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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: 12AU7 Tubes posted by sept79 on January 11, 2007 at 10:06:52:
sept79,I don't know the VTL preamp, but the RCA cleartop 12AU7 can be bright in some gear- I like them as them sort of "wake up" the slightly sleepy old McIntosh gear. I think that's why so many people like Telefunken ECC82 in McIntosh- and McIntosh used it themselves- as the telefunken are a bit lighter- thinner to some- and it seems more nimble and transparent.
In fact, all the 12AU7's I use in are in vintage stuff, and my favourites are Siemens triple mica 5814A- punchy, detailed, great imaging, and dynamic, the mid 50's CBS 5814A, and finally the ordinary Amperex/Valvo ECC82 from the early 60's which for me is the best "all-rounder 12AU7- I imagine this well-balanced tube would do well anywhere 12AU7 are welcome.
My impression (this is from the perespective of an Audio Research fan) of VTL preamps is they tend to the slightly romantic side , a bit like some Conrad-Johnson and in my view, tubes of the "livelier" variety- actually I should think this is the perfect use for the RCA cleartops- which is why I would suggest considering the 12AT7s as well. The 12AT7 was the not the best type by Mullard, with the exception of the early M8162, which are great. If your budget allows, you might try a couple of mid-60's Valvo 6201s which just do everything well- great depth and soundstage, balanced and detailed. In fact, in my view, you might even consider changing the 12AT7s first- before the 12AU7s and see if this takes the preamp where you want it.
Cheers,Bambi B
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Follow Ups
- Some 12AU7 ideas -And check those 12AT7s - Bambi B 07:47:29 01/12/07 (0)
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