12AX7 vs. 5751


I'm getting my first tube pre (Counterpoint 7.1) this week or early next week, and of course I have start fiddling with it ;-) I've been reading Joe's Tube Lore (http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/faq/joes-tubes.html) and the 5751 caught my eye, however I see statements like "lower gain that the 12AX7" and lower "mu" (what is mu?). Anyways could I use the 5751 tubes in my Counterpoint without causing any damage? altavistaaudio.com mentions nothing about the 5751.

thanks
greenp3

Showing 1 response by hoopster

Typically you can use 5751s where 12ax7s are called for. The 5751s having less gain just gives your volume control a little more flexibility, ie you can turn your volume control without a little adjustment giving you a big volume increase as 12ax7s give in some applications. With my preamp there is a noticable difference in gain between these two tubes. 5751s were speced for the military and are very rugged. They also sound very nice, IMHO. I too like their air and detail and I would add bass response. Just to make sure, send altavista an email, they are the experts on Counterpoint equipment.