Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes.

Tubes Asylum

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Posted by Mechans (A) on July 25, 2015 at 12:41:50

I recently wrote about a 12AU7 headphone amp asking which 12AU7s I might want to use. I got a strongly worded response from two of our more electrically educated inmates telling that a 12AT7 would beat the ___ out any 12AU7. I found this hard to believe as 12AUs are more expensive and harder to find than the red headed stepchild 12AT.. But I thought I would give it a try. I had plenty to choose from. Everyone that I tried (good ones see list) did in fact sound much much better. I know it is hard to account for the much greater mu but trying to listen through the volume response the 12AT7s sound cleaner, more detailed, faster, and what I think of as accurate.
I stopped rolling in any 12A-7 that would fit a years ago, but decided to try it in this $60 amp. Afterall some of the tubes I was using came close or eclipsed that price.
So why do you think 12AT7s aren't as prized as the other 12A-7s?
What is your favorite if you have one?

I tried:
Brimar 6060 Trustee
Siemens 801S
Telefunken ECC81
Mullard 4024.

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Topic - Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - Mechans 12:41:50 07/25/15 (14)

Heck if I know, but my preamp uses 12AT7s and 12AU7s in the line stage - David S. 14:02:04 07/29/15 (0)

They just don't work as hard as 12AX7's - Bambi B 20:08:53 07/26/15 (0)

Shhhh..Let's keep it down low - Jon L 10:27:13 07/26/15 (1)

RE: Shhhh..Let's keep it down low - Orchardist 14:47:12 07/26/15 (0)

Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - mlee 07:29:15 07/26/15 (0)

RE: Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - Eli Duttman 16:40:08 07/25/15 (4)

RE: Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - Jim McShane 12:42:46 07/26/15 (0)

RH84 amplifier - krankkall 19:01:14 07/25/15 (1)

RE: RH84 amplifier - Tre' 08:44:39 07/26/15 (0)

Huh? They sound just fine in my SET amps (nt) - Byrd69 18:02:08 07/25/15 (0)

RE: Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - CV4109 15:28:20 07/25/15 (3)

RE: Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - DAK 23:56:24 07/25/15 (1)

RE: Why aren't 12AT7s as loved as the other 12A_7 tubes. - SETdude 06:45:45 07/26/15 (0)

mil spec triple mica Sylvania 12AT7WA - FenderLover 18:40:51 07/25/15 (0)

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