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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: RE: JJ ECC 803S tubes, any good? posted by SETdude on June 8, 2015 at 14:30:12:
I dunno, I have a few of the 'unobtainium' tubes. Through research, trial, and lots of error, though, I have found that there are very viable NOS options that don't break the bank, and in my opinion sound better than the new production tubes.
For instance, try Westinghouse Carbon/Black plate tubes late 50's, early 60's for 12ax7 and 12au7. I just picked up one of the aforementioned 12AX7's, marked as a Harmon Kardon tube, that is to die for sonically, and cost all of $19. Sounds just as satisfactory as my mega-buck Amperex and Telefunken tubes.
If I want to 'splurge' nowadays, I go with anything Ken-Rad. Right now I know a guy who has 60 of the 12AX7 long silvery/black plates vintage 1949 for sale at $30 a piece. I bought one, and it tested NOS, had NO microphonics or noise, and sounds as good as any 12AX7 you are ever likely to hear. I plan on buying a dozen more before these are forever unobtainium.
Also, I picked up several dozen of the GE grey plate JAN 5751 tubes, for no more than current production prices. For some reason, these have a bad rap among 'audiophiles', and they shouldn't. They are fine sounding tubes that I will be happy to live with for years to come.
Again, I wouldn't say that only the rare, uber-expensive NOS tubes are worth it. Neither would I ever say all new production is junk. There are great tubes to be found, new and 'old'. I wouldn't limit my choices, and if you aren't afraid of and can afford some experimentation, you may be pleasantly surprised at what is out there...
Andrew
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Follow Ups
- RE: JJ ECC 803S tubes, any good? - MLGrado 14:20:04 06/10/15 (0)
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