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Mazda Chrome Plate 12AX7

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Price:
$100.00

 



Product Description

Mazda 12AX7/ECC83 - No... not the car company. Super rare French Military, made by British Thomson-Houston, that made some of the finest triodes in Europe, and one of the oldest tube companies in the world. Mazda was part of the Thorn AEI group in England who made Brimar and Ediswan. Prior to finding this stash, I have only seen a couple examples of this tube in the U.S., and we're very excited to have them.

Chrome plates are vintage 1959-1963, and were very popular in the recording industry in Europe. Heralded as the best by Mesa Engineering for the Tigris and Baron. More lively on top than the earlier production grey plate. Very neutral and clean, with excellent extension on top. This is not a warm sounding tube, so if that's what you're looking for, check out the Mullards.

Platinum grade - The best of the best. Lowest noise and microphony with the tightest triode balance we have available. This is typically 10% or tighter, but may be higher depending on available stock.

Gold grade - Low noise and microphonics with a triode balance typically between 15% and 20%, but may be higher depending on available stock.

Driver grade - Lowest noise but not the lowest in microphony. Triode balance will be similar to Gold grade.
This grade is only suitable for use in the driver stage of an amplifier, or the output/buffer stage of a DAC or CD Player.

If you have a preamp or phonostage, you need at least Gold grade.

Click here for a more in depth discussion on how we grade tubes.

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Product Reviews

  1. Fantastic Tubes

    Posted by Sgt Mac

    Try these tubes, you will be very happy you did. I use these tubes in my McIntosh C2200 pre-amp and my Prima-Luna Eight CD player and there's nothing that will match them for sound except maybe Telefunken ECC 803's and even then I think they would give them a run for the money. Great Tubes!


  2. Still nice

    Posted by Steve Bailey

    I have since moved these tubes to my Prima Luna Pre-amp. I'm running the amp with the original tubes that came with it.(PL) and Gold Lion KT88 re-issues. Using Quad 63's now. It's still a wonderful tube. I don't hear any brightness in my Quads.


  3. Nice!

    Posted by Steve Bailey

    I installed these in my Prima Luna 5 running Svet EL 34''s and talk about lifting off a veil. Nicer highs, more extension and a more precise sound stage. According to Uncle Kev, these would give even more zing than the Mazda Grey plates. Not too much zing for my Maggie 12''s though. I was pleasantly surprised at how much difference they did make.


  4. The best 12AX7 I've ever heard!

    Posted by djmccarthy

    I think this is the second pair of Mazda 12AX7 tubes that I have purchased from Upscale Audio. These are the best sounding 12AX7 tubes I've ever heard and for the price there is nothing that comes close in clairity and gain then these do in my opinion. Another great deal from the great people from Upscale Audio. Thanks


Product Videos

Mazda Chrome Plate 12AX7 (01:12)
Upscale Audio's Kevin Deal discussing the 1963 vintage Mazda ChromePlate 12AX7, made in France
  • Mazda Chrome P...
    Upscale Audio's Kevin Deal discussing the 1963 vintage Mazda C...

CRYOGENICALLY TREATED VACUUM TUBES. DONE TO UPSCALE AUDIO STANDARDS!


cryotubessmall.jpgMost of you already know that Upscale Audio is the premier destination for expertise and availability of vacuum tubes for high-end audio equipment. So when we offer servies and options, you can be guaranteed that it represents a significant investment of research and capital, and that the end result will greatly enhance your listening experience.

Upscale has contracted with the foremost company involved in this technology, 300 Below, to treat our most popular tubes.  Other tubes will be added as time allows, but it is a time consuming proccess.  Our intention is to have most stocks Cryogenically treated before we even test them.  

 

Of course, your first question is – and should be – why?  In a nutshell, reducing an object’s temperature to -300ºF re-arranges its molecular structure, creating greater uniformity that results in longer life and better performance than when the product was initially designed.With vacuum tubes, this process has a profound impact on a tube’s ability to endure thermal shock. Therefore, tubes can last longer and their sound can been enhanced in ways that are simply exquisite.

After thoughtful and thorough research, Upscale Audio chose 300 Below because of their extensive experience in working with musical instruments as well as auto racing, metal tooling, and high-end sporting goods from rifle barrels to golf clubs.  Expect nothing but the best from Upscale Audio.

Our charge for Cryogenically treating tubes is a fraction of what others charge, though we use the premier company.  Count on Upscale to do the best job and not price gouge .  Also available is cryogenic treatment for cables, along with our well-known Nordost Vidar cable treatment system.  Call for details. Pricing is listed on each tube and cable page. 


Warranty Information

Vacuum tubes are warranted for 90 days against defects, except in cases of abuse, and replaced with like-item only.

  • Tubes being sent in for warranty must have a return authorization number from Upscale Audio. This RA number must be written on the outside of the box. Please also include a note in the box that has your name and telephone number, and please explain the issues with the tube. If this information is missing it will delay the shipment of your replacement tube.
  • Vacuum tubes being sent to Upscale Audio for warranty replacement must be shipped in a box with appropriate packaging to keep them from being damaged. Vacuum tubes returned to Upscale Audio using inadequate packing will have a voided warranty and will be refused at the customer's expense.


Exceptions to our warranty policy are as follows:

  • Upscale Audio reserves the right to refuse warranty at our disgretion based on the equipment being re-tubed. You will be notified of any change prior to your order being processed.
  • Using a tube in an application in which it was not meant to be used. If your amp calls for a 6550, and you decide you want to plug in a 6V6GT, Upscale Audio is not liable if the tube fails, and will not honor any warranty in such a situation.

Upscale Audio is not liable for any damage or injury caused by the improper use of its tubes or the use of an incorrect/incompatible tube type. If you are unsure of what tube or tubes your equipment uses, consult the manufacturer before making a purchase. Using an incompatible tube type may cause severe damage to your equipment and will void your tube's warranty.


vacuum tube returns for refund:

Vacuum tubes are electronic parts and are not refundable under any circumstances.

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