Your favorite 12AU7?

jimbones · March 04, 2021, 07:25:11 PM

Whats your favorite sounding 12AU7?

BobM · March 05, 2021, 04:37:57 AM

the rebranded Baldwin. I think there were several different manufacturers of these at different times though.

Brap · March 05, 2021, 05:51:05 AM

Found a NOS 1967 Amperex NIB 12AU7

jimbones · March 05, 2021, 02:58:42 PM

Quote from: BobM on March 05, 2021, 04:37:57 AM
the rebranded Baldwin. I think there were several different manufacturers of these at different times though.

Bob, The Baldwins are very reasonably priced. I just bought a matched pair (with very strong readings on test equipment) for 10 bucks a pair. At that price they would be great as a back up pair. These are green lettering with grey plates.

Jack · March 05, 2021, 06:05:55 PM

Those are Sylvania from the late 50's to early 60's. Best of the Baldwin/Conn tubes to my ears are the late 50's Raytheon Black Plates which are yellow print.

jimbones · March 06, 2021, 06:43:59 AM

Quote from: Jack on March 05, 2021, 06:05:55 PM
Those are Sylvania from the late 50's to early 60's. Best of the Baldwin/Conn tubes to my ears are the late 50's Raytheon Black Plates which are yellow print.

Confirmed. From what I read Sylvanias have a nice clear top end. The Phillips Miniwatt tube is amazing. I like them better than the Mullards

S Clark · March 06, 2021, 07:08:38 AM

I'm using Conn/Sylvania in my Hagerman Trumpet because that's what I had when it arrived- but I haven't had it long enough to do any comparisons. They seem musical and articulate.

Response Audio · March 06, 2021, 10:08:58 AM

Depends on the system. In our preamps, I prefer either the Baldwin (personal favorite) or RCA clear tops. Current production affordable goes to JJ for sonics for me but always have problems with noise. EH12AU7, dry and clinical with no life IMO.
Sylvania are some of my favs as well.
Keep in mind tbat in our Purity Reference preamp, it's optimized for the 6SN7. You can use a 12AU7 with adapter.
Our Musica Bella circuit was optimized for 12AU7.

Brap · March 11, 2021, 12:56:23 PM

Got the 1967 Amperex today and have installed as my center driver. Granted, it needs some time but the Fritzies have now found a lower bottom, not to think they could have. Initially, the imaging has improved in depth but again, needs some more time. Now I have the NOS RCA as a good back-up and as my initial reference. Kept the same RCA's for both sides.

Nick B · March 12, 2021, 12:01:49 AM

Quote from: Brap on March 11, 2021, 12:56:23 PM
Got the 1967 Amperex today and have installed as my center driver. Granted, it needs some time but the Fritzies have now found a lower bottom, not to think they could have. Initially, the imaging has improved in depth but again, needs some more time. Now I have the NOS RCA as a good back-up and as my initial reference. Kept the same RCA's for both sides.

That's great news, Brad

I'm giving the Fritzies a workout tonight....not that they're complaining at all

Brap · March 12, 2021, 05:23:24 AM

Nick,
Actually doing more listening yesterday, and comparing to my NOS RCA clear top, the Amperex sounded more "muddy". Played few RTR tracks and then rolled the RC back nd quite a difference in highs and less compressed image. I guess I need to run the Amperex for about 50 hours to see if it opens up. Strange.
What did you decide on an amp? I saw Roy had one he built for sale. Not sure if it is sold yet.
Loving my Fritzies!!

Nick B · March 12, 2021, 09:37:55 AM

Quote from: Brap on March 12, 2021, 05:23:24 AM
Nick,
Actually doing more listening yesterday, and comparing to my NOS RCA clear top, the Amperex sounded more "muddy". Played few RTR tracks and then rolled the RC back nd quite a difference in highs and less compressed image. I guess I need to run the Amperex for about 50 hours to see if it opens up. Strange.
What did you decide on an amp? I saw Roy had one he built for sale. Not sure if it is sold yet.
Loving my Fritzies!!

Brad,
It's interesting how initial impressions can sometimes change. Pls report back as it gets more hours on it. I am a tube rolling novice as the only nos I ever bought were gold pin Amperex 7308s for my pre. I wasn't disappointed.
As to the amp, I found a used Van Alstine SET 120 that's very, very good. I also finally found used Arion HS 100s, but they don't have the Dueland caps which I'd want.
I have been getting such excellent advice from the guys here.
My system has really come together nicely. Synergy...as Charles would say

Brap · March 12, 2021, 09:56:07 AM

Nick, Will do as I get some hours. I hope it will change because the sound is really less impressive. Amazing. Thought you were going the tube route on the amp but Alstine has great reviews. How do the Fritzies like it?

Bill O'Connell · March 12, 2021, 11:59:40 AM

Valvo ECC 186 with D getters, in reality I believe they are Amperex 7316 though.

Nick B · March 12, 2021, 01:00:04 PM

Quote from: Brap on March 12, 2021, 09:56:07 AM
Nick, Will do as I get some hours. I hope it will change because the sound is really less impressive. Amazing. Thought you were going the tube route on the amp but Alstine has great reviews. How do the Fritzies like it?

Brad,
I was going the tube route as my first choice.... a super modded VTA ST 70. But the latest mods aren't finalized. I could do some assembly and light soldering, but wouldn't know how to test if properly assembled. It's still a possibility at some point.
The Van Alstine is great sounding for a great price...very analog in character. It's a great match for the Fritzies