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I am looking to do some tube rolling in my Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum integrated amp.
Any recommendations as to a good substitute for my stock 12au7 tubes. Thanks!!
The whole problem with the world is that the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.
-Bertrand Russell
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Two RCA clear top exist. US made and made in Mexico. The USA made are superior, but rare. 12AU7 is not a great tube. RCA knew it and immediately made a more linear tube one year after the 12Au7 was released. It was called the 5814.
Best 12A7s are Brimar 13D5 long plate and CBS/Hytron 5814. Some Brimar 13D5 are labeled Pinnacle.
USA made RCA 12AU7 clear top has straight slits in the top mica and Made in Mexico has crescent shape slits in the top mica.
When I got my first tubed preamp, the buzz on the RCA cleartops was not to be ignored. They do give a lively sound in my Cary preamp, but I soon found several tubes with more clarity and a better top end. I don't know your gear, but the 12AU7 that have excelled in my Cary preamp include (This is not a boast, it is more of a confession: I have maybe literally tried every well-regarded 12AU7 or variant in the Cary. An excessive and expensive fixation, but now I know):
Raytheon 5814 blackplate : (!)
RCA 5963 blackplate (old Military boxing)
The old Amperex/Philips family, and Telefunken have also been great, just not up to the two above.
Don't overlook the Raytheon blackplates The ones branded Baldwin are great too. There is NO better "bang for the buck" that these 12AU7 tubes. Here is one pictured in my Vincent PHO-701. Every bit as equal as the RCA clear top (which is nice too).
I'm using them on both my Lamm Pre and Hagerman Trumpet Phono pre. Sound wise they have killed everything else. I'd say they separate themselves from others in soundstage layering and tactile feeling of fingers on instruments. I can just feel the placements of instruments front to back better than with other 12au7s I've tried including Amperex and Mazdas. Wonderful tubes!
There is an asylum member (not me) sellling them for 10 usd each in the "for sale" section. Way recommended!These are equally as good as Bugle Boys or RCA clear tops IMO. Pictured is one I have in my Vincent.
Thanks all for your advice!!After doing some research based on your responses I ordered 3 NOS
RCA Clear Tops with the side "D" getter.BTW Rogerh113, Joe's Tube Lore was very helpful
The whole problem with the world is that the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.
-Bertrand Russell
Edits: 04/29/20 04/29/20
Opus 33 1/3
There are 3> 12AU7 in there or variants.
And two 12AT7s for drivers.
Opus 33 1/3
I've tried a few in MY!!! amp. So far I like the new TungSol's. Clean, clear, punchy.
I treated myself to the Gold Lion 12AU7. A very "full" sounding tube. If you need "heft" then that's the tube. It didn't work out in my situation, but I"m sure in the right amp it would be a winner.
Thanks for recommendation. I'm going to try a pair. That's what I'm looking for, too: Clean, clear and punchy, not syrupy. Already have a bunch of Gold Lion's in preamp and they are very 'creamy'.
Sounding. Then I tried a 6H8C from upscale audio in the middle, that was the ticket! Haven't looked back. I have Northern Electric 12AU7 on the outer tubes, This was even better.
Next I plan to put Northern Electric KT88s in my VTA-120.
No list of 12AU's is complete without mentioning the RFT. Not everyone's cup of tea, but in the right spot with the right supporting cast, it can be a real winner.
my fav after many years and tubes is the Tungsram as they never disappointed me in my system. The others mentioned are also very good and I could easily live with them.
My Quads and ears seemed to prefer the Tungsram, so YMMV.
*Freudian slumber, plenty of sound
This is what I run: RCA black plate 5963 (50's) on the outsides with the rest all Tellies. I have other combinations too.
A good one in the middle is also a Tungsgram ECC82 (12AU7) I have 2 of these NOS Upscale audio (not his prices) if interested. Mullard CV4003 is too warm in the middle. Amperex are good too, pricy. RCA clear 12au7 in middle a bit more forward detailed all depending on system.
Thge MAG 2 is a great amp to change things up and from my experience not hard on the small tubes.
Edits: 04/29/20
Listed in order of my personal preference: Psvane, Telefunken, Dutch Amperex, Brimar, RCA cleartop.
Useful to know what you are looking to accomplish, sound wise, by the rolling. Lots of tubes out there, which will give lots of different results. How do you want your amp to change / improve?
You might want to give Joe's Tube Lore a read, and that will give you an idea of the scope of things. I have generally found the information there accurate to my hearing. Plus there are more options, depending on what your system / you 'need'.
I found the best sounding preamp tube was an RCA clear top 12AU7. Link below.
Opus 33 1/3
Edits: 04/29/20
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