12AU7 comparison
Dec 20, 2008 at 2:09 AM Post #16 of 37
Yes, they do.
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Dec 20, 2008 at 8:51 AM Post #17 of 37
That 6189 is a really nice tube, esp for the money. Here's another one. Have any of you tried any of the US-made TMBP 5814s? The 12AU7 variety does not sound that hot in my SP MPX3, but of those that I have tried the GE TMBP 5814s sound the best. I have an old "Bugle Boy", but i generally have an aversion to EU tubes (except for 12AV7 types) partly because I was sold a couple of fake Bugle Boy tubes and because where possible i like the sound of 3MBP construction in small signal tubes. There are not so many people into faking US tubes.
 
Dec 20, 2008 at 2:50 PM Post #19 of 37
Quote:

Originally Posted by holland /img/forum/go_quote.gif
How does it compare to the EH 12AU7A? I haven't heard the JAN, but like the EH...edgy and punchy.


It takes the EH tube, rips off it's head, and...well...you know.

The Sylvania is a MUCH better sounding tube, IMO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXII /img/forum/go_quote.gif

How does the sound sig of the Tung-Sol compare to the Mullards and the Bugle Boys?



They are all actually fairly similar. The Mullard is a little lusher, and a little fatter sounding, without being at all rolled off on top. The Tung-Sol is pretty neutral sounding, but still just on the lush side of things. My Bugle Boy was the most romantic sounding of the three, and just a little too soft for my tastes.
 
Jul 15, 2010 at 10:17 AM Post #23 of 37
I don't know if this is the right forum but I thought I would put it here first.
 
I have quite a few 12AU7s that are from a 1961 vintage Allen Organ Amplifier
I haven't tested them but the are in great shape.
 
PN-11 / 12AU7
 

 
Jul 15, 2010 at 10:52 AM Post #24 of 37
I would recommend Mullard CV4003. They are one of best, most musical, and better balanced 12AU7 type, also they are available for more reasonable price than Amperex Bugle Boy.
 
Jul 15, 2010 at 11:37 AM Post #25 of 37
Mullards from 1950's, like CV491, not cheap, but you just stop there. CV4003 are close to it, but not the same. Amperex 7316 do not sound good on every amp, had one in the past and didnt like it at all in my Aspen 823 OTL at the time, that was HQ grade to.
Brimars, long plates, square getter from 1960's are great tubes, less lusher than Mullards, but still amazing sound, they are not that expensive either. NOS Tesla's ECC802S are very good tubes. Also had 5814A Sylvania gold pins, but they are not that interesting, good quality, but soundwise found them not that special. Mentioned before TUNG SOL's Black Glass are great. Never tried Bugle boys or Amperex Globe.
 
Jul 15, 2010 at 11:53 AM Post #27 of 37
I recently purchased a tube on ebay, 12AU7 Mullard and I wondering if I got a good deal... the price is really good so I am excited, but I am not sure about the quality of the tube, maybe some of you pro's coud help! but I will find out when it arrives!
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130407127064&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
 
Oh and before I had the Mullard 12AU7, but I think it was a different version than this one... Either way, I loved the Mullard sound, by far my favorite, rich and detailed, just like a tube should be!
 
CIAO!
 
Jul 15, 2010 at 6:15 PM Post #28 of 37
No love for the 60's D getter RCA clear top ?
 
Check this link out for a good look at the best of the type and it's equivalents https://www.tubeworld.com/12au7.htm
 
Peete.
 
Jul 16, 2010 at 5:49 PM Post #29 of 37


Quote:
No love for the 60's D getter RCA clear top ?


Plenty of love for it here; that's what I currently have in my Raptor.  Not sure I like the sound better than the short-plate Mullard CV 4003 it replaced, or the black glass Tung-Sol I had before that, but the dramatically lower noise floor was the clincher.  Before I installed the clear-top, I was this close to putting the Raptor up for sale and getting a solid-state amp.
 
Feb 1, 2012 at 8:47 PM Post #30 of 37


Quote:
You bet: JAN-Sylvania 6189/12AU7WA - $11.95 each at tubedepot.com:

6189 / 12AU7WA

Amazing sound for the money.


Is this link still valid for this tube?  I need two 12AU7's,  two 12AX7's, and four 6L6's for two DARED VP-20 mono blocks.   I need to stay within the modest budget of Skylabs pricing above for these amps.
 
I also need one 5Z4P and two 12AT7's for a DARED SL 2000A pre amp.   
 
 
 

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