Best 12AT7 tubes

[seanrr]

FWIW, I have a 12AT7 derivative that you might look out for that sound real good; the Raytheon Triple Mica Blackplate 6414.

Are these a drop in replacement for 12AT7 tubes?

 

[jaymanaa]

Oh - sorry Jay - I thought you just picked the highest priced one on that auction site to suggest one needs to pay $300/pair for the BEST 12AT7 tube - sarcasm is often difficult to discern through on-line discussions.

Otherwise - I do like Mullard 12AX7s in EL84 amps...so, maybe I will search out some Mullards to try out as well. I think I can find one of those for under $300/pair.

No, I was being serious, as those tubes legendary. They really are supposed to be the king of the AT7 line. Then I was saying that with Tannoy speakers, you would be able to hear how good they were. You wouldn't want to spend 6 bills on tubes if you had crap speakers. This internet thing is hard to communicate on sometimes. I do hope to afford a pair some day, maybe.

 

[jaymanaa]

BTW, a sleeper is the grey plate RCA made in Canada. :yes:

 

[seanrr]

Thanks Jay! Being over my head in much of the discussions on here, I am always wary of asking stupid questions and getting snide answers. Were those GEC tubes made by whoever took over the old Mullard plants? I think I read that they were from the early 70s?

 

[MickeySmile]

You should try 7062 tubes, Amperex-branded, PQ, made in Holland. If you can find the D getter and pinch waist then you'll be set.

 

[MWalt]

Are these a drop in replacement for 12AT7 tubes?

Yes, that is what I was told by tube guys way more knowledgeable than me. I use them as replacements in my 12AT7 amps. They are great sounding tubes.

 

[seanrr]

Siemens 12AT7 is by far the best tube of this type I have listened to. Unfortunately they are not very common and getting fairly expensive, while the rest of the 12AT7 rubbish is still really cheap.

Thanks for this tip - I picked one up for $20 shipped off that auction site, and it may now be my new favorite. My other favorite has been a USA-made black plate 6201/12AT7WA. I need to do a closer comparison to decide which I like. I also have a mullard on the way to compare. As always, people here have offered some useful suggestions for things to try.

 

[guitbanger]

5751 RCA's or GE 5 stars

 

[seanrr]

Will 5751 tubes work for a 12AT7? I know the 5751 have 10% more gain - is that an issue in an amp that relies on the 12AT7 as its driver tube?

 

[sony6060]

Will 5751 tubes work for a 12AT7? I know the 5751 have 10% more gain - is that an issue in an amp that relies on the 12AT7 as its driver tube?

Different tubes. The 5751 is biased at 2 volts with a practical limit of 1.2ma plate current & the 12AT7 usually biased at 1 volt with 8-10ma plate current. The 12AT7 cathode resistor is much lower resistance around 200 ohm vs a 1000 ohms for the 5751 thus would run the hell of the 5751 unless the circuit is rather low voltage & biased very low current for a normal 12AT7.

 

[diamondsouled]

The Mullard CV4024 is a well regarded version of the 12AT7, fairly affordable as well still.

 

[jaymanaa]

The Mullard CV4024 is a well regarded version of the 12AT7, fairly affordable as well still.

They were affordable, until 10:58 today.


Since we're giving up secrets, I love the ECC801S as a drop in sub, but again, they are pricey, about 150 each.