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12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS

36.231.37.37
Posted on February 28, 2017 at 00:09:35
simonleemd@yahoo.com.tw
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: February 27, 2017
 Hi, I am replacing the 12AT7 tubes for my Preamp and Poweramp, and wondering whether I should get JJ or Telefunken NOS ? (for a full-bodied, warm and good Bass) I need your opinions and suggestions Thanks

Simon

 

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RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 01:06:35
Nunki
Audiophile

Posts: 644
Joined: November 27, 2010
 even when the TFK should not satisfy your expectations you could give it away again for the same price or even better. the JJ would probably meet dust bin...

N.


 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 01:31:56
FenderLover
 My favorite, $$$ no object, are the Valvo (German made Df, D Philips code) 6201 (E81CC). In terms of good audio reproduction with least coloration. And long tube life.

I've never had the pleasure of using a TFK ECC801S tube.

8^)

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 02:21:32
Nunki
Audiophile

Posts: 644
Joined: November 27, 2010
 you missed nothing. the 801s performance is nothing special, even boring a bit IMO. the "normal" TFK ECC81. is great!


 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 02:35:41
Nunki
Audiophile

Posts: 644
Joined: November 27, 2010
 addition: NOS is not necessary! a good tested used one will perform the same for years and years.


 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 05:45:09
sony6060
Audiophile

Posts: 1465
Location: USA
Joined: August 8, 2014
 Personally I find the RCA 12AT7 black or grey plate excellent sounding tubes. I really did not notice any different in the black or grey plate.

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 05:57:05
Nunki
Audiophile

Posts: 644
Joined: November 27, 2010
 ...what not was the subject of this thread...



 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 06:28:20
simonleemd@yahoo.com.tw
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: February 27, 2017
 Thank you ALL !

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 07:10:25
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I've have never tried the Gold Lion 12ax7 but I have used a number of their other tubes. So far ALL have been excellent. The smaller preamp type tubes do have that warm full bodied, and may had a little richness and texture, feel to the sound.

I was quite shocked to hear their 12Ax7 actually sound better (full bodied, warm and good bass) then my highly coveted RCA long black plates that now sit in a box.

I would like to add this. I'm finding the GL, in general seems to be a more balanced tube. Meaning good bass, good treble, good midrange, etc...Nothing out of proportion.

what gear are you talking about. Because some times that IS an issue?

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 07:36:30
FenderLover
 Ever try the GL 12AT7 (B739)?

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 08:31:36
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 No, but if it's anything like their 12ax7 B759 then I would grab a bunch of them.

 

RE:You are looking at tubes as a tone control device, posted on February 28, 2017 at 08:47:44
DAK
Audiophile

Posts: 2712
Location: PACIFIC
Joined: August 8, 2010
 which is perfectly fine. But, perhaps your search for a tube that gives "(for a full-bodied, warm and good Bass)", is an indication that something is amiss in your stereo system. I use 12at7 a lot as a driver tube for the "RH" style single ended amps. I just do not hear that big a difference between brands on my Altec 19 speakers. In the rh amps the Valvo e81cc seems to perform the best but that performance is in terms of subtleties like richer harmonics, better detail in high and low frequencies. A tube should pass the frequencies required in a linear manner and not skew it to affect the listener's perception. I am not saying that tube rolling is not worthwhile, en contrare, i do it all the time. But, i would think that any strong "new testing" 12at7 should be good in your preamp. And if the affect you seek is met, then maybe your old tube was just ready to be replaced.

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 08:51:33
krankkall
Audiophile

Posts: 296
Location: New Mexico
Joined: April 5, 2014
 NOS 12at7 tubes are still pretty cheap.
Much more so compared to 12ax7 tubes.
So why even bother with current production 12at7 tubes?
Find a reliable seller on flea-bay that specializes in tubes.
I've seen NOS GE 6201 triple mica black plates for under $15 with shipping.

Good luck and good hunting!

