Jj ecc83-s / 12ax7

[Neep]

I want to upgrade the 12AX7 in the pre-amp section of my Onix SP3 MKii integrated (I don't even know if that is the correct way of saying it, I'm very new to tubes).

What I have now is the JJ ECC83-S in the 12AX7 slot and I'm noticing something I don't like in the highs. It's hard to explain. It's almost like a glassy gritty unnatural sound. So, I'm looking for some tubes that will give me better articulated sweet shimmering highs :yes:

This will be my first time tube-rolling so I want to start simple and stay under $100. Your suggestions are much appreciated, thanks!

 

[rnorton]

The JJ ECC83 is OK for guitar amps but for good audio, the JJ ECC803 is better. The Electro-Harmonix ECC83 is even better. I'm using that now in my Bellari VT-130 and it's breaking in nicely.

 

[Neep]

The JJ ECC83 is OK for guitar amps but for good audio, the JJ ECC803 is better. The Electro-Harmonix ECC83 is even better. I'm using that now in my Bellari VT-130 and it's breaking in nicely.

Oh so the JJ ECC83 is for guitar amps?

Quick question, what does the "ECC" represent? I'm quickly getting confused by model numbers, tube numbers, and different tube applications. I guess tubes is going to take some getting used to!

Thanks for the reco's, I'm checking them out now.

 

[Patrice B]

Maybe someone more experienced about tube labeling will chime in but... ECC83 is the european designation for a 12AX7.

 

[VictoriaGuy]

Quick question, what does the "ECC" represent?

It's a common European numbering system.....details at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullard-Philips_tube_designation


Pretty cool system
E= 6.3 v heater
C= triode
12AX7 is usually wired to run on 6.3 v and is a dual triode.
So any tube that starts with ECC is a 6.3v dual triode..
and the #s at the end (80-89) indicate 9-pin Noval base.
I don't know what they did when the 10th Noval dual triode showed up....

 

[analog addict]

Try some old stock either US or Western Euro tubes. RCA, Sylvania, and GE are the big US manufacturers, then there are the smaller ones like Raytheon, CBS-Hytron, Tung Sol, etc. Then there are the Western Euro manufacturers, like Phillips/Valvo otherwise known as Amperex, Mullard, Siemans, Brimar, and of course Telefunken among others.

Then there are the variants like the 5751, which have less gain, but to some like myself, can sound the sweetest of all in certain gear.

If you're looking for a single 12AX7 or 5751, you should be able to find a really nice one, even top of the line Telefunken or Amperex Bugle Boy for no more than half that price....

 

[Fimger]

The Electro-Harmonix ECC83 is even better. I'm using that now in my Bellari VT-130 and it's breaking in nicely.

(side question to rnorton when you say 'breaking in nicely' what do you mean? i just put new electro-harmonix ecc83's in my grundig majestic so191 and they sound great, but will they sound better over time?

if so what is the breaking in time?

 

[DaLarry]

Maybe someone more experienced about tube labeling will chime in but... ECC83 is the european designation for a 12AX7.

I get my hand on a lot of old Grundig consoles. If I don't intend to keep them, I swap our all the ecc83's, usually telefunken, and use them in either my Scott or GSI-ST-70, and replace them with newer 12AX7's.

 

[gearhound]

The current production Tung-Sol RI 12ax7 and Sovtek 12ax7-LPS certainly have their fans.

Steve