2. amps-preamps
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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).

audiojan
zarf
53 posts
 

I really appreciate these threads for information.

inna commented about some 50s RCA black tops, back in February. I'd recently been trying out 12 AU7s in both an Aric Unlimited II, and a Conrad Johnson PV-11. Battle of the preamps and their line stage tubes. I've got a modest collection, but the black tops arrived last week. I've liked the RCA clear tops, and some Cryotones among the existing crowd, but wow. The RCA black tops provided more of everything. I've stopped rolling for the moment, just surprised.

I had a buddy over a few nights ago, and he was looking around for the large speakers in the basement. They were just the little Dynaudios, pretending to be big.  I give some credit to these tubes for that moment.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
5,076 posts
 

Blacktops??

Do you mean black plates?

inna
7,923 posts
 

Yeah, he meant black plates, of course. I think, RCA actually invented both 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes. 1948-1956 production years are thought to be the best.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
5,076 posts
 

I've got a pair of RCA 5814a JRC triple mica black plates. Nice tube.

Also have a pair of clear tops. Wouldn't take another pair if they were given to me.

audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
449 posts
 

@thecarpathian a d just as I thought I had the perfect tube you come up with the RCA’s… :-)

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