TELEFUNKEN 12AX7 TUBES: The next best thing?

[Ian]

Since I've been coming to this board I have read alot on how the Telefunken 12AX7 is the tube to have. Unfortunately I can't seem to justify a huge cash outlay considering that the integrated I have (Pacemaker) cost $15 used 26 years ago. What I'm wondering, with all the 12AX7 tubes (old and new) out there, is there a less expensive version that is at least somewhat close soundwise. I know there isn't an exact replica (yet) but something that has a fraction of the Mojo.

Thanks

[Sckott]

How about some NOS Sylvanias with the black plates? I've heard those sound really good...

I agree; the Telefunkens with the diamonds on em as 12AX7's are really expensive!

[Steve Hoffman]

No. Not really. Only Teles sound like Teles.

I just looked on EBay. Here are some for $25.00 each:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2529104318&category=38074

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3024196875&category=3284

And a bunch more on this page:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay. com%2Fws%2F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=telefunken+12AX7+

[Ian]

alot of those look like pretty good deals. I do have yet another question. Is there a sonic difference between Ribbed plate and smooth plate?

Thanks for the links.

[Steve Hoffman]

I don't hear any difference. The ribbed plates are earlier. Smooth plates go for more, but I've never been able to detect a sonic change. As long as there is a diamond on the bottom, it's a true Telefunken and will sound like it.

[Ronflugelguy]

The Mullards aren't too bad, are they? Yet not as good as teles. You can get them cheaper. But, now that i have my teles, I think I'll keep em!;)

[Henry Love]

I just put two Telefunken 12AX7's in my Fisher 400 right behind the radio dial.The rest of the 12AX7's are Sylvanias, Electroharmonix and Realistic.I know I'm imagining it but this is the best my Help CD ever sounded.

[aashton]

Ian

Go to this site http://www.watfordvalves.com/mainindex.htm and click on Test Reports and it will give you their view of different 12AX7 types.

All the best - Andrew

[Ian]

Andrew

Very facsinating read. Ty for the link.

[millerdog]

Don't know if this helps but didn't EI take over the Tele plants? Ei tubes may get you close. I have only heard Tele AX7 smooth plates, but I can say compared to RCA etc...they are more dynamic and crisp. IMO, everything tightened up a bit. Another thing you may try are the RCA Command 5751s or the GE 5 star triple micas...I had those in my Fisher too.
Stay away from the NOS green label Sylvies...to me the bass sounded bloated and washed.
But I have heard good things about the gold pin gold label Sylvies.
Tube rolling can drive you nuts!:rolleyes:

[Ronflugelguy]

The ones that were made for other compnies, Fisher, Dynaco, etc. are much cheaper on ebay. Just be sure they have a diamond on the bottom, they are real Teles. I just got four more and had them tested yesterday, and was told they were stellar. Paid $90 for four incl. shipping. They guy who tested them said he would charge $75 each for them!!!!!!!!Gotta get stocked up for when I get my preamp!!!!!!!

[petzi]

Many of the tube production machines and tools of Telefunken went to the Eastern bloc when tube production became unprofitable in the Western world. Some were scrapped. Some vintage Tesla tubes are just like Telefunken. Tesla got those machines, I am not sure about EI. The Tesla tube production company is now called JJ Electronics and they produce a ECC83S tube which is very good. Note the S. This tube is the equivalent to 12AX7.

[Steve Hoffman]

Well, folks, when I retire, if I give my equipment to another mastering engineer will his work sound like mine? Probably not.

Get a real Telefunken. Slightly used versions are not much and can last for years and years....

[petzi]

The regular version can be obtained for reasonable money, but there was an upgraded version ECC803S, which is sold for several hundred bucks each on eBay. One of the most wanted tubes. Another much wanted tube is the VF14, which is needed for the Neumann U-47 microphone, and has become very scarce.