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12AT7 tubes

Hi audiogoners,
I need to replace one tube in my VTL phono stage, it marks 12AT7/ECC81. Is it safe to use tubes brands other than JJ tubes VTL recommends, like mullard or telefunken one.It looks like there are different version of 12AT7 in Mullard.Can someone tell the difference for each version.and your recommendations.Thanks for any information.KB
easytune
radman707
29 posts
 
RCA Black Plate
rotarius
431 posts
 
As an alternative to the expensive telefunken tubes, you can try the Siemens 12at7, I liked them when I use to have an AVA preamp.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
There is no need to stay with the JJs. I have a bunch of 12AT7s except the truly expensive and rare they all have their own sound, Start rolling.
rbrowne
175 posts
 
I'm not all that familiar with 12AT7 types, but one not previously mentioned is the Sylvania Gold Brand 6201. I use a pair of these in my Lector CDP 0.6T and they work very well for that application although I've not made any comparisons between Sylvanias and other types. Worth looking into.
desmondjim
67 posts
 
I am using Sylvania Gold Brand 6201 in the phono section of my VTL TL 5.5 with excellent results. I also tried Mullard CV4024 with very good results. I currently use the Mullards in my VTL ST150. Between the these two tubes I liked the Sylvania just a little better. The Sylvaias have a more pronounced but at the same time better controlled bass than the Mullards. Other than that I like them equally well.
Both were much better than the stock tubes.

Cheers,
Jim
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