Radiotechnique 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 50 Reviews
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909.931.9686

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
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91750

The Radiotechnique replaced a stock JJ ECC82 in the input of my Croft series 7r (normally there is an ECC83 there, but I needed less gain). The result was just as described in the web page of Upscale Audio: more extended and clear at the top, without any sign of hardness, clear and rythmic bass, natural voices. A very worthwhile purchase (despite the high transport costs and duties for getting the tube in Europe) and a tube upgrade that allowed the Croft to show all its strengths. I do not have much experience with tubes, but feel confident enough to recommend this tube.
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Posted 10 years ago
This is the first time I have replaced the tubes in my McIntosh c2200 preamp. Put me down as gob smacked. The smoothness and tone of the midrange were night and day. The soundstage was more vivid. I am stunned and amazed.
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Posted 10 years ago
Richard Meell
Unverified Reviewer
Retubed my preamp with these. Wish I had done it years ago. Best bang for the audio buck since I went to stereo from mono. WOW!!!
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Posted 10 years ago
I recently bought a Belles 22a preamp that had Siemens tubes (not the crappy stock tubes). It is a fabulous preamp, regardless of price. My dealer suggested the RT tubes for a little more emphasis on both the low and high frequencies. I bought them and the difference was anything but subtle, from the first note of the music. The increased "slam" on the lower bass notes was immediately apparent as was the extension on the upper end. I have fiddled around with interconnects and cables off and on for years, most often with no discernible different in sound (to my 60-year old ears), but this bit of tube rolling was a sonic wonder. The Seimens perhaps have a bit more emphasis on the mid-range, so if you are a bit vocal lover, they may not be preferred for you. I listen 99% to jazz ensemble music with few vocals and I very highly recommend these tubes. I couldn't be happy with this purchase. In fact, I am going to buy a couple extra pairs in case I live to be 90 years old!!! Upscale Audio is the real deal for tubes, don't waste your time on ebay with sellers with potentially questionable-quality tubes to try to save a couple of bucks... life is too short. I judge Upscale's prices to be extremely competitive. You buy from Upscale, you need not worry about the quality of their products. I don't mean to sound like a shrill for these guys, but in this audio world of less-than-scrupulous dealers, these guys clearly deserve a huge "shout out".
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Posted 10 years ago
Replaced my Telefunken smooth plates in my Jolida JD100A Tubed CD player, and Wow! These Mullard's are much more dynamic. Bass is rounder, treble is smooth after burn-in. And the midrange is typical Mullard....very real without being forward. These are my favorite's!
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Posted 10 years ago
MAS London UK
Unverified Reviewer
If I could keep only one 12au7 tube to use in my EE Minimax preamp this RT 12au7WA would be it. Excellent across the board- superior soundstage depth, nice punch and detail, mildly euphonic with nice tone reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum. Beautifully balanced with solid bass and clear high end and synergizes well in the Minimax with the classic 1950's era CV4001, EZ90 and U78 rectifiers, and with any 12au7 you pair it with- from the overly euphonic RCA black plates to the flat response of a Mullard M8136, and no noise or distortion evident at all.
1 Helpful Report
Posted 10 years ago
Charlie Arachy
Unverified Reviewer
Been using the stock Tungsram 12au7's in my Linestage section of my Spirit 3 and though I was quite pleased,I felt I needed a little more openness and pase..The RT for Upscale Audio made a huge difference in Openness and that " Air " we all search for..Excellent Bass too..Excellent tube...
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Posted 10 years ago
This platinum grade jewel has been in service for two months. I like it so much I saved my loose change and purchased two additional in case they go away to never return. My KT-88 based VTA ST-120 amp shines from top to bottom with this tube in the center preamp position. You can hear deep into the mix with laser focused staging. Healthy bottom, accurate mids, well balanced yet airy top. The RT has plenty of gain, ultra-low distortion, and no noticable noise. I like all kinds of music this amp has never met its match with this tube stock - Radiotechique 12AU7WA preamp, Sylvania 5963 phase inverters, and Gold Lion KT-88s. Highly recommended if you are looking for some excitement!
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Posted 11 years ago