New stock pre -amp tubes. Whats good?

RockysDad · 3rd March 2006, 07:49 PM

I looking into ordering some tubes for my Aikido pre and was wondering which "new" stock type tubes being manufactured today are worth getting. I see Sovtek, EI, JJ, Electro Harmonics, Sino etc. to name a few. Has anyone have opinions on what's works for them and which ones are trash? 6SN7, 6CG7, 5687, 12BH7, 12B4 or 6DJ8 comes to mind for now.

NOS could be in the future once things get settled out but for now cheap is fine.

anatech · 3rd March 2006, 07:52 PM

Hi RockysDad,
How's Rocky?

I've used Electroharmonix and had good luck. I hear JJ are very good also. They are not expensive compared to NOS and I don't think you can go wrong with either.

-Chris

RockysDad · 3rd March 2006, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by anatech
Hi RockysDad,
How's Rocky?

I've used Electroharmonix and had good luck. I hear JJ are very good also. They are not expensive compared to NOS and I don't think you can go wrong with either.

-Chris

He's been a great dog all these years but has been pooping on the lawn recently. Gotta watch where you walk now...

Which tubes have you tried so far? I'm leaning towards 6CG7/6FQ7 or 6SN7 for now.

SY · 3rd March 2006, 08:25 PM

FWIW, Broskie is quite positive about both 6SN7-types and 6FQ7/6CG7. The 12SX7, a 6SN7-type optimized for lower voltages, is also an interesting choice.

anatech · 3rd March 2006, 08:45 PM

Hi RockysDad,
I have used 12AX7A, 6SN7, 6922, 6CG7 ... with good results. I have not tried an Aikido, so listen to SY on that one.

-Chris

Andrewbee · 3rd March 2006, 09:47 PM

Wasn't the 12SX7 the one designed for 28V usage in aircraft?

Andrew

SY · 3rd March 2006, 10:19 PM

I think that is the history, yes. And it's why there's a set of operating points on the data sheet with 26.5V on the plate. Disadvantage is the very wimpy heater-cathode voltage rating (90V), which means you want to use separate tubes and heater supplies for the top tubes in order to crank the B+ voltage to where the circuit sings.

Glowbug · 3rd March 2006, 10:46 PM

Don't think anyone makes a new production 12B4...'tis a shame...

3rd March 2006, 07:49 PM	#1
RockysDad diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA	New stock pre -amp tubes. Whats good? I looking into ordering some tubes for my Aikido pre and was wondering which "new" stock type tubes being manufactured today are worth getting. I see Sovtek, EI, JJ, Electro Harmonics, Sino etc. to name a few. Has anyone have opinions on what's works for them and which ones are trash? 6SN7, 6CG7, 5687, 12BH7, 12B4 or 6DJ8 comes to mind for now. NOS could be in the future once things get settled out but for now cheap is fine.

3rd March 2006, 08:25 PM	#4
SY diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Austin, TX Blog Entries: 1	FWIW, Broskie is quite positive about both 6SN7-types and 6FQ7/6CG7. The 12SX7, a 6SN7-type optimized for lower voltages, is also an interesting choice. __________________ "...we stumble and get up, we are sad, confident, insecure, feel loneliness and joy and love. There is nothing more; but I want nothing more.” - Christopher Hitchens 1949-2011

3rd March 2006, 09:47 PM	#6
Andrewbee diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Cayman Islands	Wasn't the 12SX7 the one designed for 28V usage in aircraft? Andrew __________________ None of us are leaving this world alive. Enjoy it responsibly as you may.

3rd March 2006, 10:19 PM	#7
SY diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Austin, TX Blog Entries: 1	I think that is the history, yes. And it's why there's a set of operating points on the data sheet with 26.5V on the plate. Disadvantage is the very wimpy heater-cathode voltage rating (90V), which means you want to use separate tubes and heater supplies for the top tubes in order to crank the B+ voltage to where the circuit sings. __________________ "...we stumble and get up, we are sad, confident, insecure, feel loneliness and joy and love. There is nothing more; but I want nothing more.” - Christopher Hitchens 1949-2011

3rd March 2006, 10:46 PM	#8
Glowbug diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hillsborough, NC/McLean, VA	Don't think anyone makes a new production 12B4...'tis a shame... __________________ Jim J.

3rd March 2006, 07:52 PM	#2
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi RockysDad, How's Rocky? I've used Electroharmonix and had good luck. I hear JJ are very good also. They are not expensive compared to NOS and I don't think you can go wrong with either. -Chris

3rd March 2006, 08:45 PM	#5
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi RockysDad, I have used 12AX7A, 6SN7, 6922, 6CG7 ... with good results. I have not tried an Aikido, so listen to SY on that one. -Chris

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