Radiotechnique 12AU7 / 6189 Platinum Grade / No Cryo Reviews

4.8 Rating 38 Reviews

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909.931.9686

Email:

joel.m@upscaleaudio.com

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2058 Wright Avenue,
2058 Wright Avenue
California
91750

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“This is what I would characterize as being a poised and composed tube. For my Cornwall 4 speakers with their at times slightly over assertive horns the 6189’s calm them down without tamping them down. This tube also loves string instruments whether acoustic or electronically amplified, and it also takes the edge off of certain female vocalists such Gillian Welch whose album “Harrow and Harvest” Is one of my reference albums of music for running any new tube through its paces. All in all, I can heartily recommend the 6189 as a great all-rounder. I bought these platinum matched, and they do sound very well matched indeed.”

Helpful Report

Posted 4 years ago

James Sweeney

Verified Reviewer

“Sweet, best sounding tubes I've heard yet. RT 6189/12au7”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Just as the qualities of these tubes were generally described, with about 150 hours of burn-in I'm hearing excellent changes in the soundstage, detail, warmth, bass extension, and softening of some glare I had in the upper range. This was my first excursion into tube rolling, and it was a clear improvement. Thanks for the excellent help.”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

“I replaced the stock tubes in my PS Audio BHK preamp with these. There was a very slight improvement in textures with these tubes, but on the negative side the texture sounds a little zingy and unnatural at times. Also they are not a matched set, so my balance is off by a fair amount. I think I will put my stock tubes back into the unit.”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

Carroll Watts

Verified Reviewer

“Put the two 'new' tubes in my PrimaLuna amp and was surprised at the difference they made. Clear improvement in sound stage, greater clarity overall. Pricey but worth it to me! Thanks!”

Helpful Report

Posted 5 years ago

Timothy Shultz

Verified Reviewer

“I added these to my Primaluna400 in the center front two slots. Wow, what a nice pair of tubes. Very airy in the highs. Couldn't be more pleased. Upscale was also quick to ship and packed them very well.”

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Posted 5 years ago

“Thanks Kevin, You have 100% credibility in my world! Tried several types of 12AU7s in my Rogue Sphinx 2 including NOS Mullard 4003s and some Tung Sols from Kevin. Good sound and revelatory experiences learning how tubes alter the sound of my gear. . The Radiotechnique 1AU7s have completely changed my understanding of what my gear is capable of. Worried when the first pair I received were fizzy at start up. I stuck with them and now that they have settled in, wow what beautiful sound. Thank you Keven and co. what an enlightening experience. If it is helpful, The system I'm listening on is: Rogue Sphinx 2, Audioquest Type 4 cables Kef LS 50 Black (on Kef stands) Source: Cambridge CD transport, Pro Ject S2 DAC Audioquest Carbon interconnects, alternate source Qobuz Studio (24 bit when available) via Audirvana App on MacBook Pro (wonderful App easy. to hear improvement as it overrides OS X audio path) , Audioquest Carbon USB. This is the best gear I have ever owned, assembled over the past 3 years. Sure, entry level into true audiophile quality but I love the sound so much, especially with these Radiotechniques. (what in heaven's name are you all experiencing with more subtle high end gear? I cannot imagine!) Thanks Kevin, You have 100% credibility in my world!”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago

“I purchased the Radiotechnique / 6189s on the advice from Evan and also one of the statements from one of the other reviewers saying he almost fell out of his chair. Evan's descriptors were not only spot on and met expectations but far exceeded them. All the cliches ring true here. Broader sound stage, more oomph and presence in the vocals, more dynamic and articulate bass, just an all around grander presentation. Playing this through a Rogue Sphinx and a Hana EL cartridge, it's like I tripled the value of the Hana. My only regret is not having done so sooner.”

1 Helpful Report

Posted 6 years ago