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12ax7 tube recommendations for Croft Phono Integrated

Hi everyone,

Was hoping that some of you tube gurus could give me some suggestions for 12ax7 tubes for my Croft Phono Integrated. It uses two in the phono section and one in the preamp section. Open to anything - NOS, new, expensive :). Looking for a nice liquid, somewhat tubey sound. Source is a VPI Traveler with Clearaudio Maestro Ebony 2 cart and Reynaud Bliss Silver speakers.

Thanks! Scott
smrex13

Showing 3 responses by noromance

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,404 posts
 
Vintage Mullards if you like warm rolled-off sound.
Vintage Telefunkens if you want a clean, detailed, airy, neutral sound.
New Shuguang LS Black from Grant Fidelity for Telefunken-like sound with even lower noise floor and more detail.

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,404 posts
 
You can also try GE triple mica black plates 5751 for a very detailed sweet sound and lower gain. Not great depth but a lovely black background.

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,404 posts
 
I posted further up but want to reiterate to help you guys out. I have been a Croft aficionado since the 80s. I have tried almost everything in these amps over the years. I strongly recommend new Shuguang Black 12AX7LPS from Grant Fidelity. They need 20 hours burn in. Detailed without glare, open, sweet as a nut, transparent, with excellent stage and bass. If you don't dig them, I will buy them from you (for a discount!)
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