Best 12AX7 For Guitar and Bass Amps TungSol 12AX7. Also known as the ECC83 or the 7025, it is a dual triode tube that has the highest voltage gain of all preamp tubes, with a mu of 100. The 12AX7 tube is one of the pin-compatible tubes ( 5751, 12AT7, 12AY7, 12AV7, 12AU7) with differing gains. Best Preamp Tube for High Grain Rock: Genalex Gold Lion (Made in Russia) or Matsushita 12AX7 If high gain shredding is your thing, Gold Lion tubes are a crowd favorite. JJ 5751 tubes sound awesome, highly recommend! The Ruby 12AX7AC5 High Grade Plus tube is the Shuguang 12AX7 9th gen tube, but distributed by Magic Parts. Ideally, every 12AX7 should yield the same gain when placed in the same circuit. Click to expand. . These are the Godzilla of high gain tubes. These are one of the best deals around, you get rich tone for less! For instance, a Telefunken that would not be acceptable as a first stage gain tube in a phono circuit, could be the best tube available in a power supply, even if the noise numbers were not the best among the tubes you are testing. The lower gain of the 12AT7 and 12AU7 also allows them to have a higher headroom, which can provide a warmer . The 12AX7 is the first choice for tube amplifiers because of its high gain and relatively low noise characteristics. #2. 62.5% of users selected Tung-Sol 12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube, 14.71% selected JJ Electronics T-6L6GC-JJ Amplifier Tube, 10.29% selected JJ Electronics 12AX7 / ECC83, 4.41% selected JJ Electronics T-EL84-JJ Amplifier Tube and 8.09% selected Matched Pair ECC83 Genalex Gold Lion Tube. RiverRatt, yladrd61 and Kris Ford like this. However, in reality there are comparative gain differences among 12AX7s. Thanks for the recommendation. 7025 * * * * The 7025 has a higher gain than a 12AX7 tube. It is a great all-rounder. In my . Electro-Harmonix 12Ax7 Ehg Vacuum Tube Gold Pins. The long plates make for higher gain and a warmer, fuller tone. 12AX7 tube is a small signal dual-triode vacuum tube found in just about every tube gear today. JJ ECC803S sounds great, but could be more microphonic in high gain amps. Genalex Gold Lion 12Ax7 Tube (Balanced Triodes) Electro-Harmonix 12Ax7, Matched Pair. These are a very consistently made tube, sweet sounding, and very warm. You can beat the crap out of it and it will still go! It is a nice quiet tube that is excellent for phono stage preamps and recording studio microphone preamps. Some Notes About 12AX7 12AX7 and the gain A 12AX7 is a high gain tube. Likes Received: 2,326. The 12AX7B tube has a little more overdrive than the standard 12AX7A tube and lower noise. From high to low in gain: Shuguang12AX7-T (poor longevity, highest gain, redesigned after the 12AX7B, the "B" means higher gain than both the "A" type and other 12AX7 in general, not as cheap as the "B"s since these are reproductions in 2012.) The last tube amp I unhooked about 2 years ago was an integrated unit and the number 4 output tube was running very hoy after about 15 minutes of pre warm up. When in doubt, we start with Tung-Sol 12AX7.TungSol 12AX7 handles everything from vintage rock to a clean tone sound. 06-11-2005, 01:07 AM. 12AX7 vs 12AT7 vs 12AU7: Differences Explained. They now live in the preamp section of my amp. It has a spiral wound filament to help cut down on noise and hum just like the vintage 7025 or 12AX7A tubes. But just as important is voicing. The 12AX7 is by far the most common out of all preamp tubes. The reissue Tung-Sol 12AX7 has the highest gain of all of the 12AX7 types. Also RCA long grey plate and Telefunken ribbed plates. The T-12AX7-S-JJ vacuum tube from JJ Electronics comes as an immensely versatile preamp tube, compatible with hi-fi and guitar amps. SSA examines, analyzes all 12ax7 Tube of 2021. Sovtek 12ax7 LPS is a great sounding tube. You can easily refer and get from the 10 best 12ax7 Tube for you. Other Shuguang tubes 12AX7 Types 1250gm is nominal gain spec for 12ax7, follow one of these with 1-2 JJ ecc803 and you will have more articulate, harmonically dense, tight bottomed gain than you know what to do with. It basically means the tube is best suited for the most sensitive first gain V1 spots. entirely on where it is used in a circuit. It also features the spiral filament for hum reduction. Electro-Harmonix 12Ax7 / Ecc83 Preamp Vacuum Tubes (Three Pack) New Gain Tested Tung-Sol Reissue 12Ax7 Ecc83 Vacuum Tube - Authorized Dealer. skunx said: Sovtek 12ax7 LPS is a great sounding tube. keennay, Jan 5, 2015. Likes Received: 2,326. Our favorite from the list is the Russian-made Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 for preamp and Tung-Sol 6L6GC for power as they treasure a good deal of bite with higher gain and offer plenty of crunchy fizz in overdrive. They also increase the chance of microphonics so these are best used in guitar amplifiers or other high gain applications. The above-given list of the best tubes for Fender Hot Rod Deluxe comprises quality tubes that are popular worldwide. Over the years our team at Guitar Lobby has owned and tested many 12AX7 tubes, and in the rest of this article, we'll be sharing the best 12AX7 tubes at each price point. You may want clean, compressed, distorted or some combination. 