[fc911c]

Hi

does any know or have first hand knowlage on how this tubes sounds compaired to the RCA of same type, which I have? The RCA has become a little brighter as it burns in. I liked it better with my Gs 1000's yesterday when it was new. Still sound 's good though, best tube so far with the Grado's IMO.

Thanks
Frank

 

[Killercrush]

Maybe this could help you out : https://www.tubeworld.com/12au7.htm

My preferences goes for American tubes like the CBS Hytron 5814.

 

[braillediver]

Check out Joes Tube Lore for all your tube questions:

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

“Now shifting back to the present, the only other comments I might add relate to the obvious "what about the Mullard rib plates & legendary Telefunkens?" question. Well frankly there wasn't much to say. IMHO these are two of the most overrated brands in the NOS universe. generally speaking all the Telefunken 12A family tubes I've heard ('X7s, 'T7s, 'U7s) are a bit bright, thin and airy sounding. I've talked to Charlie Kittleson at Vacuum Tube Valley about this and he basically agreed, observing that these guys more or less built their reputation on their use by the old gear crowd. Why? Well his comment was that the caps, resistors & transformers in old gear were dark sounding sludge and the Teles offered a useful brightening of the sound to a more natural balance. The issue, of course, is that when you put them in a contemporary design with much wider bandwidth and a more neutral '90s kind of balance things can go over the top.
Now before any Tele lovers who find them ideal in their new gear freak out and tell me how wonderful they sound - I believe it. There is a system out there somewhere that's the ideal match for any tube. This is just a comment on a general tendency. Now Mullards are another matter. I have found a few that sound quite nice and they generally are warmer than Teles, but in my rig they never quite make it to the top of the heap.”

Mitch

 

[Carl]

Does your transformer have any spare heater current on tap? If so, try a different tube type like ECC99s in there and see if you like it.

 

[fc911c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braillediver /img/forum/go_quote.gif Check out Joes Tube Lore for all your tube questions: http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d...oes-tubes.html “Now shifting back to the present, the only other comments I might add relate to the obvious "what about the Mullard rib plates & legendary Telefunkens?" question. Well frankly there wasn't much to say. IMHO these are two of the most overrated brands in the NOS universe. generally speaking all the Telefunken 12A family tubes I've heard ('X7s, 'T7s, 'U7s) are a bit bright, thin and airy sounding. I've talked to Charlie Kittleson at Vacuum Tube Valley about this and he basically agreed, observing that these guys more or less built their reputation on their use by the old gear crowd. Why? Well his comment was that the caps, resistors & transformers in old gear were dark sounding sludge and the Teles offered a useful brightening of the sound to a more natural balance. The issue, of course, is that when you put them in a contemporary design with much wider bandwidth and a more neutral '90s kind of balance things can go over the top. Now before any Tele lovers who find them ideal in their new gear freak out and tell me how wonderful they sound - I believe it. There is a system out there somewhere that's the ideal match for any tube. This is just a comment on a general tendency. Now Mullards are another matter. I have found a few that sound quite nice and they generally are warmer than Teles, but in my rig they never quite make it to the top of the heap.” Mitch

Very interesting according to that article I already have a better tube the " RCA clear top"

Boy this tube rolling isn't easy to find the sweet spot for your rig.

Thanks, and any suggestions are welcome, to many misses with no hits gets to be exspensive.

Frank

 

[fc911c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl /img/forum/go_quote.gif Does your transformer have any spare heater current on tap? If so, try a different tube type like ECC99s in there and see if you like it.

Hi

sorry not sure what you mean, I don't know much about tubes or tube amps this is my first.

I have a Single Power Extreme Platinum which takes 3 tubes. I am using the ECC-1 adaptor to fit the 12au7 and the two rear tubes are Chathams 5998's.

could you explain further?

Thanks
Frank

 

[fc911c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killercrush /img/forum/go_quote.gif Maybe this could help you out : https://www.tubeworld.com/12au7.htm My preferences goes for American tubes like the CBS Hytron 5814.

yes very good how it explains differances in sound for each variant of same tube type.

Thanks
Frank

 

[braillediver]

These are possible direct variations compatible with the 12AU7:

12AU7A, 12AU7W, 12AU7WA, 5814*, 5814A, 5814WA*, 5963, 6067, 6189, 6680, 7316, 7489, 7730


The 7316 and 7730 should be premium tubes if you ever find one.

Within the types you're using something like a Sylvania Gold Brand might be a winner.

All things being different- unless you try the actual tube in your actual system all the information is just a guideline. If you try some differen tubes and the results follow what you've read then it's possible to make direct correlation to the sound.


