[braillediver]

I’m looking for some nice sounding 12AX7’s for use in Headamps new Electrostatic amplifier.

Any suggestions or experience with the 12AX7?


Thanks

Mitch

 

[PsychoZX]

My current favorite 12ax7 tubes are the Mullard CV4004s.

 

[Arnoldhasmail]

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...t=20676&page=3

scroll down to a post I made on 1-29-06

 

[nmculbreth]

Depends on what you're looking to accomplish. I like the Telefunken Smooth Plate 12AX7 in my PrimaLuna Prologue One, though it might not be the best bet if your system is already on the bright side. If you're looking for something more musical I like the Sylvania Gold Brand 5751. To be honest I don't care for the Sylvania 5751 in my current speaker setup but it was my reference tube in my previous setup, I think the Sylvania 5751 combined with the warmth of the EL34 power tubes makes everything sound a bit too smooth.

 

[edisonwu]

mullard long plate 1950'S!

 

[braillediver]

"mullard long plate 1950'S!'

Already on thier way.

I've been using the 12AX7 for 4 years so I was looking for the overlooked types worth trying.


Mitch

 

[edisonwu]

Telefunken ECC803s is the best of the best in all ways. However, it sounds a little thin and cool compared with some of the old mullard and amperex Bugle Boy 12ax7. You may want to try the siemens triple mica 12ax7, another very good ax7 at fairly "normal" price.

 

[edisonwu]

there is another one too, RCA black plates D getter, from 1950's. Provide warm and thick tone.

 

[braillediver]

"siemens triple mica 12ax7, another very good ax7 at fairly "normal" price."

Yeah that one's a goal of mine. If I could even find some. A matched pair of those would be several hundred dollars though?

A pair of Philips Miniwatt 12AX7's is about the top one I've seen available.

Turns out the mullard long plate 1950'S didn't test well so I didn't get the pair.


Mitch

 

[Arnoldhasmail]

http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d...oes-tubes.html

 

[braillediver]

I've read that dozens of times for over 4 years now.

You'll notice it is not complete and the type of amp and components used is not listed. Not listing the components means his opinion is based on a huge unknown which really clouds the truth.

Valvo, Philips Miniwatt, Telefunken smooth plates, Lorentz, Mazda, Siemens triple plate, Tung-Sol, Heintz and Kaufman and that’s just off the top of my head.

I was hoping for people to indicate which types or brands they have actually tried and enjoyed.


This is a partial list of possible variants which could all sound different depending on the manufacturer:
12AX7A, 12AX7WA, 7025, 7025A*, 12AY7, 5751*, 5751WA*, 6057, 6072*, 6681, 7494, 7729


So yeah I’ve done some legwork already. I listened to at least 50 different types of 12AX7 and derivative tubes in one amp alone. And that was only the 12AX7's.


Mitch

 

[Arnoldhasmail]

To some degree that's true...to some degree it's not. First of all you could go to audio asylum and probably find out the equipment he uses...he's a legend around those forums...

I've tried dozens of 12AX7's in three diffent pieces of equipment...and for the most part...his observations are true. I don't always agree and my favorite12ax7's are actually the 40's RCA white label 5751's with triple mica and black plates...but I found it a very helpful roadmap. In most cases I find that early(40's-50's) american tubes that were made for the military blow everything else away. There are exceptions of course(6dj8's for ex.) but america made the best there is. I still haven't found a component that sounds better with a european 12ax7...and yes I've tried the cca's and the amperex and the old mullards and the tele's and the blah blah blah...I just don't like them.

If you've tried all these tubes...you're probably a better judge then most here...

Just my opinion...Enjoy...that's what it's all about...

 

[recstar24]

I have tried the various 5751 subs, hearing from a source that they are superior to the 12ax7. I do have some telefunkens 12ax7 and they were a bit cold sounding to some of the 5751's i used.

I have GE blackplates, sylvania gold brand grey plates, and the teles. The GE's were the most neutral and linear, the sylvania's very musical, warm and thick with great midrange, extremes werent as good as the GE's. Didn't bother with the teles in my situation. This was with Jolida 100 cdp, great cdp by the way for the money

 

[Balisarda]

Vacuum Tube Valley issue 15 has a very good 12AX7 hi-fi shoot-out. The VTV newsletters are excellent publications, and back-issues are available from VTV's website. Or call Charley, who's very easy to deal with.

 

[justin w.]

Wow, this is old!

I saw Mitch's post and I thought...so none of the 19 pairs he's sent me are any good??