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Hagerman Trumpet MC (12AX7 Tube Suggestions)

I have recently acquired a Hagerman Trunpet MC and I am extremely pleased with it.

Desire to assemble some 12AX7 sets of (Almost) NOS Tubes to Tube Roll. 12AU7 positions are purchased but the 12AX7 Tubes are a minefield and somewhat costly after my research.

First question; Have any Owners here used the 5751 Tube in the 12AX7 positions?

Second question; Have any Owners here had any sonic success with 12AX7 USA Brands such as Sylvania as an example. I am reading mixed longevity views on the RCA Blackplates and not many good comments on the GE types.

I am very gunshy on the Re-Issue 12AX7 Tubes also.

I primarily listen to Classic Rock, Progressive Rock, Folk, and some Classical.

Suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

djohn
djohn OP
65 posts
 

@mulveling Fascinating story on your 5751 Trial.

@bkeske I have listened to both of you since I found a Seller of some Telefunken 12AX7’s with a Great Track Record on USAudioMart and Ebay. Fully Tested and Guaranteed to function to my satisfaction in the Trumpet MC. Cheaper than the main Tube Sellers also.

They will be the Rebranded Tele’s as bkeske has suggested.

Thanks for the assistance on this.

photodusty
103 posts
 

So I had a channel imbalance yesterday. The investigator in me found one of the “new” mallards was the culprit. 
after reading @mulveling post about the 5751’s (mine are also rca black plate) I  have them in the front and the amperex in the second. So far it’s sounds great. No imbalance 😎

I’ll keep playing. @djohn please update us when you get them in and settled. (Seems this might turn into the Hagerman trumpet tube thread).


db

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@djohn

Thanks for the assistance on this.

Not a problem. I think you will like what the Tele’s offer. More detail, more air, and increased smoothness. Not ‘gritty’ in the least like some of the newer tubes.

I was running 4 smooth plates, but then tried a couple CBS Hytron black plate 12au7’s, and they offered even more detail and transparency. They replaced some old 12au7 Brimar’s.

But, it soon became clear the 4 Tele’s and 2 CBS Hytron’s were too much of a good thing, but I like the Hytron’s a lot so did not want to put the Brimar’s back in. Thus, decided to combine 2 old Mullard Blackburn 12ax7’s with 2 Tele’s, and that was the ticket. The Mullard’s brought back some warmth and weight without giving up detail, in the mid’s and lower mids especially. Just balanced everything out.

Have fun. I find the Trumpet is very good at allowing a tubes ‘signature’ to shine through. Then it’s a matter of finding a combo that sounds good to your ears.

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