2. tech-talk
  3. 1330191925

New 12AX7s from Audio Research

I'm buying a new set of 12AX7 tubes from Audio Research for my SP16.

AR is apparently switching suppliers due to unspecified issues with the prior supplier.

The tubes will cost $40 each compared to $25 prior. That is to get tubes that meet the AR standards according to the rep.

I payed $20 per tube for 12AX7s from Guitar Center last time around. These work well but a touch noisy in the phono section.

So anyway, this sounded like a new development with AR so I thought I'd share. Tube prices appear to be going up, along with most everything else these days.
128x128mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Barruch,

WIthout the manual in front of me, v4 is the right rear slot (phono tubes on right, LS on left), correct?

That is where I put my primo tube to get good results but this was a guess/trial and error process for me since no directions regarding the primo tube was provided.
barruch86
28 posts
 
Yup v4 is the right rear slot of the preamp. If you look close at the board the numbers should be printed next to the slots.
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
I gotta say, the new tubes do sound fantastic! They were expensive but so far seemingly worth it, I suppose.

Very open, dynamic, lively and vibrant on both the Dynaudios and OHMS with both digital and phono. Who ha! Good stuff!

Like a bright shiny new red Porsche glistening in the sun, or something like that!

Have not listened to the Triangles yet, but expecting good things there as well.
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
I'm wondering does anyone know the measured specs of what ARC considers a low noise tube suitable for use in the phono section (only 1 needed for the sp16 apparently)?

How about the other 5?

I am thinking it would be good to know these tube specs as a means of being able to shop multiple sources for similar performing tubes.
More to discover