9 pin miniature preamp tube (Amplification Factor = 100) In overdrive, it is not quite as defined as the 12ax7-s-jj, but it offers more crunchy fizz 9 pin miniature preamp tube (amplification factor = 100) It has a high gain with a very smooth presentation This russian tube is full bodied and well balanced. Widely used across guitar amplifiers and hi-fi applications. It will overdrive the preamp section going into the power amp and cause distortion. The EHX 12AX7 has become a standard, known for it's high gain and excellent mids and bass. New Gain Matched Pair of JJ ECC803S Vacuum Tubes. He gave me two of each brand of 12AU7 and 12AX7 and told me to do some "tube rolling" and find out what I liked the sound of the best. He gave me two of each brand of 12AU7 and 12AX7 and told me to do some "tube rolling" and find out what I liked the sound of the best. TungSol 12AX7 is our go-to tube for guitar amps.. Tung-Sol 12AX7 delivers good gain, but without washing out the fine details and textures. I had vintage McIntosh gear and modern VAC gear, they both used 12AX7's so I focused on the preamp tubes and discovered the following: The Mullard was my least favorite. The 12AX7 is a small signal high gain amplifier. The Tung-Sol 12AT7 6201 is the best 12AT7 tube, in our opinion. The gain is far too high for this amplifier's design. The 12AU7 has the smallest, at just 20. Features Preamp vacuum tube Equivalent to European ECC81; applicable in any ECC81 or 12AT7 amp circuit Short plates for minimizing noise and microphony Ideal for use in hi-fi equipment and reverb circuits Check Current Prices 2. The only real rule is: NEVER USE A 12AX7 TUBE in any row. It can take a small input signal and amplify it a great deal. Technically speaking, the 12AT7 is a mini 9-pin dual triode vacuum tube with a mu factor (60) significantly lower than 12AX7 (100) but higher plate current and transconductance. The Mullard 12AX7 preamp vacuum tube is a superlative high-gain twin triode optimal for use in hi-fi amps. Various 12AX7 s tends to be a few points higher or lower on the gain. The JJ 12AX7 preamp tube is highly sought after by bassists and harpists as it helps reproduce perfectly balanced tones. Mullard 12AX7 is an excellent choice for upgrading the factory-installed 12AX7 and has become the go-to standard for audio applications. for new tubes. They also increase the chance of microphonics so these are best used in guitar amplifiers or other high gain applications. All 12AX7 tubes have an amplification factor (μ) of 100 ("high-mu"). . Top 10 Best 12ax7 Tubes. Sound great in high gain amps. The CV4004/12AX7 is a high gain, low noise valve with a short plate structure for reduced microphonics. this tube was the "Voice of the Vox AC-30. Interesting notes: I have heard that ECC803S tubes (12AX7's on Steroids) are great for guitar amps because they have a spiral filament for reduced . The purpose of this comparison is simply to provide guitar players with a frame of reference to help in finding the best . Cartridge Compatibility: Moving Magnet or High output Moving Coil Gain: 38.9 dB gain @ 1kHz with 12AX7 Tube Input Impedance: 47k ohms Output Impedance: 8-200 ohms Headphone, 100 ohms RCA Equalization: RIAA +/- .9 dB, 20Hz to 20kHz THD .05% @ 1KHz S/N Ratio: 103 dB, unweighted Crosstalk: -75 dB Size: 6″w x 2.5″h x 5.4″d The Mullard ECC83 large plate tubes which were in vogue in the 60s and 70s have inspired this 12AX7 that simulates their signature sound. V1 is the start of your chain, so that's where you'd want your highest gain preamp tube. For less gain, you can replace a 12AX7 with 5751, 12AT7, or a 12AY7 ANOS assorted 12AX7 The aim was to design a tube that was smaller, less microphonic, less noisy and more sturdy. Today, 12AX7 is the most common preamp tube used in guitar and audio amp due to its high amplification factor (mu). #2. Known for its high-gain design and warm, immersive sound, the 12AX7 is used by most major amplifier manufacturers on their high-end tube amplifiers. Whats the best and quietest 12AX7 tube. I like the shuguang ninth gen chinese tubes too. My number is: 936-662-5100. I'd recommend a Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG or Amperex 12AX7 if you wanna go older. So, I did. V1 is the start of your chain, so that's where you'd want your highest gain preamp tube. The Chinese (Sino) made Shuguang 12AX7B tube is a good choice for high gain guitar amps. The JJ EC803S (Long Plate 12AX7) is a high gain tube. #9. You can easily refer and get from the 10 best 12ax7 Tube for you. Shop 12AX7 Tubes on Reverb 5751 - Gain Factor 70 Sovtek 5751 Tube One of the most popular swaps, a 5751 will reduce the gain of your first preamp stage by around 30 percent, which can often be enough to tame a fizzy overdrive tone without sacrificing too much of the power and muscularity from the amp's overall sound. JJ 12AT7 sounds garbage in my opinion, avoid. The Electro-Harmonix 12AX7EH is a high-gain, low noise type with a short plate format for reduction of microphonics in high gain amplifiers. This is the industrial version of the 12AX7. The JJ EC803S (Long Plate 12AX7) is a high gain tube. So, yes, a lower gain preamp tube(s) can give a little more 'headroom'. Normally in the milli-volt range. Like Ken said your amplifier is high gain and is setup to provide high gain no matter what brand or model 12AX7 preamp tube you use in its slots. Almost every sought after vintage tube has long plates so the tonal differences are worth the risk. About 80% the gain of a normal 12AX7; sweet, rich mids and good bass/treble extension! The purpose of this comparison is simply to provide guitar players with a frame of reference to help in finding the best . It has a very full and musical sound signature. The 12AT7 is a small, high-gain twin triode that finds sweeping applications in bass amplifiers, pro-audio- and sound reinforcement systems, along with 12AX7 and 12AU7. The test amp was my extremely good sounding 50W Marshall Jubilee on Jubilee 4-12 w/Vin 30's and Tesla JJ E-34L's (10% higher output than EL-34's) I actually lined up my whole collection . Known for its high-gain design and warm, immersive sound, the 12AX7 is used by most major amplifier manufacturers on their high-end tube amplifiers. Next product → 12AX7 Mullard Best for Hi Fi amps because of large plates. Just contacted Dougs tubes as I saw he had the 9th gen chinese. The long plates make for higher gain and a warmer, fuller tone. The biggest difference between these power tubes is the amount of gain they will provide. I like the shuguang ninth gen chinese tubes too. All 12AX7 tubes have an amplification factor (μ) of 100 ("high-mu"). keennay, Jan 5, 2015. If you are looking to stay with vintage tubes, our sleeper pick is again the Japanese (Matsushita) 12AX7. Dec 26, 2010. Preamp Tubes for High Gain. It is also a crisper sounding tube. If you have a question about preamp tubes, you can ALWAYS call me, any day any time. Please help us improve this review! RiverRatt, yladrd61 and Kris Ford like this. However, in reality there are comparative gain differences among 12AX7s. JJ Electronics Amplifier Tube is the best 12AX7 tube available on the market at the moment. Sound great in high gain amps. The Bugera 12AX7A is most likely the best of the modern day manufactured tubes. The 12AX7 vacuum tube was developed by RCA to replace a tube called the 6SL7. I'd recommend a Ruby 12AX7AC5 HG or Amperex 12AX7 if you wanna go older. Jun 22, 2015. It has a spiral wound heater. #39. I had vintage McIntosh gear and modern VAC gear, they both used 12AX7's so I focused on the preamp tubes and discovered the following: The Mullard was my least favorite. Almost every sought after vintage tube has long plates . 12Ax7 / Ecc83 - Jj Electronics, Pin . The Bugera vacuum tube has ultra-low audio and microphonic noise. Just remember I am in Texas. D DylanGuitar Member Messages 298 Dec 26, 2010 #7 I actually bought some NOS tung sol, which I tried in the tubefactor, which was actually more compressed than what I'm after. Just Updated. SSA examines, analyzes all 12ax7 Tube of 2021. Blue Strat Member Messages 30,567 Jan 25, 2014 #7 This is especially handy in instrument amplifiers as the signal from instruments is very low. It never hurts to have nice strong (higher gain tube) 12AX7 in each slot. Over the years our team at Guitar Lobby has owned and tested many 12AX7 tubes, and in the rest of this article, we'll be sharing the best 12AX7 tubes at each price point. So, I did. Ideally, every 12AX7 should yield the same gain when placed in the same circuit. 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