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Which low cost 12AU7?

Posted by I. Conoclast (R) on August 29, 2005 at 18:45:49

I can get Sino, Ei, Electro-Harmonix, and Sovtek 12AU7s for $8-$10 each. That's about all I want to spend for the 4 tubes I need for this experiment. I'm a long time 6DJ8/6922 user and have tried many varieties, but the 12AU7 is new to me and I have no idea if my experiences with various 6DJ8/6922 brands transfers to the 12AU7 world or not.

Which of these low cost 12AU7s comes closest to my ideal tube sound: extended top end and bass response, neutral, low distortion, no microphonics or hiss. If it is glare-y or bright sounding I will be VERY unhappy.

Are Electro-Harmonix and Sovtek the same tube? Any reason to pay $1 more for the Sovtek tube other than to enrich New Sensor?

Would spending as much as $15/tube for Philips, RCA, GE or others (that never sounded very good to me in the 6DJ8/6922 world) get me tubes that would sound better? Keeping in mind that "better" to me is lower distortion and neutrality versus extra- liquid/lush sound.

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