question regarding 12au7 tubes


I needed 2 12au7 tubes for my preamp and so went to a local tube store and told them what I needed.

He sold me 2 tubes and even though they arent 2 RCA's or 2 Amperex , but one of each and the specs, all the insides are the same and they test the same, are they still considered a matched pair ?

I have listened to them and notice no difference.
riley804

Showing 2 responses by almarg

I doubt that the two tubes are rebranded versions of each other, or of tubes from any other manufacturer, apart from the possibility that the Amperex may have been made by Philips, which acquired Amperex in the 1950's. RCA and the Amperex brand (both before and after its acquisition by Philips) were both tube oem's (original equipment manufacturers).

They both made quality tubes, as well. If the Amperex has a "bugle boy" logo on it, it is particularly well regarded (and valuable).

As the others have said, if the seller selected tubes that measure close to each other I wouldn't worry about it any further. And RCprince makes a good point too, that depending on the circuit design it's possible that there is no need for them to match, anyway.

Regards,
-- Al
Wow! If Jim Cross, past president and present board chairman of the Tube Collectors Association, says they are matched, they are matched.

Lucky you, being near his store and its 250,000 tubes, and having his expertise conveniently available as well!

Regards,
-- Al