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Best of current 12ax7?

Any recommendations for the best readily available gold pin 12ax7's? Best in terms of sound quality, build quality and endurance.
I know most of the desirable NOS names but for this thread I'm thinking modern reasonably priced candidates.
Thanks!
128x128rja
rja's avatar
rja OP
2,370 posts
 
Sorry about that, yes I saw your mention of the Sophias. Can you name a good source for them? Thanks
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,983 posts
 
Rja...I bought mine from Galen Carol.

https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=791
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I agree that the sonic result is dependent on the context and application. I have had good luck with and enjoy JJ, Sovtek, Genelex and Telefunken in a variety of applications, power amps, pre amps, phono stages and guitar amps. It all depends, which is why rolling to find what is good in a given context is de riguer.
racamuti's avatar
racamuti
362 posts
 
Hi Rja, I believe that buying from a reputable dealer that fully tests their tubes is the most important aspect of tube purchases.
rja's avatar
rja OP
2,370 posts
 
I see Galen Carol also sells the EAT tubes. HE also sells the RFT tubes which I've never heard of.
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