What's Your Experience with the Latest Versions of the 12AX7

[MylesBAstor]

Ok everyone. Who's tried the Chinese and/or Russian versions in their equipment? What's your verdict on these new issues and how do they compare to some NOS tubes such as those from Telefunken, Mullard, Siemens, etc.?

 

[Steve Williams]

Interesting thread. Just as you found the mother lode in LPS, I got lucky with my 12AX7. I got the Holy Grail. NOS Telefunken circa 1964 ECC803 gold pins and diamond bottom. Weren't cheap but good for 10000 hours (I hope )

 

[Jay_S]

I use old Telefunkens sourced from Dynaco preamps and tuners. They seem to last forever.

 

[MylesBAstor]

I use old Telefunkens sourced from Dynaco preamps and tuners. They seem to last forever.

I have some Dynaco/Teles lying around too but haven't tried them. Are you using them in amp, line stage, phono or CD? The only problem I find is that the NOS aren't necessarily the quietest if one needs them for a phono application.

What's amazing is how many of the "vintage" gear used Teles as stock and now we look upon those tubes as worth more than gold!!!!

 

[mep]

Myles-I don't find it amazing that so much vintage gear used Telefunken tubes. The manufacturers knew they were great tubes then and the prices weren't outrageous like they are now.

Mark

 

[Jay_S]

I have some Dynaco/Teles lying around too but haven't tried them. Are you using them in amp, line stage, phono or CD? The only problem I find is that the NOS aren't necessarily the quietest if one needs them for a phono application.

I just realized that I am only using one Dynaco / Telefunken right now. It is in a power amp. I am using NOS Bugle Boys in my phono preamp and they seem to be reasonably quiet but I am not currently using a moving coil cartridge.