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What do you think are the best current production vacuum tubes?

I've been buying 6F8Gs for years whenever I see a NIB National Union for <$35 on epay. I have a shoe box full. They have remarkably consistent operating points. NU made great tubes.
 
I have auditioned/owned several brand KT88s/6550, Sovtek, SED, JJ, Chinese/Penta KT88sc, Winged C
KT88 and 6550, Chinese EL156 (not a KT88/6550) in a lab setting. Probably another brand or two I
forgot.

No doubt in my mind, the most natural, transparent, dynamic, spacious I have found is the new,
reissue Mullard KT88. Now will check on longevity.

The most natural, transparent, spacious, dynamic, lowest HD of any small signal, 9 pin, octal tube I have
found, testing for over 30 years, is the JJ E88cc. HD is some 1/9th that of any other tube I have ever
measured. The only downside is their longevity. 5.8/9 voltage on fil increases life.

keep on truckin

joe
 
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Seems there may be fewer and fewer actual manufacturers of audio tubes. Perhaps more post-production brands and rebrands make it appear plentiful.

So whatever works for your units, I'd stockpile at least one set, if not two. Finding the best dealer is half (if not more) of the battle.
 
Mr Boochie said:
Seems there may be fewer and fewer actual manufacturers of audio tubes. Perhaps more post-production brands and rebrands make it appear plentiful.
Click to expand...
its going the other direction
Mr Boochie said:
So whatever works for your units, I'd stockpile at least one set, if not two. Finding the best dealer is half (if not more) of the battle.
Click to expand...
excellent advice. ive tried to do that myself.
 
It seems that, since there are significantly different topologies, voltages etc. in amplifiers (and preamps), testing results should include the equipment on which a tube is being tested/auditioned.
 
kward said:
The JJ E83CC is a very decent new production 12AX7 type. I’m talking for Hi Fi applications. It’s better than anything from Russia or China, IMO.
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JJ is pretty much h my go to for 12AU7 and 12AX7 signal tubes. The JJ KT-77's and KT-88's arent bad either. Im using two quads of JJ KT-88's in my mono blocks with JJ 12AU7 driver tubes. I used tye KT-77's in my ST-70 until I got a quad of EH 6CA7's. I haven't tried any of there EL34's. I'm using a pair of JJ 6L6's in a single ended amp I built and like them.
I do prefer the EH 6922's in my phono preamp over JJ 6922's though.
I was using JJ 12DW7's in my ST-35 and they weren't bad, but I did replace them for some NOS GE's.
Just say no to JJ 5AR4's!!! :yikes:
 
SS904 said:
JJ ECC803 (long plate version of their regular 12AX7 / ECC83) are fantastic in my Erhard Audio Aikido line stage. I had Dynaco labeled smooth plate Telefunken in there and assumed it was about the best I was going to get. The JJs showed up in one of Tube Depot's reoccurring daily sales, so on a whim I bough a quad. I swapped them in for a test run replacing the Tele's. I was pretty surprised at the fact I could not tell the difference. If anything the JJs have a bit more "sparkle". I have tried various other tubes in this preamp, OS and New issue, and could hear differences. I bought a second quad as spares. The JJs are still installed and I have no desire to try anything else, the Telefunkens remain on the shelve until I decide to give then a try again. No rush to.

I've liked many tubes I've tried, but can say I have never been "blown away" at the few legendary OS tubes I've tried when comparing them to same type new issues. The cool / authenticity factor certainly comes in to it, I guess, but if it works...
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I missed your post. I haven't tried the JJ 12AX7 long plates yet.
I do lkke there 12AU7 long plate tubes. I'm using them in my M-125
Mono blocks and like them.
 
Lavane said:
I haven't tried the JJ 12AX7 long plates yet.
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I purchased a bunch of these a while back (36pcs?) just to give them a whirl. Sections were closely matched, with very low noise and microphonics. In addition, unlike the 12AX7/ECC83 offerings from other manufacturers, the curves for these guys were pretty much bang on for the type, and I'd go so far as to say textbook.

I have been using the JJ ECC83S for as long as they have been available, and have been mighty impressed. No noise, microphonics or failures. Ever.
Gone through hundreds; Wow...now that's a track record!
 
arts said:
I purchased a bunch of these a while back (36pcs?) just to give them a whirl. Sections were closely matched, with very low noise and microphonics. In addition, unlike the 12AX7/ECC83 offerings from other manufacturers, the curves for these guys were pretty much bang on for the type, and I'd go so far as to say textbook.

I have been using the JJ ECC83S for as long as they have been available, and have been mighty impressed. No noise, microphonics or failures. Ever.
Gone through hundreds; Wow...now that's a track record!
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Will the long plates fit under tube shields?
 
Lavane said:
Will the long plates fit under tube shields?
Click to expand...

I believe that they are a smidge longer than the short plate models. They do fit under the standard, spring-loaded, push and turn vintage shields, but I can't say for any shields of new manufacture. If I pass by the shop later I'll compare them.
 
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