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12au7 tube?

Looking for a good 12au7 (JJ ecc802s currently). I know the Telefunken ECC802s is the holy grail, but it comes at a price that is just too steep for me to justify. Many will recommend Mullard, but I always find them a bit too "wooly", lacking in definition. They're going in a Mastersound 845 Compact.

 

What tubes would you recommend that fits between the clarity of the Telefunken (without the price...) and the Mullard? I don't mind spending a bit of money on a pair (let's say max $500 for the pair, prefer to be lower if at all possible).

audiojan
audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
456 posts
 

Thanks everyone. I have a bunch of tubes incoming. Radiotechnique, Genalex Gold Lion, Brimar, Amperex.

larryi
4,585 posts
 

i don't know how good they are, but, a local dealer helped to sell off a very valuable collection of tubes.  Included in the collection were something like eight original Genelex  B749 tubes (12AU7 variant).  These sold for north of $1,000 each.  

decooney
2,565 posts
 

@audiojan Thanks everyone. I have a bunch of tubes incoming. Radiotechnique, Genalex Gold Lion, Brimar, Amperex.

That's the way to do it.  Do some nice pair comparisons, select a few vintage you like, and a few new/re-issue tubes to play when you like. Then store off the keepers and sell off the stuff that's just okay or does not gel well with your system so much. yes

marco1's avatar
marco1
708 posts
 

Try Mazda too.  Fit very nicely between the Tele’s and Mullards, just like you’re looking for.  

audiojan's avatar
audiojan OP
456 posts
 

@marco1 The Radiotechnique's are likely made by Mazda...

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