Radiotechnique 12AU7 / 6189 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.8 Rating 41 Reviews

Visit Product Page

Phone:

909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

Location:

2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

Visit Product Page

Amir Moussavi

Verified Reviewer

“Radiotechnique 12AU7 / 6189 Platinum Review – Absolutely Stunning! Before I dive in, here’s a snapshot of my system: • Speakers: Sonus Faber Olympica Nova IV (I absolutely love them) with Cardas Clear Reflection speaker cables • Streamer/DAC: Eversolo DMP-A10 )bought from Upscale Audio) with Theta NR Shunyata power cord and Cardas Clear Reflection RCA • Power Regenerator: PS P12 upgraded with Master Fuse by Synergistic Research and Alpha X XC power cord • Power Amps: PS Audio M1200 Monoblocks (where these tubes are installed) with Cardas Clear Reflection RCA and Theta NR Shunyata power cord • Preamp: Marantz AV10 with Alpha X NR power cord. • Subwoofer: REL T9x via Synergistic Research REL cable connected to the mono block amps, and power cord is Voodoo Infinity Digital. Before I discovered these tubes, I had a set of original Long Plate Mullard 1950s, purchased for $700 in a completely old box (I bought from Vintage tube services). I genuinely thought those were the ultimate 12AU7s… until I decided to try Kevin’s tubes. After testing three different brands, two of them unfortunately introduced noticeable noise in my system. Then came the Radiotechnique 12AU7 / 6189 Platinum. After just ten days of burn-in… wow and OMG, I was completely blown away. These tubes have an almost magical ability to separate the noise from the music, presenting each on different planes within the soundstage. Every detail in the music becomes clear, yet utterly natural—listening to them is a profoundly beautiful experience. The frequency response is exquisite: the highs shimmer without harshness, the mids are incredibly rich and layered, and the bass seems to emanate directly from the heart; And imagine it feels like you can reach out and touch everything on the stage. This is something that even the revered Long Plate 1954 Mullards could not achieve. It’s rare to find a tube that combines detailed, clear brightness with smooth, musical highs and mids, all without a hint of harshness. The original Mullard 1954 achieves this with its own charm, though some frequencies are slightly rolled off. In contrast, the Radiotechnique 12AU7 / 6189 Platinum Grade (No Cryo) delivers the same clarity and musicality—but without any rolled-off frequencies, giving a full, open, and natural sound. They perfectly complete my system’s synergy, elevating every component to perform at its best. Honestly, I don’t know if I will ever find a tube that surpasses them in musicality. As a cherry on top, I recently added a pair of HAL-O III Stabilizers to these tubes, and the improvement was immediate—more refined highs, tighter bass, and even more fluidity across the soundstage. In short, the Radiotechnique 12AU7 / 6189 Platinum is not just a tube—it’s a transformative experience. It redefines what a 12AU7 can do and turns an already excellent system into something truly breathtaking. Thanks Kevin for providing such those amazing tube.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 months ago

“The music have other dimension. First time feel a little bit agressive on high frequencies and low mid, but in the time it gets rounder and punchy. I put it as center tube in my Crounus Dark. Really Beautifull”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 months ago

Carlos Silva

Verified Reviewer

Incentivized

“Great tubes right out of the box. Give it a few weeks and BAM! What great holographic sound. Made my system sound like it never has. Very happy”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 months ago

“Picked up two of these babies to replace the front center tubes on my Primaluna Evo 300 all-tube integrated amp. Driving a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. Here is my impression: 1. There was an immediate difference in sound. 2. The mids sound natural and a bit more recessed, which is exactly what I wanted because the horn midranges on my Cornwalll IV’s are a bit forward for my taste. In fact, I had been reducing the mids slightly with an equalizer. No more need for that. 3. The highs are extended and have a bit more texture. Very smooth, but I can hear a little sizzle off the symbols. There seems to be a little more detail. 4. Bass isn’t much changed - still strong and maybe a bit tighter. It was very cool to open up a box with brand new 60 year-old tubes. Felt like opening a time capsule. I have about 50 hours on the tubes now, and they seem to be settling in and still improving. Overall, very satisfied.”

2 Helpful Report

Posted 5 months ago

Michael Slattery

Unverified Reviewer

“Nice Tubes fully enjoyable in my system brought the midrange detail and vocals more pronounced in a very nice way.”

Helpful Report

Posted 8 months ago

Daniel Stewart

Verified Reviewer

“Really nice sounding tubes..Added a little more vocal sweetness to my preamp. Very nice set. And Sean and Kevin are just great to work with. Helpful and knowledgable.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 months ago

Philip HINDS

Verified Reviewer

Author didn't leave any comments.

Helpful Report

Posted 10 months ago

Taggart Williamson

Verified Reviewer

“Very happy with the improvement. Watch Kevin’s video on these. They are everything he describes and then some. Using in EVO 400 power amp.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 2 years ago