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RCA black plates

ssmith3046

ssmith3046

Super Member
I have two pair of matched 5751 RCA 12AX7 black plates on the way. I'm going to pull the Telefunkens from my Fisher 500C tone and phono/tape sockets and plug the RCA's in. I've never tried the black plates. How do the black plates compare to the Telefunkens?
 
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Nice in a phono because they have less gain, which means any junk on the tiny signal from your cart (RF and such), won't be amplified as much. The second stage can pick up the slack of amplifying the now cleaner sig..
 
You'll like 'em.
You getting the two mica black plates or the 3 mica black plates?
Not my fave for the phono positions. I like Sylvania long pinched plates in those positions. Your mileage may vary. Actually, it's the 3 mica ones I don't prefer in the phono. I haven't tried the two mica ones there.
 
The RCA black plates arrived yesterday so I pulled the Telefunkens and put the RCA black plates in. I only have had to time to listen to one side of a record but I'm really impressed. As jaymanaa posted these sound really balanced from top to bottom with no edge on the high end. Very tight bass and the mids really come through in great detail. I really don't know if these are three mica or two mica but I do know that I'm going to leave them in.
 
That's about the third recommendation I've seen recently for RCA blackplates, so . . . I won a set on ePay last night to try in my Scott. :D

You guys gotta stop talking me into this stuff! :nono:
 
I have a set of RCA 12ax7 black-plates in my late 50's Bell Pacemaker 2285 amplifier.
Very nice-n'-smooth.

I hope you enjoy your very much!!

Steve
 
Sometimes I think the American tubes don't get the respect that they deserve. In certain numbers and apps., I'd put GE, RCA, and Sylvy up against any of the high brow Euro tubes.:smoke:
 
Most all of the USA 50's production 5751 & 12AX7 are excellent tubes.

GE,Raytheon,RCA etc you just want tested versions that aren't noisy or microphonic.

I test all of mine in a guitar amp in the 1st position with a ton of gain from the guitar!

Of course this is after they pass thru my various testers.

You will find some microphonic tubes in 50's longplate 12AX7.
 
I've had time to listen to a few more albums with black plates in my Fisher and they're very smooth and a little more subtle than the Telefunkens. The Telefunkens seem to have a little more punch to them ( for lack of a better term ). I'm going to leave them in for the time being but might go back to Telefunkens when I want a change. I also have several pair of the Genalex Gold Lion reissues that are IMO the best sounding new production tubes I have tried. It's really great to be able to change the whole sound of your receiver by swapping a few tubes.
 
ssmith3046 said:
I've had time to listen to a few more albums with black plates in my Fisher and they're very smooth and a little more subtle than the Telefunkens. The Telefunkens seem to have a little more punch to them ( for lack of a better term ). I'm going to leave them in for the time being but might go back to Telefunkens when I want a change. I also have several pair of the Genalex Gold Lion reissues that are IMO the best sounding new production tubes I have tried. It's really great to be able to change the whole sound of your receiver by swapping a few tubes.
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That's why the tube guys don't worry much about adding tone controls I guess.
 
I have never tried the RCA BP's in a 12AX7, but my very favorite AU7 is the RCA BP's with the triple micas. They are very smooth and have ample to offer in all frequency ranges and decay to die for. My youngest son bought me a pair of the Psvane AX's and I am quite pleased with them. Very comparable to the RCA's. I would recommend you give them a try, if the opportunity presents itself.

Ron
 
jaymanaa said:
That's why the tube guys don't worry much about adding tone controls I guess.
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How true that statement is! I used to be a big fan of tone controls and loved using my Yamaha C-70 just for that reason, until I got my Foreplay and started rolling tubes. Best tonals a guy can get.

Ron
 
I've heard great things about the Psvane tubes. How much do the phase inverter tubes alter the sound? I'm still new to tubes.
 
After listening to the RCA black plates now for some time I finally understand what people mean when they say "silky". I've never thought the the Telefunkens were bright as I have read some people do but I like the sound of the black plates. Great detail in the mids, tight bass, and smooth highs.
 
ssmith3046 said:
After listening to the RCA black plates now for some time I finally understand what people mean when they say "silky". I've never thought the the Telefunkens were bright as I have read some people do but I like the sound of the black plates. Great detail in the mids, tight bass, and smooth highs.
Click to expand...

Stay with the RCA BP's.I have tried almost all old 5751's and these are the best.

I know there are nice comments for GE,Sylvania etc.......to me the RCA's are way better in every respect.Not just smooth and refined,but also very dynamic when they have to,and excellent soundstage depth,although not so wide as with the best 12AX7's.
 
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