Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

Audio Discussion => TUBES TUBES TUBES => Topic started by: scorpio333 on March 10, 2018, 03:06:11 PM

Title: 12at7a recommendations
Post by: scorpio333 on March 10, 2018, 03:06:11 PM

I've got another tube amp on the way, I think it's time to double down on the watts. I can move my EL84's and a single 12ax7 from my current amp over to the new amp. The new amp also takes two 12at7's, I believe the originals are Electro Harmonix. I haven't heard them, but from other EH tubes I've heard I'm betting there are reasonably priced replacements that outperform the EH's. Anyone rolled 12at7's and have opinions on their characteristics? Not looking to buy any soon, there's always a chance the amp doesn't meet expectations and gets sent back.

Title: Re: 12at7a recommendations
Post by: bmwr75 on March 10, 2018, 05:03:53 PM

Whether rolling the 12AT7s will make a discernible difference in how the amp sounds is dependent on the circuit.  Nice thing about this tube is vintage ones won't set you back a ton of money.   My favorite pair are Sylvania black plates like these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCHED-SYLVANIA-12AT7-ECC81-BLACKPLATE-NOS-NIB-VAC-TUBES-RED-LETTERING/232683763515?hash=item362d08773b:g:gjcAAOSwW6BaIeQ8 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCHED-SYLVANIA-12AT7-ECC81-BLACKPLATE-NOS-NIB-VAC-TUBES-RED-LETTERING/232683763515?hash=item362d08773b:g:gjcAAOSwW6BaIeQ8)

Title: Re: 12at7a recommendations
Post by: rgpit on March 10, 2018, 07:12:27 PM

I've found Psvane brand tubes to be really good. They were significantly better than the stock tubes in my Primaluna amp.

https://www.amazon.com/Matched-Psvane-12AT7-T-Vacuum-Premium/dp/B00N4S3DYU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1520726919&sr=8-9&keywords=12at7+tube (https://www.amazon.com/Matched-Psvane-12AT7-T-Vacuum-Premium/dp/B00N4S3DYU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1520726919&sr=8-9&keywords=12at7+tube)

Title: Re: 12at7a recommendations
Post by: non-prophet on March 10, 2018, 08:20:59 PM

I have telefunken, mini-watt, amperex and the common usa ones (rca, ge and so on).  I found my favorite to be Mullard 6201, magical mids (too forward for some but i am running 300 wpc in a small-ish room), nicely rolled off highs and deep bass.

https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/vacuum-tubes/products/mullard-6201-vintage-british-new-old-stock?variant=21828848645 (https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/vacuum-tubes/products/mullard-6201-vintage-british-new-old-stock?variant=21828848645)

Title: Re: 12at7a recommendations
Post by: scorpio333 on March 11, 2018, 05:11:27 PM

Thanks guys. Gives me some reading to do until the new amp arrives.

Title: Re: 12at7a recommendations
Post by: schwarcw on March 12, 2018, 10:12:56 PM

There are plentiful options for you!  These tubes are generally inexpensire and fun to roll.