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RE: 12AT7 suggestions?






Jon L,

I've tried quite a number of 12AT7's and variants over time:

12AT7 [8] 2, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1 TOTAL: 86 (> 8X)

7- Siemens & Halske E81CC- 3 mica- DE- NOS
2- Siemens & H- ECC81- NOS
2- Valvo 6201-White label- Hamburg- gold pin -NOS
2- Mullard M8162- UK- NOS
2- Sylvania GB 6201-steel pins- NOS 124/120,120/118
4- Sylvania GB 6201 gold pins- US- NOS
2- Amperex Bugle Boy-France- NOS
4- GE 6201 5 star- 3-mica- NOS
1- RCA -HP- NOS
4- RCA 6201 2-mica black plate- NOS
2- Sylvania JAN 12AT7WA 3-mica 1958 -NOS
4- Sylvania 12AT7WA-Gold Print- 3 mica -USED
4- GE -NOS
5- Westinghouse- black plate-NOS
1- Telefunken ECC81- USED
2- Philips JAN- NEW
1- ARC -RFT?- USED
2- GE 6201- 3 mica, sq gtr- NOS
1- Telefunken ECC81- NOS
2- Siemens&H-12AT7WA-3 mica-1-dbl gtr DE- USED
3- Siemens-12AT7WA- 3 mica- single gtr sup-DE-USED
6- Sylvania JHS 12AT7WA 3-mica, bl pl, sq gtr -NOS
2- Raytheon JHC 12AT7WA- blk plt 3-mica- NOS [*5
2- Raytheon JRO 12AT7WA halo gr plt 2 mc-NOS [*5
3- Siemens ECC81 by RFT?- military label- USED
2- Telefunken ECC81 by Siemens & H- Munich- USED
1- Valvo ECC81- Mullard Blackburn UK- USED
1- TungSol 6201 2-mica, grey plate-halo- NOS
4- Valvo 6201 Hamburg gold pin- dimp- DE- NOS [20
2- Siemens E81CC/6201 2 mica- stl pn- DE- NOS [13
4- Valvo 6201, Blue- 2 mica g pin- halo-DE '64- NOS [27
1- Siemens & Halske E81CC- 2 mica- DE- NOS [15

I've found that the 12AT7 can make a significant difference in sound, especially in preamplifiers. Overtime, I've had seven pieces of gear using 12AT7's. But, one of the most revelaing for tube choices is a Peavy VMP-2 microphone preamp having 6X 12AX7 and 2X 12AT7's.

The 12AT7's settled into three basic categories:

1. Best all rounder: Valvo 6201, Blue-label / 2 mica / halo getter /gold pin Germany / 1964

_This seemed to work well every where I tried it: preamps, integrated amps, and in tube tuners. It's quite neutral, very responsive without being edgy. I use this one in the Audio Research SP10 and D115. The Valvo 6201 /White label/ gold pin/ Hamburg which is a little later- late 60's, is also very good in the same ways

2. Warm, Lush, Deep: Sylvania JAN 12AT7WA /3-mica / Black plate / Square getter /1958 -NOS

_I call this the "Bing Crosby 1939 Tube".It's a little dark, but so smooth and lush, that 's it's nearly irresistable and excellent when taming a system that seems harsh or cold. It may be too much in vintage gear.

3. Energetic, fast, balanced, very quiet: Siemens & Halske E81CC 3- mica, 1964 Germany

_ This might be in the category of best all-rounder, as it does everything well, but I notice in vintage McIntosh that it tightens things up and, clears the mud. Very responsive. This might be the best good choice for your Scott.

Bambi B






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