|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
69.142.61.247
First let me say that both tubes are wonderful. If I say anything that sounds negative PLEASE understand that it is in comparison and not a criticism against that tube.
Again, both tubes are wonderful. But here's the poop!
The Genalex is one full lush robust sounding tube. If you need to warm things up in a hurry - this is your tube! However I find at times it can be too "thick" sounding. In MY!!!! preamp, mixed with a RCA Black Plate it was a little too much of a good thing. Like having the fourth bowl of chocolate ice cream. But as far as dynamics etc... just fine.
The TungSol is a leaner tube. A nice "clean" sound with impressive range. It has better dynamics, IMHO over the Genalex. Perhaps that's an effect of the range or clarity????? But still it keeps an impressive amount of midrange in play. If you have to "lean and clean" up your system - this is your tube! For me in MY!!!! preamp I had to actually "unthicken" it up a little. So this tube really did the trick.
Both are WONDERFUL tubes. Pick your poison.
charles
Follow Ups:
Tungsol reissued 12AX7 (Russian) is bright. Maybe, overly bright in a neutral-to-bright system. Ok in bass. Thin in low-midrange.
GL B759/12AX7 (Russian) is better balanced. And potent. Can make a section dominate the entire amp or pre-amp. Not to the super clean high notes of the TS.
For Fender amps (stock with no mods) --- the Gold Lion is a better fit. For dark SE amps, like some old Ampegs or tweeds --- the TS can brighten the tone, make it more lively.
Just my 2¢ worth. Hope everyone had a safe 4th.
I tried to shoot off some rockets holding them in my teeth but luckily my son took away my lighter. Can't wait for the next holiday!! Cheers, (but not too much) , Dak
The 2 of you have illustrated an important point. There is no such thing as an absolute best variant of any given tube type. A table of known good performers for a particular type can be assembled. Cut and try from the enumerated variants will determine which is "best", in a specific situation.
BTW, its NICE to have current production 12AX7s, which can impact on voicing.
Eli D.
LIke I reviewed. Both tubes are great. providing you use/need them for the proper balance you want to achieve.
charles
Have you tried the gold pin version of the TungSol12AX7? They are slightly clearer and have a better soundstage and measure better on my tube tester. Higher output, and measure a "Strong New," with tighter tolerances. Although, I still prefer the NOS GE TMBP 5751's that I have.I am hoping someone will report on the new TungSol 5751 reissue. They sell for a bargain price.
Edits: 07/04/15
It's best to get new production tubes from a vendor that tests and culls them. You pay a little more but, IMHO, its worth it.
I love a good exploding tube! Or $14 shipping to get a dud.
nt
Yeap...I tried the gold pins....was looking for a tad more body over the steel pins...was disappointed, thought it sounded 'dull' and 'stunted' vs the steel pins.
My current fav. (new issue) is the JJ5751...sweet, punchy,clean. And cheap/affordable.
That JJ 5751 is pretty sweet, no? Ridulous bargain for the money.
I have been using the JJ's in my phono stage for a while now, where the tube choice has a large influence. Love them!
Cory
Hey, Cory:
Hope you been well. I've been really impressed with JJ for a while now. Very happy with their 802s and 803s, the 5751 and the gold 6922s. They all sound way better to me in the CAT than any of their Russian counterparts. And at prices that are half to two-thirds the price of the Russians. In fact, I gave away all my Russian GLs, Mullards and TungSols to a buddy. I won't be using them anymore. Now if JJ just made a 6HB5 or 6GE5 I'd be in hog heaven. I plan to send the Acoustat servos back for more upgrades and mods soon. The offer still stands if you ever find yourself in DFW area with time to kill.
Mike
It'd be an absolute pleasure to listen to those Acoustats sometime. I've been curious as to what they sound like. I don't foresee myself in your area anytime soon, unfortunately, let alone being able to take a vacation at all. :-\
You were right, I jumped on the train of "better" MC's (no fault of yours, lol), the cantilever on the AT OC-9 somehow was missing one day when I went to play a record. My girlfriend pleads innocence. I also got an E.E. MiniMax phono stage awhile ago, which I find to be an amazing piece of equipment. It uses three 12AX7's, and so far the JJ has come out on top overall in the first gain stage.
Hey, the offer is valid for you as well, if you're ever out this way. I think that I've made some great strides, the system is tri-amped now, with a DEQX ( jaw- dropping transformation , IMO) and dual subs. The 'ol Counterpoints are still keeping up with it all. ;-)
Cory
Be interested in your long-term review of the JJ 5751. In my amps, the JJ sounds very good, initially. Quiet, good midrange. But as you continue to listen, the JJ 5751s seem to lack the headroom and perhaps harmonic richness of the US made 5751s. Specifically, the Raytheon blackplate 5751s and triple mica Sylvania tubes.
It is the best current 5751.
Don't necessarily disagree with you, but for a lot of us the 5751's you mentioned are near unobtainium, and if you do find good/quiet examples of them they can be quite expensive. These JJ's sound really good, and a certain internet retailer is currently offering them matched, balanced section, low noise and low microphonics selected for less than $20 each (shipping not included). For the kind of cost/performance ratio the JJ's deliver, it's a trade-off I'll make every single time. IMO, we, as tube enthusiasts, are lucky that JJ got it's act together after the quality issues they had a few years back.
I have been impressed with JJ's too. I need to try their 12AT7.
.
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: