“Different sound than the great Mullard 12au7 that a lot put in the center slot of Rogue Cronus Magnum II. The Brimar adds more air and a sense of clarity versus the more lush Mullard. Clear but yet sweet in the mids. Large and open sounding. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to try something different in a CM II. Not bright just the right amount of detail.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“I have a Primaluna Premium Dialogue HP and had previously upgraded the otherwise very good stock tubes with KT 120’s and Mullard 12AU7’s to get more power but also a smoother midrange for my Apogee Stages. Interestingly the KT 120’s provided significantly more apparent dynamic range and at the same measured output as my substantially more powerful Krell. I listened to that combination for at least 200 hrs to become familiar with well broken in tubes. Virtually everything from top to bottom was better with that upgrade and I was ready to happily live with it for years. But because of Kevin’s observations about the Brimars I couldn’t resist and I decided to replace the two center preamp Mullards with two Brimars. Now that was a revelation. The midrange was, to my ears, slightly more forward but not in any way harsh or strident and the bass and treble more extended. The bass was also considerably more visceral. Detail was improved especially in the highest and the lower frequencies. Also the apparent dynamic range again increased to where it could be startling. All these elements continued to improve over the next 500+ hours. I replaced the Brimars with the Mullards the other day. Suffice to say the Brimars went back in after an extended listening with the Mullards and will remain there. They’re really that good. Thanks Kevin. These tubes really are something special, at least for my system. I would never have guessed.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I just got this last week. Been trying out different center preamp tubes in my VTA ST120 amp (in ultralinear so far). The sound is beautiful. It's warm but not overly so. I'm trying this out with a few other NOS tubes and with this one, the highs are clear and light without being bright or shrill. I feel like I can hear all the instruments in the studio. Vocals are there and up front. Mid bass is wonderful and can be felt as well as heard. Not boomy, just musical. Much more listening to come. I won't be returning this, btw. Maybe I said too much...?”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Chuck Lawrence

Unverified Reviewer

“I have been using the stock PL tubes in my PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP integrated since I purchased it back in November 2017. I really have not had any complaints on the PL tubes but I really wanted to try some NOS tubes to see what all the fuss was about. I talked a few times with the great staff at Upscale Audio and ultimately decided to try out a couple Brimar's in the front two slots of the PrimaLuna integrated. I didn't do any critical listening for the first 50 hrs., but right out of the box I knew I was in for something special. The very first thing I noticed was that these tubes changed the tonal character of the amp in a good way. They sound more natural without having rolled off high's. Bass is punchy and the mid's are beautiful. After 50 hrs or so, the sound has gotten even better. Well worth the $$, no glare at all in the upper mid's. Cymbals have a very realistic sound. The originals were not bad, by any means, but the Brimar's take it to the next level........great upgrade!”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“These tubes are seriously euphonic, and made my heart flutter when I put them into my headphone amp to listen to. Barely any noise on a highly sensitive (20 ohm) pair of headphones. Instantly bought more backups when these tubes wear out.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Robert G Gardner

Unverified Reviewer

“Mullard 12AU7 types can't even come close to competing with these. Remember, the price of NOS tubes is not a reflection of their quality, but of their rarity. Mullards do have glorious midrange, but their lows are muddy, indistinct and lack dynamics. The highs are very recessed, so much so that, if there are very subtle high frequency events, it is possible that you won't even hear them on the Mullards. These Brimars tubes have tight, tuneful, detailed and dynamic lows. The midrange is almost as glorious as the Mullards. The highs on these Brimars are clean, detailed, tuneful and extended. These are, in my opinion, the best 12AU7 in existence.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I have owned the Primaluna Prologue, and now the Dialogue Premium Preamp. The Prologue needs to be opened up a bit from the stock Primaluna tubes. The Brimar tubes did the trick in the input stage, with a pair of Radiotechnique tubes in the output driver stage. WOW! GAME CHANGER! Everything opened up beautifully! Better than the stock tubes or the other tubes I had on hand from my last preamp's I have owned over the years! Then I bought the Dialogue Premium Preamp. More detail! The stock Primaluna tubes sounded great and were open already. So I put the Brimar into the driver seat of the Dialogue this time, and it is as perfect a sound as one could hope for! Simply outstanding! I just bought another pair to stash away for the future. I, like all audiophiles, pursue the perfect sound to our ears. This tube reaches that level easily. Thinking of stocking up more on this tube in the future.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I installed the BRIMAR CV4003 / 12AU7 as a first level tube roll replacement for my stock Prima Luna tubes in my Prima Luna Dialog Premium HP mono blocks & Prima Luna Dialog Premium Pre Amp. These tubes out of the box sounded exceptional and at the 50 hour point have evolved into an exceptional addition for my system. The unexpected outcome was improved low frequency extension and control with open and transparent highs. I am sold. Ordered 10 more yesterday to do a full replacement of all 12AU7's in my system.”

Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

Brimar CV4003 / 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews