Easytune: You wrote that you need to replace "one tube" in the phonostage. Do you mean by that literally a single tube? I mention this only because most phonostage circuits use L/R pairs of matched tubes, and you wouldn't replace one without replacing the pair with the same choice, tested and matched for gain. As for your question about the Mullards, the wisdom I've received is that in general, the earlier you go in manufacture date, the darker they will sound, whereas the Tele's are said to be pretty consistent throughout. I've tried versions of the Mullards, Teles, RCAs and Sylvanias, and they all sound different, but my best advice to you, with a phonostage (where quietness is at an absolute premium), is to make sure you're dealing with someone who can really test and vouch for his tubes' freedom from incipient noise and microphony issues, and will stand behind them if an audible problem develops within a reasonable period of time.
12AT7 tubes
Hi audiogoners,
I need to replace one tube in my VTL phono stage, it marks 12AT7/ECC81. Is it safe to use tubes brands other than JJ tubes VTL recommends, like mullard or telefunken one.It looks like there are different version of 12AT7 in Mullard.Can someone tell the difference for each version.and your recommendations.Thanks for any information.KB
I need to replace one tube in my VTL phono stage, it marks 12AT7/ECC81. Is it safe to use tubes brands other than JJ tubes VTL recommends, like mullard or telefunken one.It looks like there are different version of 12AT7 in Mullard.Can someone tell the difference for each version.and your recommendations.Thanks for any information.KB