Gold Lion ECC83 / B759 / 12AX7 Kevin's Stash / Yes Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 26 Reviews

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Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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“Long story short I’ve been an NOS guy all my "tube life” but with the current world shortage/stupid expensive NOS prices - I gave these Russian reproduction GL 12AX7 a try on input gain/phase splitter positions in Rogue Apollo Dark monoblocks and as the gain tubes in an Aesthetix Calypso Signature. Bottom line: they are well balanced, super low noise, have fairly good to very good dynamics, GREAT soundstage depth and are overall very good tubes - No, they do not have the inner detail retrieval or micro dynamics of Heelen Amperex, Blackburn Mullards, diamond bottom smoothplate Teles, etc. However in my limited experience with them thus far they are pretty open sounding, just a slight smidge (as Kevin would say) on the warm side and do have a degree of the magic and tube sweetness most of us crave. I have sh#tloads of tubed equipment and over the next year or so will will have a more informed opinion - when and if I learn more I will post again. The five star rating should not be taken as measured against NOS, but rather against other new production (especially Chinese) dreck I’ve tried over the years. Bottom line, If you don’t need tubes right now don’t contribute to the current panic buying situation. However, if you do need tubes RIGHT NOW these are a viable option.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago

Thank you so much for your considered review!

Posted 2 years ago

Todd Hallowell

Verified Reviewer

“There is an additional warmth to the sound of these tubes.”

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Posted 3 years ago

Author didn't leave any comments.

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Posted 3 years ago

Patrick Byington

Verified Reviewer

“I've put these tubes in a few different amps and they generally improve the sound. 'Bigger' overall, a bit more saturation and slightly warmer. I'm not sure about the cryo process (for tubes specifically), but I do know that metals can be properly treated with extreme temperatures to improve their stability. As far as the 'Kevin's stash' grading, this is the highest gain rating for a preamp tube I've personally seen. Always great to order from Upscale!”

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Posted 3 years ago

Richard Kring

Verified Reviewer

“One of the three tubes was bad and had to be replaced. Is there a return policy?”

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Posted 3 years ago

“big band music never sounded this involved and exciting!”

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Posted 3 years ago

“Can’t go wrong with Kevin Stash and Gold Lion tubes great product for a reasonable price always buy from Kevin Stash you won’t be disappointed.”