Brimar CV4003 / 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 143 Reviews

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“This tube improved the midrange clarity and musicality over the stock EH and the Gold Lion tube in my Auris Nirvana headphone amp.”

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Posted 4 years ago

Thomas Gisonti

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Posted 4 years ago

“Bought 2 platinum pairs around 2 years ago. Put them in the front 2 slots of my pl Dialogue premium hp amp &pl Dialogue premium preamp. Amazing sound across the audio spectrum. Gear &tubes still working &sounding excellent. Great gear,tubes, investment. Once the great nos tubes are gone, that's it. Brimar 4003 really are special. If you get more, let me know!”

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Posted 5 years ago

“I'm sooo very happy that I purchased a matched pair of these for my Yaqin MC13-S amp to replace the stock Chinese tubes. The air in the mid-range was almost too much at first, but the tubes settled down after several power cycles over 10 or so hours of playing. All I can say is wow. In addition to the Brimar's I did go ahead and order the Russian Mullard 12AX-7's. This combo has proven to be the magic bullet with my setup (Marantz pre-amp, MC13-S, Cornscala speakers) - - fully articulated bass, liquid and airy glorious mid-range. Need I say more? Kevin at UA really knows his stuff when it comes to tubes. Thank you!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“I know I will regret this review because these wonderful pre-amp tubes will be scooped up. I cannot believe the improved sound I am experiencing with the change of the stock JJ 12AU7 tube with the Brimars on my Rogue Sphinx amplifier. I am using Uni-Fi slim towers for my speakers with a SVS PB1000 sub and a Musical Fidelity turntable with a Hana SH cartridge. Expanded soundstage, improved resolution (instruments and vocals in distinct locations in the listening room) and an overall improved realism in the music. I honestly believe this was a 50% minimum improvement in the overall sound of the system. Thank you Kevin and Upscale Audio.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“I know firsthand why they offer a CJ grade for some tubes. Conrad Johnson pre-amps are brutal on tubes. It's just a fact. I purchased this unit back in the early 90's, and it has never sounded better. Full mid-range, extended soundstage, tight bass, vocals in total balance, bright highs without a trace of shrillness... What's not to like? I'm going to buy another set so I have them when I need them.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Review update - August 11, 2018. Replaced my Telefunken NOS tubes with Brimar 12AU7. After just 50 hours of use these tubes are truly the cat's ass! I am using two of these tubes in my Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp in the preamp section -- slots 3 & 4. Very detailed and specific placement of instruments in the soundstage. The voice in center is just a bit forward but I like this distinction. McCartney's RAM is a favorite LP. I played the DCC gold CD (not available on vinyl) and I am hearing instruments that I have never heard before. Indeed, EVERY LP or audiophile CD / SACD that I have played since plugging in these Brimar tubes has sounded much more interesting and dynamic. I now have a whole new LP and CD/SACD collection. Buy these tubes!”

4 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“I have been using NOS Telefunken in my Dialogue HP integrated with KT 150s for a few years. I use Volent VL-2 speakers. Sound was terrific. I heard that the Brimar sounded a bit more analogue but not fat or syrupy. Good news! The Brimar added more realism to vocals (Sinatra and Orbison) and really brought out an earthyness to female vocals. I added two of these tubes in the input stage (tube slots 3 & 4 in the Dialogue integrated) and kept my NOS Telefunken in slots 1, 2, 5, 6. The Brimar can be a bit top heavy and sometimes bring a sibilant quality to female jazz vocalists (Holy Cole "Don't Smoke in Bed) but not so much to distract from the rest of the soundscape. I am hearing many more instruments and much greater instrument placement in the sound stage. The Brimar is a very welcome difference to the Telefunken. Better? Just different. I recommend them -- especially at the $80.00 (each) price point.”

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Posted 5 years ago