Radiotechnique 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 50 Reviews
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Well, until I received this tube, the Radiotechnique 12AU7 1965 version was my favorite ( see my review). However, this tube provides my system with the greatest depth of image, separation of instruments, and inner detail. Even quiet, instrumental sound images deep in the mix are highly articulated and palpable. I love that.
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Posted 11 years ago
In my humble Bob Latino ST-120 Amp (stereo KT-88 kit) my search for center tube preamp has ended with the RT 12AU7WA. Top end air and sparkle make cymbals, bells, or anything percussive very believable. The top is reminiscent of 12BH7s but without the sibilance or exaggeration associated with the ones I tried. Bass response full and deep. Midrange and vocals accurate. Very seductive 3D presentation but might be too much in some systems if you prefer neutral, dryer sound. But the coloration magic is why a purchased a tube based amp and the RT 12AU7WA delivers. Really makes my system come alive and sound its best!
1 Helpful Report
Posted 11 years ago
For anyone out there who owns the Hifiman EF5 amplifier, you know that the amp has amazing sound quality for the price that it's being offered at. But, the tone of it is usually described as being a bit too warm for certain kinds of music... Well now that issue has been solved because of this fantastic tube! This hasn't broken 50 hours of use with me yet, but I can already tell the difference and I can't wait to get some more burn in hours. The soundstage is just perfect for this amp and the highs, mids, bass, all work together excellently. Rock music finally has more to it, and music with large musical ensembles finally sound like there being played in the rooms that they were recorded in. I would highly recommend this tube, perhaps one day I'll try the premium version with the cryo treatment added to it just to see if there is a big difference in the sq.
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Posted 11 years ago
First of all sorry for my English is really poor. Raditechnique 12AU7 tubes have Metamorfose my preamp. The bass is strong, and this taut, the medium is clear, airy and offers a beautiful 3D image and finally acute rises above without agrÃ:copyright:sivitÃ:copyright:. The noise is non-existent and top end extension. This tube is more introverted than the Mullard. It provides a more rock and it suits me very well. I recommend it to any fan of rock.
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Posted 11 years ago
I purchased these tubes for my phono section, and wow, what a difference over telefunken.
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Posted 11 years ago
Brian Anderson
Unverified Reviewer
When I first put these Mullard 12AX7 tubes in my Calypso Preamp - there was allot of noise in the left channel. So I switched them around and the noise vanished. All that came out after that was a wonderful 3D sound with a lovely midrange and very quiet background. Very happy...
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Posted 11 years ago
Xinyong Westchester NY
Unverified Reviewer
I bought three tubes for my pre-amp. Super smooth midrange. I go to at least 10 operas every season in Met, some seasons 15, my ears don't cheat me. This tube sounds just right in my system for operas. Not too warm, very low noise, balanced and focused with super smooth midrange. My system- Rega p5, EAR 834P, LFD integrated Amp, Harbeth P3. The packing is just perfect. Buy with confidence.
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Posted 11 years ago
Although I have not tried a multitude of different tubes, this is by far the best I have tried in my Jolida JD-100. I have used NOS Amprex, Tungsram, Mullard 12AX7â€:tm:s and all current non-NOS tubes. I have not tried any of these tubes cyro treated but the CV4004 cyro is not bright, but not rolled off on the top end with the best midrange and good bass. The 1970 medical grade Tungsramâ€:tm:s come close and may have a tad more top end but not as much midrange. I love these tubes from Upscale!
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Posted 11 years ago