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Which Telefunken 12ax7

I'd like to hear from members who are familiar with NOS Telefunken 12ax7s from the 1950&60s. I've spoken with three different tube vendors who are frequently recommended on this forum and received three different assessments of the ribbed vs smooth plate versions. One vendor said there was no sonic difference, while the other two were opposed as to which was warmer and which was more detailed. I sure would appreciate it if you guys could help straighten this out.
phaelon
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Smooth plates are just a bit richer. Maybe a bit more "tubey" than the ribbed plates. I am exagerating here to make an example. The differences are not huge, but there. Both excellent. Do you know what a Bugle Boy sounds like? Well the ribbed plate is more like that as opposed to something like a Mullard.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,682 posts
 
You have to take your equipment into consideration also.The same tube can sound totally different in another amp.Just my 2 cents worth.
phaelon OP
1,038 posts
 
Thanks guys, I'm currently using a long plate Bugle Boy that's a little too soft for me overall with my current equipment, although I'm warming to it. A friend loaned me his smooth plate Telefunkens which I thought were a little more suitable with a wider variety of music. I'm using these in a 300b amp that doesn't need any extra softening up. I'm looking for dynamics, detail and PRAT but nothing unnatural. Another tube that looks interesting is the Mazda which somebody described to me as being a punchier Telefunken.
teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hi Phaelon, take a look at my Gon review on the Mazda 12AU7 for details why you might love this tube in the context of your system.
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