In Reply to: in most usage where the dissipation is low 6CG7s should sound just like a 6SN7 posted by Timbo in Oz on October 16, 2015 at 15:53:06:
"It's not really an audio tube anyway, but an RF tube."
Actually read the data sheets from GE, RCA and Tung Sol. The 12AU7A is described as a class A audio tube first, and then as an RF oscillator."The preponderance of 12AU7 rolling posts on the web reflects its non-stellar sound which they all have. ;-)! and ;-)."
That's a broad and incorrect statement unless you've heard every amp or preamp that uses this tube. While I agree the 6CG7 is a better tube, there are hundreds of examples of excellent performing preamps and amps employing the 12AU7. It just needs to be run correctly. Some of the poor examples try to run them too lean, and distortion rises rapidly when run like that.
Dan Santoni
Edits: 10/27/15
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Follow Ups
- RE: in most usage where the dissipation is low 6CG7s should sound just like a 6SN7 - Blackdog 16:03:09 10/17/15 (5)
- Sorry no, its designed in distortion numbers are quite poor - Timbo in Oz 20:19:16 10/17/15 (4)
- Never seen a 12AU7 in an RF circuit - Ralph 09:22:03 10/19/15 (0)
- RE: Sorry no, its designed in distortion numbers are quite poor - Blackdog 20:41:11 10/17/15 (2)
- RE: Sorry no, its designed in distortion numbers are quite poor - Lew 08:41:33 10/19/15 (0)
- I don't buy new, I now just upgrade / rethink vintage stuff. - Timbo in Oz 20:51:31 10/17/15 (0)