2. amps-preamps
  3. 1233866781

Mullard 12AX7 re-issue Cryo vs Non Cryo

Has anyone compared the Mullard 12AX7 Cryo to the non Cryo. While the Cryo exhibits a startlingly clear upper midrange and treble, it does seem somewhat tipped up and a little cold compared to my control tube. Probably perfect for someone but not for, what I consider, the neutral balance of my system. Has anyone else had this experience? I foolishly bought the Cyro version without ever having listened to the non Cryo. Is it worth my while to try the non cryo or perhaps the Groove Tube version?

I appreciate and respect conjecture but would really like some actual accounts if possible.

Appreciatively,

Anacrusis
anacrusis

Showing 1 response by newbee

newbee
4,751 posts
 
I can't talk about cryo differences, but if you are comparing non-cryo EI's with non-cyro New Sensor reissue Mullards the sound should be poles apart. Whether you would like one or the other is another issue. The Mullard is about as warm a new production 12AX7 as I have heard, where as the EI (either grey or silver plate) is more neutral, with the grey plate being a tad warmer than the silver plate and the silver plate being a bit cleaner. If cyro processing is making the Mullard cold, I'd hate to hear a cryo'd EI. :-) FWIW, in equipment that needs a bit of added warmth over the entire FR I've used the Mullard successfully, when I only wanted warmth in the upper bass/lower mid range I liked the New Sensor reissue Tung-sols, but when you don't need it the EI's will do quite nicely, and I have preferred them. OT, the NOS (pre-war) EI's with grey short plates are an interesting alternative - they seem to have a bit more 'body' without taking on the nature of a 'warmer' tube like the reissue Mullard, or Tung-Sol.

FWIW..........
More to discover