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RE: Tube substitute for CJ PV12AL

Posted by Bambi B (A) on January 14, 2010 at 05:46:58

In Reply to: Tube substitute for CJ PV12AL posted by Mark V. on January 11, 2010 at 01:39:35:

PAINTING: "Death of a General Electric 6550A"

Mark V,

12BH7 I'm far from being technically competent to answer with confidence, but comparing the 12BH7 and 12AU7, the pin-outs and specifications seem similar. Actually the 12BH7 can operate at higher voltages than 12AU7. Still, my recommendation is to contact C-J and ask directly if they recommend the substitution. Further, you may wish to ask how much impact there is on the sound- what is the 12AU7 function in the PV12? Finally, as our friend tvr2500m mentioned, check the clearance above the tube- the 12BH7 is noticably taller than the 12AU7.

Here are the 12BH7's I bought:

12BH7 (3) 2, 1 TOTAL: 19

1- GE labeled- Brimar blk pl- GB-NOS
3- RCA grey pl, D- gtr, NOS
3- RCA grey pl, halo gtr- NOS
2- RCA- blk pl, U gtr -1949 -NOS
3- Sylvania- grey pl, halo gtr- NOS
1- GE- NOS
1- Raytheon- blk pl, square gtr- US- NOS [7
2- Raytheon- blk pl, sq gtr- US- NOS 1959 [ matched pair]
2- RCA- blk pl, halo gtr -US -NOS [14
1- CBS- blk plate, stirrup gtr- US - NOS [5

Of these, I only ever tried the RCA black plate stirrup getter ones from 1949- worked well, but as these were in the Audio Research SP-8 power supply I did not notice a sonic effect different from the original 1980's GE. The Brimar is by reputation also a good one and I'm guessing the CBS and Raytheon would perform well.

12AU7 The Amperex 7316 and Siemens triple mica 5814 in my book are two of the very best sounding 12AU7s of all and should be difficult to top. In fact, I like those two in particular enough that I have a NOS of both of those for every (6) 12AU7 position. I like the CBS 5814 a lot also- which I’m using in a Scott 330 mono tuner. Still, the 7316 is almost impossible to top anywhere I try it.

Philips E88CC I believe that the E88CC (6922) will not work as a substitute for a 12AU7.

Sorry I couldn't be more definite with suggestions.

Cheers,

Bambi B

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