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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: Siemens E81CC posted by haziz on April 25, 2007 at 03:21:43:
haziz,I've tried numerous 12AT7s and the Siemens triple mica E81CC is among my two or three favourites- a very energetic tube with a full bass and great detail and very dynamic. I would especially recommend the Siemens in vintage or for preamps with a "softer" approach like older C-J and McIntosh. I'm not a big fan of the Telefunken ECC81- though the ECC801S is just fine.
The best all-rounder 12AT7 I know is the Philips 6201, which appears to have been made only in the Valvo, Hamburg factory, thought there are also Valvo labelled 6201s with double getter supports made by La Radiotechnique- and those are interesting too- quite refined. The 6201 is a military designation and these have gold pins and a low noise, long life rating. This can be labelled a number of ways, Philips, Miniwatt, Amperex, and Valvo. If you see this one as Valvo with blue lettering you're on the right track and if it's an early blue label with triple mica- you've got the really special one- but the price today will be 'noticeable'- ($60-90). Even late dimpled disc getter two mica ones are still fantastic tubes and I bought a matched pair of these NOS recently for $20 each, but I'd look for the white labelled Valvo from the early to mid 60's with the halo getter. Ask our Asylum friend "tubemonger" as he had a number of these at one time and the matched pair I have from him is just superb in my microphone preamp- and very quiet. The Valvo 6201 does everything well- balanced, natural timbre, great imaging, and a clean, transparent bass. I would say this one would stand as the intermediate between the rather lean Telefunken and the more bloomy Mullard.
I don't know the arrangement on your amplifier, but if there is one 12AT7 per channel, I'd look for a reasonably matched pair. If it's monoblock and the 12AT7 are used in series for some reason, then they could probably be different models.
You mention trying the Sylvania Gold Brand 6201, but without comment. If you found that one to be lacking in energy and too dark- then I'd recommend the Siemens E81CC. If it was that the Sylvania was too lush or slightly sluggish to you, and the mid range of the Mullard appeals more, then I'd gravitate to the Philips/Amperex/Valvo, Hamburg 6201.
Cheers,Bambi B
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- Siemens E81CC, Valvo 6201 - Bambi B 08:08:24 04/25/07 (0)
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