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Mullard 12AX7

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Price:
$24.95
Rating:
( 7 product reviews )
Quantity:

 


Product Description

Mullard 12AX7 / ECC83 - Price of NOS 12AX7s got you down? This new re-issue of the famous Mullard 12AX7 made in Russia is the answer to your woes! Very low noise and microphony make this tube an excellent candidate for many touchy preamps and phonostage applications. Has a smoother midrange similar to NOS Mullards (though not quite the same). Some folks have reported them to be a smidge relaxed on top. If you want something with a little more lively presentation, try the new production Tung-Sol 12AX7.

A quick note on this tube: The filaments on these tubes are almost completely encased in the plate structure. So if you don't see them glowing as bright as some of your other 12AX7s... don't sweat it. It's normal for this tube.

This tube tested extremely low in noise and microphonics across the board, so we do not have any Driver Grade.

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. Can't believe how good these sound!

    Posted by Denny

    Over the past few months I have been auditioning current stock 12AX7's for my SixPacs. The Mullards were last on my list, but they are the keepers.

    Smooth and natural. Sets the soundstage back the way I like it. Excellent detail, timbre,
    especially on piano and vocals. Unexpected fullness and body in the mid-bass. To my ears these are a tube I can live with and listen to for hours without fatigue. Let them burn in for at least 20 hours before you form an opinion.

  2. Good value

    Posted by Finnbogi Marinosson

    I am not a tube roller. I don´t have the means or the oppertunity. But I wanted to replace the first 4 tubes in my Rhea phonostages. And I am very pleased. More detail - less hiss - more texture and better seperation and sence of soundstages. I did go with the premium grade and had them cryogenically treated. I am very pleased.

  3. A pleasant surprise

    Posted by Pulsetsar

    I have rolled few tubes at this point in my Vincent SV-236 integrated amplifier but these Mullards (I picked up the highest grade) were really shocking in their performance improvement over the stock tubes and even vintage Amperex ones I've tried. The midrange is straight up holographic and represents easily the strongest aspect of its performance. This is not a laid back sound, but is not forward either. There is definite depth to the soundstage as well as solid, focused imaging. The tonal colors and timbres really shine with these. What a find!

  4. I seem to always come back to these tubes

    Posted by Boris

    After trying RCA black plates, EI, Tungsol reissue, Gold Lion Reissue, I always seem to come back to these tubes. They just seem to work well with all types of music. The RCA's can be very ear pleasing but tend to be picky on the type of music being played.
    The other tubes just don't have the full tone that the Mullards have.

    Just need a few more reissue 12AU7 and all will be good. Currently using the gold pin JJ 802s which seem to work well with the Mullards for now.

  5. not quite as enthusiastic

    Posted by Troy Cox

    Probably not a fair comparison, as so far in my limited experience vintage tubes (GE's and Sylvania's) have been night and day better than anything current production, but based on the reviews here I thought I'd try a pair of these in place of my current GE 12ax7 long plates. What I'd hoped for was the warm, sweet, detailed sound previous reviewers were reporting with these Mullard re-pros. What I got, at least on my system, was a smaller, curiously flattened soundstage with a sound I'd characterize as soft and dark. If you're trying to tame a very bright sound, these may be just the ticket. To be clear, the GE's are hightly regarded vintage stuff and well broken in, and these are Mullard re-pros with only arbout 10 hours total, so may not be an entirely fair comparison. I just know no tube is forever, and had hoped these would be a good replacement pair to keep in reserve--but based on listening so far, in my space on my equipment, I guess I'd better just stock up on the GE's while they are available from Uncle Kevvy.

  6. At last! a new tube worthy of being called a Mullard!

    Posted by Datman

    These are amazing. They are quiet. They are well made. And the sound! Full deep bass wiout bloat. Classic Mullard mids to die for! And the MOST beautiful highs. Clear, balanced, unforced in any way and supremely easy to listen to. Overall I rate these as being the best of the currently available 12AX7''s and better than most of the NOS 12AX7s I have owned and listened to.

  7. I can't believe my ears!

    Posted by Kevin Woodbury

    I have rolled tubes in and out of my PL dialogue one liking the different flavors of sound, BUT this new mullard reissue is a home run. Sweet smooth highs and very nice detail, air and warmth from top to bottom. The bass is tight without any bloat at all. Just a wonderful sounding tube and they are dead quiet and seem to last, these are staying in here and trust me I have plent of NOS on hands These are that good, try a pair your ears will thank you

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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