12au7 tubes

VR3
VR3 Posts: 28,647
edited May 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
I need suggestions -- NO 12ax7, just 12au7

I am currently just running standards JJs --- they are ok.

I have on order a pair of RCA clear tops...

Others I have read about are the RCA blackplates

And some others that I forget...

Any other suggestions...

I want resolution and midrange bloom with tight bass and wide staging... to give some suggestions...

See associated equipment below. I am running the SS output on the Shanling right now.
- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2009
    Talk to this guy
    http://trade.audioasylum.com/ca/listing/Tubes/Westinghouse/12AU7A/Vacuum-Tube-Valve-Fest/15801
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • dragon1952
    dragon1952 Posts: 4,899
    edited May 2009
    I've been using the RCA clear tops in my Ming Da and they are fantastic. I think you'll like them. I've always gone back to them. I think you'll definitely get the mid-range bloom and decent soundstaging. My bass has never been accentuated, if that's what you are after, but I guess I'd call it tight. I don't really like the bass to get in the way anyway. I'm not sure how easy it is to get everything out of one tube either, but the clear tops are definitely detailed with a gorgeous mid-range.
    2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2009
    http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7

    good reading
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited May 2009
    Sylvania Triple Mica Blackplates.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited May 2009
    Find some Siemens 5814A and be done with it. Probably the best 12AU7 type tube out there. Though, it's always nice to have Mullards when you feel like swimming in a pool of chocolate.
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  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited May 2009
    My favorite by far is the Amperex Holland D-getter ECC186 7316 PQ. it is a super premium varient of the 12AU7 that was designed for use in computers. i had a pair in my Candela and i use a pair in my VTL TL 2.5
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited May 2009
    I just recently popped these into my Jolida JD9A. They are cheap and sound very very good. http://thetubestore.com/mu12ax7.html

    thetubestore_2051_42318737
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    edited May 2009
    raytheon 12au7
    raytheon 5814wa
    brimar 13d5
    rft ecc 82
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited May 2009
    I got my RCA cleartops - initial impressions are very positive. I do not have to turn it up near as loud to get the midrange clarity and "mass" I like. And the staging is very expansive. Nice high end extention.

    Low volume staging and detail.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited May 2009
    Cool. I liked the RCA cleartops as well. In my rig, was very lush and warm. Smoother than Mullard, which was quite surprising.

    What is it that you didn't like about the JJ? In many equipments, I've tried them in, they were among the best current production tubes.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited May 2009
    Well, I know how this rig should sound and I know the sound I want and I've heard it in here before. So I know the Teslas were holding me back. To get the sound I wanted, I was having to run full volume - that gets old quick!

    These RCAs have the sound the Teslas have at full volume - but at all volumes. Which is what I am after, not to mention far more control it seems.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2009
    Trey,,are you using the RCA Cleartops _______ plates(grey)?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited May 2009
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    , I was having to run full volume - that gets old quick!

    Sounds like you had some weak or defective JJ's. If you're experiencing that much of a difference in gain, something was up with the tube. Do give them another chance next time you come across some JJ's.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited May 2009
    These were brand new JJs - burned in by Alex G. So not sure. I will probally try the Longplates.

    And yes George, these are gray (I believe)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited May 2009
    I just picked up some RCA cleartop--greyplates,,and the midrange is very good,,smooth, but not too bloomy,,quite good,IMHO.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,647
    edited May 2009
    I am really digging the sound. It far superior to the JJ Teslas in just about everything. It has all the improvement I was looking for.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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