Radiotechnique 12AU7 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.9 Rating 50 Reviews

Visit Product Page

Phone:

909.931.9686

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

Visit Product Page

“I have a Jadis JPL pre-amp and I think the simplicity of the design is one of the greatest strengths (sounds amazingly natural) and weaknesses (live and die by the tubes you use). The CD input is buffered, veiled, and ought to be avoided (it uses a 12AU7), with all the other gain tubes being 12AX7. After using 1960s ECC803S in place of the 12AX7s for a number of years (same tooling as the Telefunken) I tried the Mazda Chrome Plate 12AX7, but the preamp overloaded with large signals so I had to give up on that one though what was there sounded very nice (my friend loves them in his MAC C2300 preamp). I then tried the Mullard CV4004 and was impressed at how much more vibrant the system sounded; not distortion, but greater harmonic depth, structure, and dynamics. Highly recommended!”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

Ed In Orlando, FL

Unverified Reviewer

“Just added a Platinum rated pair of these tubes to a Jolida JL9 phono preamplifier: Wow! With a new Ortofon 2M Black, what an upgrade to my vinyl playback capability! The bloom for vocals and jazz is perfect! Thought about a phono preamp upgrade and thought this addition was worth a shot before I spent over $2K on a new one; indeed it is. Keeping the JL9 with the NOS Mullard 12AX7s. Don't even think about the price: do it and you will be delighted. Every purchase I have made from Upscale Audio in graded tubes has exceeded my expectation.”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

“I have a pair in the line stage of a VTL TL5.5 and they have an outstanding mid range adding just the right amount of warmth. Very wide and deep sound stage. Much better than both NOS Amprex and Telefunkin in the line stage. I also tried them in the VTL's MM phono stage but found them to be a little syrupy. Maybe a little too much of a good thing? I found NOS Telefunkin tubes to be much better there. I also have a Cal Audio Alpha that I bought from Kevin that had the original (Russian?) tubes installed and a pair of 4004s were packed with it. I also have a Sigma II with a NOS Mullard 12AX7 in it. The Alpha with the original tubes sounded dry and lifeless compared to the Sigma. After swapping the 4004s into the Alpha I was blown away by the sound. Big sound stage, instrument timber was much more natural, Very extended highs without grain or edge. One of the very best AX7 types I've heard when used in the right spots!”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

“Thereâ€:tm:s resolution and presence combined with an atmospheric sound-stage that makes for a totally immersive experience. This valve synergizes quite well with my rig.”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

“Just plugged these into my Mac C22 a few days ago to replace the Telefunken smooth-plate 12AX7s that were in there for YEARS. I've never heard such a beautiful mid-range in my life. WOW! Went through every Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRare LP and CD I own and still can't believe my ears!”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

“This tube is excellent in the MA2275 McIntosh integrated and would be great in the new MC275 IV.”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

Robert H. Levi

Unverified Reviewer

“I am gob smacked by this perfect 12AX7 tube. As the key tube in my EAR 834L line stage it clearly communicates musical versamilitude! Best 12AX7 I''ve ever used, clean and clear from 20-20k hertz. Marvelous and worth its weight in gold coin.”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago

“I am totally pleased with this 12AX7, I have it in a Zman Audio Signal Enhancer, and this is an UPGRADE! Thanks, Kevin for all your help and fine products! Your info, on the tubes and testing, was very helpful. Keep up the good work!!”

Helpful Report

Posted 12 years ago