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 7,923 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 7,923 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.
wharfy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 440 posts 03-06-2025 at 10:04am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @inna When I was looking for 12AU7 tubes and variants, I contacted these two- Brent Jesse and Andy at Vintage Tube Services.
noromance Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,208 posts 03-06-2025 at 12:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @inna That’s a bummer. I’ve used scores of different ax7 tubes and these are the best to these ears. Anyhow, I’m not sure why you’re fizzling around with Mullards and their recessed highs and dull warmth, and RCA black plates with their constricted and strident upper mids when you can get Telefunkens which are neutral, open, transparent, and detailed.
jasonbourne71 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,490 posts 03-06-2025 at 03:18pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Shuguang Premium in the fancy box. I have a pair!