M with gold pins for $799 obo on ebay. He sells them here too for $999. That would probably be fine but too expensive for me.