Additional Preamp Tubes

@signaforce ,

I’ve used about 20 different brand 12au7’s and variants through the years.

Amperex, Telefunken red tips, Mullard, Westinghouse, Cifte, RCA black plates, CBS Hytron to name a few. Hands down my favorite are Amperex 7316 pq’s.

If ChatGPT didn’t mention them, it used very incomplete references.

They are pricey! If you go with Mullard cv4003, get the m8136 version.

The Amperex 7316 gives you the clarity of a Telefunken with the warmth of the Mullard. Best of both worlds.

What about the Amperex 7316?

Or the RT/RTC/Mazda/Belvu 12AU7?  Not the chrome plates.

I find that they still provide a high level of detail, just in a smoother fashion, if that makes any sense.

For a very affordable option, try the East German RFT, which is often labeled as National.

@pindac @thecarpathian @bbroussard @dtorc Thank you for your recommendations.
Early on I read of the favs of King’s for the BHK. Not sure why, but never considered them. 

2 for the Amperex 7316, & strong praise. Added. 
The CV4003 Mullards I am considering are the M8136 version. What does that mean?
BTW, the nice thing about tubes is even expensive ones are cheap compared to components or even cables & can have a profound effect on your sound. Thanks!

Got the answer on the additional designation. 

• CV4003 = British military designation.
• M8136 = a higher-grade military/industrial specification, typically requiring tighter tolerances, lower noise, and longer life.

If they are Blackburn manufactured M8136 (B-code) buying them. If Mitcham Manufactured M8136 (R-code) maybe not  Will find out tomorrow. Thanks 

I went and looked at my tube collection, and forget that I have a pair of RCA JRC 6189/12AU7WA dated 8/62. These are a ruggedized tripple mica black plate tube. I had them in my Rogue RP-1, but went on to the Tekefunken G73-R’s as they were what I was looking for. But in retrospect of this conversion and peoples suggestions, I thought I’d mention them. My pair came in pristine condition from “ The Tube Museum “. Here’s the AI sound description-  Warm , articulate with a punchy midrange and a tightly defined low end compared to standard 12AU7’s. Regards, Mike B.