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^ I haven't tried them, but when I asked Jim McShane that is what he recommended as well. I ended up not buying any because the old Telefunkens in my receiver are still working; the issue that led me to reach out to him turned out to be a dirty socket, not a bad tube. I may end up getting some anyway just to try.
They beat me to it.
I bought an Ear834 clone phono preamp recently. Jim McShane recommended to me a couple choices. I chose matched pair Sovtek 12AX7LPS for thier low noise and one Genalex Gold Lion for warmth in buffer position. Don't recall the other tube he mentioned as alternate to use for buffer.
Actual cost I don't have at hand.
No connection to Jim McShanes business.
I bought an Ear834 clone phono preamp recently. Jim McShane recommended to me a couple choices. I chose matched pair Sovtek 12AX7LPS for thier low noise and one Genalex Gold Lion for warmth in buffer position. Don't recall the other tube he mentioned as alternate to use for buffer.
Actual cost I don't have at hand.
No connection to Jim McShanes business.
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Don't diss tested used tubes; I use them all the time and they have a much better track record than new production tubes of which 2 of the 6 I bought failed, as opposed to dozens, maybe hundreds, of vintage tubes that have worked well.
Black plate RCAs are well regarded, but given the plethora of uses and users you'll undoubtedly find myriads of positive opinions on many brands and configurations (getter, plate, etc). If you have a local tube buddy see if you can borrow a couple to audition.
Black plate RCAs are well regarded, but given the plethora of uses and users you'll undoubtedly find myriads of positive opinions on many brands and configurations (getter, plate, etc). If you have a local tube buddy see if you can borrow a couple to audition.
artsybob
Active Member
I saw TubeDepot sells used US-made NOS for $24.95 apiece. I'm working if it's worth the plunge to get two and pay extra for matching and testing for microphonics? Hmm...
IMO, you do want matching, so both channels sound similar. Microphonic tested well, might mean you get better tubes out of lot seller has. Testing can't turn a bad product into good though.I saw TubeDepot sells used US-made NOS for $24.95 apiece. I'm working if it's worth the plunge to get two and pay extra for matching and testing for microphonics? Hmm...
I'm no tube expert.
Brent Jessee's site, Audiotubes.com has a LOT of tube info. Reading there can be tube educational. He sells tested NOS tubes.
I have no connection.
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LMAO! Sorry NOS (NEW Old Stock) and Used are mutually exclusive. NOS tested, maybe, but not NOS Used.
JJ E83CC It's a framegrid and very similar to the TFK and TESLA variants.
Cost $22 in single quantity . https://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/E83CC-12AX7-c899.htm
artsybob
Active Member
Yeah, it's their terminology. It may have been lightly used in some radio or portable phonograph or what have you in the past, But the fact that it was used means it can't be NOS
BMC
Active Member
Sonotone 12AX7/7025 cleartop side getter is an excellent choice. These are very low noise and sound clear and full.
They can be had for cheap. I bought 4 for 60 that were Fisher labeled.
These were manufactured by Sonotone in the 50’s, and have a smaller glass envelope than any other 12AX7 I’ve seen. Long plates.
They can be had for cheap. I bought 4 for 60 that were Fisher labeled.
These were manufactured by Sonotone in the 50’s, and have a smaller glass envelope than any other 12AX7 I’ve seen. Long plates.
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JohnT123
Super Member
I strongly agree. When tubing my phono stage these were the tubes that did it for me. IMO they easily keep up with vintage products and fly under the radar.
I agree, tried them and I'm very pleased.
I like RCA 7025 or 12AX7A tubes.
Lavane
Lunatic Member
The plain JJ's sound decent also. I've used them in a few preamp and phono preamp. When I built a guitar amp for my son we tried a whole bag of old stock 12ax7's I had and he liked the JJ over all the others I had.
