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The older (1950s) long plate Mullard tubes (both 12ax7 and 12au7) are just about the best sounding examples of both tube types. Excellent dynamics, good tonal balance from top to bottom and a nice warm mid-range that's wonderful with vocals. Everything sounds fuller and more natural. I don't know what changed after the 50s, but the "newer" long plate halo getters of the 1960s just miss out on the quite the same level of dynamics and smoothness (though they are still very good tubes). These old long plate square getters are very pricey and finding a good quiet tube (the long plates are more prone to microphonics) requires deep pockets, but personally, they tick all the right boxes for me. One proviso, if your system is already warm sounding, these tubes may make it too warm. They work best in combination with other tube types that might be a bit on the bright side, or in a tube preamp or phono preamp that's feeding a solid state amp.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes
I'm not a tube expert, but I know what I was looking for in terms of my amp's performance. I bought a used Blackstar Series One 6L6. It seem to lack some punch and was a bit muddy. I decided to take a chance and see if putting new tubes in the preamp would help. From what I read, the phase inverter tube was also a critical part of the sound, so I did this tube as well was 4 new Tung Sol 12AX7 tubes. I can't say that this tube made the difference, but the combination of all 5 tubes made a noticeable difference. I had to turn down the presence a little because the overall tone got brighter and richer. It was a good choice and I'm happy with this tube and the others that I purchased.
Verified purchase: Yes
I bought this as an upgrade tube for my bravo v2 headphone amp. Immediately after installing it I noticed improved clarity, bass and general quality in the music compared to the stock chinese tube. At $20 a pop these aren't that cheap but considering the quality these are tough to beat.
Verified purchase: Yes
We all have our favorite brands and Mullard is my tube of choice. Higher quality than JJ's or EH. About the same level as Tung Sol. My opinion. Good tubes. What I really like is the 12AX7s put out very little light or heat. You have to look closely to see if they are even on. To me this is a plus...less heat equals longer life. Thanks.
Verified purchase: Yes
Mullards, these were the first tubes that got me on the rollin train. The sound no matter what type plate is always good to even excellent, the long plates i have total 8 are characterised with the highs a bit rolled off , and that fantastic dark midrange which makes you forget the flaws and keeps you spellbound. not forgetting a slight muddiness but yet sweet bass that goes with it, This tube comes from the famed BLACKBURN PLANT in England, this is where the magic comes from. BTW i find that tube seems to overwhelm all others and matching is hard to blend others in.
Verified purchase: No
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