2. amps-preamps
  3. 1282804225

I need a lower gain 12au7 for Mastersound

I recently purchased a Mastersound Due Venti. It has 2 JJ ecc82 gold pins in the preamp. I find them to be a little high gain for my tastes. They do sound quite nice though don't get me wrong.

Could anyone recommend a 12au7 or variant that naturally has less gain than the JJ but still retains quite a lot of detail and low noise? New or NOS, doesn't matter to me.

Any responses or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Or if anyone has a Due Venti maybe they could let me know what preamp tubes they prefer?

I'm running it with a pair of La Scala's, they're just a little too efficient maybe...

Thanks for your time!!
ddderek
reb1208
518 posts
 
Try the lower gain version of the 12AX7 as a 12AU7 sub, know as 5751.
detredwings
162 posts
 
The 5751 has a gain of 70 compared to the 12au7 gain of 19. I've never heard of using that in place of a 12au7. I do replace 12ax7's with them and like them.

As far as low gain 12au7's I don't know of one. Someone may give recommendations for a tube to try. If not you could put a simple two resistor voltage divider network on the input to your amp.
ddderek OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for the reply.
I guess I'm just looking for a tube recommendation, something NOS that has a reputation for a little less gain, but for sounding good as well.
Personally I don't really want to get into the amp and start soldering too much......

Thanks for the advice though!
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