• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Telefunkin 12AX7 vs GE 5751 black plate

2string1

2string1

Super Member
I have been tube swapping the audio tubes in the Fisher 500B with the Tely 12ax7 and the GE 5751 black plate. and have my own opinions on the difference. Would like to hear your opinion of the sound difference your hearing.
 
Register to hide this ad
Well, you're talking two good sets of tubes here and in a specific application. Your system, and your ears, may vary from mine and that's fine. But if you listen closely, I'd be interested in your feedback as well as your preferences.

I don't have a 500-B to compare the tubes in, but I suspect that my fully restored 500-C has a bit more on the top and bottom where the B highlights the midrange. Not that the midrange isn't there in the C, mind you, but that because there's a bit more top and a bit more bottom in the C, the midrange doesn't stand out as much. We're talking very minor differences here, not game changers.

First off, you can't lose with either tube pair.

Telefunken 12AX7 long smooth plates in the tone control circuits - Lots of top end sparkle, good all-around performer. Slightly lush with a bit of a voluptuous sound. Does nothing wrong. Ever so slightly tube-ish. Seductive sound. Good soundstage.

GE triple mica black plates in the tone control circuits - I will express my preference for this tube before answering. So, that should be noted.
Absolutely linear. Gets quiet really fast. No areas of emphasis. Silent. Very good at letting instruments play cleanly and in a good soundstage, in width, height, and depth, both forward and behind the speakers. Very good at low-level detail. Gets loud really fast and smoothly, with instruments keeping their individual identities, not settling into the background. No microphonic tendencies whatsoever.
In a sense - a more linear sound but retaining the "lack of listener fatigue" that good tube rigs are known for.
 
2string1 said:
I have been tube swapping the audio tubes in the Fisher 500B with the Tely 12ax7 and the GE 5751 black plate. and have my own opinions on the difference. Would like to hear your opinion of the sound difference your hearing.
Click to expand...

The 5751 has lower gain than a 12AX7. All that matters is how a tube sounds in your gear. :yes:
 
Well I don't think I can be as articulate as your listening experience but my findings are, the Telefunkin's sound softer and more bass bloom. The GE's are more detailed with a tighter bass... but not harsh. I prefer the 5751's
 
It's always going to be "gear specific" and "personal preference" that tells the story.

From my experience, Telefunkens tend to be an "brighter" tube and in a lot of vintage
pieces tends to be the better tube fit, in newer gear the opposite has been true here.
 
What tube positions are you rolling? In general, what positions can benefit most from rolling 12ax7-type tubes. Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom