Mullard 12AX7 ordering question

[Jim Pittsburgh]

Looking at the Russian made Mullard 12AX7 tubes on the Tube Depot web site, they offer options of: "matched and balanced" , " low noise and microphonics" and " high gain".
In my Jolida phono preamp, I do not beleive that gain will be a problem and the Mullards have relatively high gain anyway per the articles I've read... but I am wondering if I should spring the the surcharges for both the " balanced and matched and the low noise?

Forgive my ignorance, I'm still a tube novice...

thanks for sharing your thoughts and expertise.

Jim

[bmwr75]

Low noise and balanced are probably the biggest issue for a phono preamp, especially if it uses only one tube, which I think most do.

[Reverend]

Definitely matched and I'd suggest looking elsewhere.  I bought a matched set of NOS gold pinned, cryo treated, mullard 12ax7's for less than what Tube Depot wants for one tube.  I don't remember which company I used, i'd have to do some research.

Didn't catch you said "Russian" made.  Nevermind, I thought you meant NOS UK's.  You still want matched though.

[Jim Pittsburgh]

NOS would be great, but aren't they a quite a bit more $$$$. If you find that location please pass it along...
 My Joida uses two tubes.. one for each channel....
Also, what about "noise" in the buying equation?

[Reverend]

Low noise would be best.  If you're buying two then you want them to be matched. 

I was originally thinking you were looking at NOS Mullards.  When I compare the price of those on Tube Depot to other sites they vary greatly in price.  For the Russian ones, the price looks about right.

[Jim Pittsburgh]

don't care if they are Russian or not.... just going off of this article posted in the chat section     http://www.sonicstate.com/amped/2013/03/22/12ax7-tubes-brands-tested/2/

 if someone has a pair of Mullards or even Genalex GL they are not using for a few days I would appreciate borrowing them to compare before I buy....  and yes I'd replace them if I damage them etc.

[Reverend]

There is a big difference in sonics between the two.  As an example, you're looking at $30 for the Russian set were as the cheapest NOS ones online i'm seeing on fleabay are around $120.  I would suggest spending the extra $$$.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-Matched-Pair-Of-Mullard-ECC83-12AX7-Tubes-Fully-Tested-High-Ratings-/370907564314?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item565bd0491a

[bmwr75]

Jim McShane is a very reputable tube dealer.  http://www.mcshanedesign.net/tubes.htm

I've bought from him many times.  Email him and let him know what you are looking for and he will tell you the best deal he has.  New issue Genalex 12AX7s are nice tubes.

[schwarcw]

I would buy the tubes that Rev recommended.  Tested NOS Mullards.

[F1nut]

I'll pile on......forget the Russian version, you want the NOS Mullards.