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

Yeah, he meant black plates, of course. I think, RCA actually invented both 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes. 1948-1956 production years are thought to be the best.

I've got a pair of RCA 5814a JRC triple mica black plates. Nice tube.

Also have a pair of clear tops. Wouldn't take another pair if they were given to me.