Steve

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 08:52:53
krankkall
Audiophile

Posts: 296
Location: New Mexico
Joined: April 5, 2014
 NOS 12at7 tubes are still pretty cheap.
Much more so compared to 12ax7 tubes.
So why even bother with current production 12at7 tubes?
Find a reliable seller on flea-bay that specializes in tubes.
I've seen NOS GE 6201 triple mica black plates for under $15 with shipping.
German-made RFT ECC81 tubes for under $20 with shipping.

Good luck and good hunting!

Steve

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 18:15:48
simonleemd@yahoo.com.tw
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: February 27, 2017
 Hi, airtime: My preamp and poweramp were made by AVA which specified using a lower gain of 12AT7 tubes . As you have mentioned the Genalex gold lion 12ax7 is that good/excellent; I assume their 12AT7 should equally be as good ,hence, I am so tempting to get them Thanks for your info and suggestions

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on February 28, 2017 at 18:46:51
simonleemd@yahoo.com.tw
Audiophile

Posts: 10
Joined: February 27, 2017
 Hi, FenderLover; I have posted GL 12AT7 yesterday, so far no response yet . I am so tempting to get them .(I am a Bass-fanatic, I thought TFK might sound too-analytic for me and hence "lean-sounding" ?)

 

Good luck with the GL 12AT7 (B739), posted on February 28, 2017 at 21:55:21
FenderLover
 Prolly one of the best new issued 12AT7. For NOS, if the TFK was too lean-sounding... maybe hunt for a nice NOS Philips/Miniwatt or Mullard ECC81?

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on March 1, 2017 at 10:27:03
SteveM324
Audiophile

Posts: 164
Location: Michigan, USA
Joined: January 25, 2002
 I have an AVA FET valve CF preamp and 600R power amp. I replaced all the stock JJs
with Mullard CV4024 (12AT7) and Mullard CV4003 (12AU7). Everything improved over
stock including much better midrange and highs. This combination will give you a nice touch of warmth without going too far.

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on March 1, 2017 at 14:53:09
Tube Cadet
Audiophile

Posts: 105
Location: NJ
Joined: November 22, 2002
 I have tried many NOS 12at7s. My preference is the sylvania JHS Triple Mica followed by RCA blackplate. The JHS are more detail, transparent and have great extension while the RCA have a warmer fuller bass sound and not as extended as the JHS.

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on March 2, 2017 at 08:23:47
Mechans
Audiophile

Posts: 1804
Location: East Coast
Joined: May 23, 2004
 Get Mullard 12AT7 or military number Mullard 4024. Telefunken is generally on the bright and clean side with of top end extension (see below comments agree).

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on March 2, 2017 at 10:06:45
Orchardist
Audiophile

Posts: 830
Location: NH
Joined: April 6, 2003
 Don't overlook Sylvania triple mica 12at7 from the 1950's. They do about 90% + what a Mullard does. It doesn't seem to make much different , to my ears, whether black or grey plates. The cost of Mullard 12at7 are no doubt prohibitive now but Sylvania may still be affordable. You likely can't get them for $2 or $3 a tube anymore but they last a long time and probably less expensive than new era tubes.

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on March 3, 2017 at 06:06:26
Bill O'Connell
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 245
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Joined: April 28, 2004
 Agree here, the Telefunken is clean and has that classic Tele sound, not the tone your looking for.

Go with Mullard 6201 gold pin

 

RE: 12AT7-tubes for Preamp and Poweramp :JJ vs Telefunken NOS, posted on March 5, 2017 at 07:50:26
SETdude
Audiophile

Posts: 3944
Joined: January 20, 2000
 I agree with Bill and Orchidist. The 6201 is one you need to check out.

 

RE: Jim McShane raises the issue of CV4024 microphonics, posted on March 18, 2017 at 05:08:12
kitch29
 I've been researching AT7s for my amps driver stage and see in the archives here it's Jim McShanes favorite, BUT, one must be careful to get them tested for microphonics.

Some UK adverts for the tube cite it's construction being good for eliminating microphonics so I'm not certain what's what. I do see that NOS, sealed box CV 4024s go for around $70/pair. Not too bad.

 

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