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RE: égalité et fraternité....

92.2.81.149

In Reply to: RE: French 12AX7 Sonic Signatures posted by el34eh@yahoo.com on June 30, 2012 at 11:40:24

It is impossible to do justice to French 12AX7s without taking into account regional variations. It is well known that the sound in the Bordeaux area of construction is somewhat dry, but with a rich after-taste to each note, clearly detectable on a spectrum analyzer (Petrus, 1947). This is more of a Push-Pull choice, or as the French say “Poussez-Tirez”, and appeals to owners of “vintage” equipment.

The Burgundy area of construction is warmer and more suited to Single Ended or “Une seule Fin” “amplis”, as they are called, where afficionados seek elusive electrons or as the French say are “À la recherche des electrons perdus”. These tubes are frequently used by flaneurs and salonards and are somewhat derided by purists.

One should not forget Corsica, where the electrons are smaller but very highly charged. One is advised to wear a large hat and have one arm inside ones greatcoat when working on equipment containing these. They travel badly, and it is not recommended to post them to Moscow in winter, for instance.

The halves match well, since the French are well known for égalité and fraternité.

Follow Ups:

RE: égalité et fraternité.... - el34eh@yahoo.com 14:21:47 07/02/12 (2)
Hi Andy, It took me a moment there to understand what you were getting at, but since I'm now aware of the six companies in France that actually produced tubes/valves I get what you're referring to. Thanks for that very tasteful analogy it was creative to say the least. Regards, Oscar
- Mon plaisir! - andy evans 18:45:46 07/02/12 (1)
  Hi Oscar,
  
  Over here in England we're a bit closer to French culture and have a historically "lively" relationship with our conquering cousins across the narrow channel that divides us. The French, for instance, would be very loathe to use the "foggy" and "perfidious" sound of the Mullard 12AX7s that we hold in such high regard.
  
  Andy
  - RE: Mon plaisir! - el34eh@yahoo.com 08:00:52 07/03/12 (0)
    Hi Andy, I can totally understand what you're getting at. As we all tend to view our own countries tubes ( valves ) better then others. In the end the user must find a way to voice their systems accordingly as well as to ones preferences. Whereas some tubes have rolled off highs - but beautiful emphasis in the midrange - some are more extended on top with little or no bass to speak of - I'm trying to learn more about which given factories in each country actually produced the best sounding tubes on a consistent level - as I've learned of late Mullard tubes were produced in about 4 different factories were as Brimar based tubes were produced in three and it appears the better sounding ones came from the Paignton and Footscary factories. I'm learning and that's what matters most at this time. Rather late then never I'd say. Cheers,Oscar

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