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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: 12AT7 suggestions for Cayin TA-30 posted by Pat S on October 5, 2004 at 14:23:43:
Pat S,I don't know the Cayin integrated, but 12AT7s can not (as far as I know) be used where 12AX7s have gone before. The 12AX7s is typically the principal preamp gain tube and a 12AT7 will not work in that position as it does not amplify the signal enough. I don't know the actual figure, but an AT may provide only 20% of the gain of an AX- but don't quote me! Check with the maker in case this substitution can be made, but I doubt it.
If indeed you are going to be using 12AT7s, I found the probably worst tubes I've ever owned were 80's Philips ECG 12AT7s- harsh little nasties they were too. My favourite general 12AT7 is the regular Siemens ECC81, but the 6201 type is usually quieter and I am really enjoying a pair of Valvo (Philips, Hamburg made, gold pin 6201s).
But, if you need 12AX7s, these are fundamentally important items to so many pieces of tube gear and there are many, many choices. And competition for the known nice ones can make these expensive. Really good NOS ones like the Amperex Bugle Boy can start at $50 and Telefunken ECC803S can be $250-500 each. The first thing is verify to identify how you would like to steer the sound and then look for tubes that have a reputation for producing that effect.
Check to see which type you really need then I would suggest spending a little time in the search/archive section on this site. There are probably 10,000 posts concerning 12AX7s!
Please write again when you have narrowed your needs a bit and I'm sure we can provide a few dozen conflicting opinions!
Cheers,
Bambi B
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Follow Ups
- Careful! - Bambi B 06:44:52 10/06/04 (0)
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