Mitch

 

[orkney]

Hi,

If you like the RCA clear-top sound but find it a little bright or toppy then you might well like some of the more refined US-made 12AU7s variants, like the CBS Hy or GE 5 Star 5814s or even the RCA 5814s Commanders (superb, but sought after so not always easy to find).

Some Euro variants (Amperex, Mullard, Mazda, RT) can provide a richer balance and in the case of the mil-spec Mullards (CV4003) also a bit of bass warmth but for whatever reason IMHO these can often be a little noiser, depending on the circuit and gain.

My first choice for a tube that combines resolution with smoothness in a 12AU7 is the Amperex 7316 computer tube, but these are rare and expensive and like all tubes will work well in some applications and for some people.

Joe's Tube Lore is a terrific resource and well worth poring over but it doesn't cover all the options. You might want to try one something a bit more affordable than the Telefunkens to decide on a flavour. I think the CBS 5814a mentioned by Killercrush would be a great place to start. They're available for around 40.00 - 50.00 a pair if you look carefully and in this application you may not have to worry about exact matching (again, I'm not familiar with the Singlepower amps). Failing that, you should be able to pick up a pair of NOS Mullard CV4003s for around 40.00 (80s version). This is an excellent, often underrated tube in the later vintages that is reliable, robust and does most things well sonically.

happy hunting and best,

o

 

[fc911c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by orkney /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi, If you like the RCA clear-top sound but find it a little bright or toppy then you might well like some of the more refined US-made 12AU7s variants, like the CBS Hy or GE 5 Star 5814s or even the RCA 5814s Commanders (superb, but sought after so not always easy to find). Some Euro variants (Amperex, Mullard, Mazda, RT) can provide a richer balance and in the case of the mil-spec Mullards (CV4003) also a bit of bass warmth but for whatever reason IMHO these can often be a little noiser, depending on the circuit and gain. My first choice for a tube that combines resolution with smoothness in a 12AU7 is the Amperex 7316 computer tube, but these are rare and expensive and like all tubes will work well in some applications and for some people. Joe's Tube Lore is a terrific resource and well worth poring over but it doesn't cover all the options. You might want to try one something a bit more affordable than the Telefunkens to decide on a flavour. I think the CBS 5814a mentioned by Killercrush would be a great place to start. They're available for around 40.00 - 50.00 a pair if you look carefully and in this application you may not have to worry about exact matching (again, I'm not familiar with the Singlepower amps). Failing that, you should be able to pick up a pair of NOS Mullard CV4003s for around 40.00 (80s version). This is an excellent, often underrated tube in the later vintages that is reliable, robust and does most things well sonically. happy hunting and best, o

thanks for the help. My amp ony uses one 12au7 so I don't have to worry about a pair and will be cheeper.

Searching for some tubes is almost like trying to find gold.


Frank

 

[vorlon1]

I have tried the Telefunken 12 AU 7 in my Singlepower Extreme and found them too bright. The best sounding tube in my amp is an Amperex Bugle Boy 12 AU 7 made in 1964. Lush, warm, but absolutely clear and detailed without being harsh or bright in any way.

 

[fc911c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vorlon1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have tried the Telefunken 12 AU 7 in my Singlepower Extreme and found them too bright. The best sounding tube in my amp is an Amperex Bugle Boy 12 AU 7 made in 1964. Lush, warm, but absolutely clear and detailed without being harsh or bright in any way.

Thanks for the tip, just what I am looking for. Any idea where I cant find some? you can PM me if you like.

Thanks
Frank

 

[orkney]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fc911c /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for the help. My amp ony uses one 12au7 so I don't have to worry about a pair and will be cheeper. Searching for some tubes is almost like trying to find gold. Frank

Hi,

Happy to be of help. It sometimes makes sense to buy a pair if only to have a backup since even new or NOS tubes can fail/go microphonic at the drop of a hat. 60s Bugle Boys can be bought from vendors (check the FAQ section of the Tube asylum for some of these) or, if you're feeling brave, on eBay. Examples with imperfect logos tend to be cheaper; make sure they're made in Holland (some good ones also from elsewhere) and have the appropriate markings since there are a fair few fake BBs hanging about. Checking up on sellers is a MUST when buying pricey tubes IMO.

good luck!

o

 

[edisonwu]

Get a mullard for your GS1000. Telefunken will only make it brighter and more analytical, if this is you want.

 

[fc911c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by edisonwu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Get a mullard for your GS1000. Telefunken will only make it brighter and more analytical, if this is you want.

Hi thanks

yeah I already nixed the Telefunken idea and have some Bugel Boy 7316's on the way. I will keep the mullards in mind also.

Frank