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Re: 12AT7 driver tube recommendations?

209.179.247.114

Posted by Bambi B on November 4, 2002 at 20:11:35

In Reply to: 12AT7 driver tube recommendations? posted by SgtKarj on November 4, 2002 at 15:33:01:

Sarge,

It's a little difficult to narrow it down without an idea of the equipment or sound you're after but my preference for my microphone preamp, McIntosh MX110, and ARC SP8 preamp has been the ordinary Siemens ECC81- clean, smooth, natural, neutral. For a very punchy, clean sound there is the Siemens E81CC triple mica- sharp! For a very lush sound, I like the triple mica military Sylvania 12AT7WA from the 50's. For a full midrange: Mullard M8162. For a nice bass and 'fast' sound, the GE Five Star 6201. The GE 6201 is a good value- great sounding for $12-15.

The 5751 is a favourite substitution for the 12AX7 and I got a nice pile of the old Sylvania black plate, square getter model. These are very, very nice is every way. I don't have experience with the other variants since this one was so, so good. I never had a problem over the slightly lower gain, but that might be a factor in a phono stage. If you want to experiment with 5751s there are the common GE and Sylvania JANs (Joint Army/Navy) at a low price and these are both good, especially if not in critical places.

Cheers,

Bambi B

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