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Re: New 12AU7s, what works?

Posted by el34eh@yahoo.com (A) on February 13, 2006 at 06:26:22

In Reply to: New 12AU7s, what works? posted by Dingojazz on February 12, 2006 at 21:29:56:

Hi DingoJazz:

The ones which have been mentioned here the most and with just cause are either the JJ ECC99 [ 12BH7 ] and the Ei 12BH7 Tubes, as both of these are merely based upon a Tube which was introduced by RCA back in its heydays as a replacement for the humble 12AU7s and a tube which to my ears does in fact have a very pleasant sound to say the least. As the Ei 12BH7 are known to have the problem with QC Issues I'd say buy these other from a Tube Dealer whom is willing to test them for you and who is willing to replace them for you if they die within say 6 - 8 months depending upon usage.

The JJ ECC99 is a more durable design overall and would more then likely be a slightly better investment over all. To my ears and in my system there just aren't many options to choose from when it come to more current production 12AU7/ECC82's at all. Or at the very least stock up one some of those Tungsram and/or RFT ECC82's while you still can as either of these will in a matter of time become quite sort after tubes as well - when all of the better sounding NOS Versions become harder to source as well as becoming even more expensive to even consider as replacements - I've attempted to simply stockpile the Tubes which offer the very best sounds in my system and merely attempt to obtain about 10 pairs of those which do allow my system to sing and be done with it, or at least until something else comes along which offers a better sound without a doubt in my mind.

It's merely a matter of knowing which favor in tubes you prefer? and simply not buying into the mindset that something else waits around the corner @ lesser prices that might be the Magic Bullet, as the best sounding tubes have already been produced years ago and that what we have now are merely clones of what once was there for the taking. Just choose wisely and be content as there will always be those rarities that one shall always sell for a special price from time to time, so why settle for less just because it's cheaper?. Current Production Tubes leave a great deal to be desired.

Regards,
- Oscar

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