Silver Audiophile Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 (edited) Hi all. Looking for advise to roll the two new Genalex tubes (factory installed) for my Aqua La Scala DAC. It uses a pair of 12AT7 in the output analog stage. Millions of options out there. I love a warm analog sound, with detail, low noise floor, wide and deep soundstage, thick rich mids, generous tight bass, and a sweet airy top (not rolled off), with no shrill. Don't mind a forward presentation, and impact. Dark and recessed sounds, lay back, not to my taste. I know from initial experience, NOS tubes sound amazing compared with the Russian made Genalex. For instance the NOS Raytheons in my Pre amp replaces the 12AU7s in it. Vast improvement in every way. Edited May 4, 2021 by Silver Audiophile 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlr8or Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 Thanks for sharing the details of the tonal characteristics you're after in the tube. What's your budget range for the pair? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Audiophile Posted May 4, 2021 Author Share Posted May 4, 2021 All options open mate.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlr8or Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 These are one of my top 5 choices but the asking price is 5 times what they should be. It may also explain why they have been listed on fleabay for the last 2 years. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RARE-Mullard-Mitcham-ecc81-12at7-pair-tubes-welded-plates-square-getter-gec-/182573135776 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mendes Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 4 minutes ago, xlr8or said: These are one of my top 5 choices but the asking price is 5 times what they should be. It may also explain why they have been listed on fleabay for the last 2 years. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RARE-Mullard-Mitcham-ecc81-12at7-pair-tubes-welded-plates-square-getter-gec-/182573135776 Tell them there’re dreaming 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlr8or Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 (edited) More affordable ones available here: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ECC81-Mullard-Made-in-Blackburn-in-1955-Matched-pair-Fully-AVO-tested-/114786472375 Edit: These are also good: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-NOS-NIB-Ken-Rad-JAN-CKR-12AT7-6201-ECC81-Old-Vintage-Ham-Radio-Tube-Tested-/114541063622 Edited May 4, 2021 by xlr8or 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gryffles Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 (edited) 20 minutes ago, Mendes said: Tell them there’re dreaming @xlr8or More importantly do not buy anything from that seller. Trust me. Im not the only SNA member burned by him Edited May 4, 2021 by Gryffles 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlr8or Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 8 minutes ago, Gryffles said: @xlr8or More importantly do not buy anything from that seller. Trust me. Im not the only SNA member burned by him If anyone would like any guidance on purchasing from eBay sellers online I am more than happy to provide my 2 cents worth offline. Like @Gryffles has shared the seller above for the Mitcham tubes is way overpriced and yes I am aware he also sells dead tubes as NOS. I have my own list of these sellers that is 14 years old and still growing. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Audiophile Posted May 4, 2021 Author Share Posted May 4, 2021 Thanks, guys. Will look into these links. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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