Chinese 12AX7

[LooseCannon]

Ok so I read great things about these Shuguangs for high gain, but I have a few questions.
What's the difference between 7th\8th\9th gen ones? And which are the ones at thetubestore.com?
What's the thing with the different rating\plate voltages for the same tube? Should I specify that when ordering?
Is there another cheap online store but in Europe?

Thanks.

 

[LooseCannon]

Re: Chinese 12AX7

Anyone?

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Chinese 12AX7

I have used 8th and 9th generation chinese tubes. The 9th are smoother and may have more gain.

It is difficult to tell the generations apart as they are usually unmarked. I would buy from a reputable dealer to ensure their origin.

 

[Bezmotivnik]

Re: Chinese 12AX7

It is difficult to tell the generations apart as they are usually unmarked.

Yes, I was looking at a whole bunch of them tonight: GT, OEM Ampeg, etc. They all look 100% identical to me. I don't know if that means that they are all the same vintage or what. I'd like to see a page on this sometime with images compared.

 

[greendy123]

Re: Chinese 12AX7

http://www.dougstubes.com/12ax7.htm
Here's some descriptions on them.

 

[Duke of Metal]

Re: Chinese 12AX7

No tone difference between the 8th and 9th gens chinese 12ax7s. Both are pretty highgain and excellent sounding.

Like any other tube.. they sound great in certain amps but may not sound good in others.

The only differences between the 2 is the inside design. Doesnt affect the tone, microphonics or gain.

I am sure if i understand what you mean by ratings.. but I am guessing you mean gain rating? If so, then with that.. you have the dealer hand pick and test a certain patch of tubes for a certain gain rating on each tube.

I order all my tubes from Doug @ www.dougstubes.com and any 12ax7 I use in a preamp for distortion, I ordered them rated at 110mu+ per side if possible.. if not doable around that range, then anything in the high ratings will do.

the chinese 12ax7s are pretty highgain to start with. I use 3 in my preamp that are highgain rated at 105mu per side, 100mu, 90mu and I dont find my tone lacking gain at all.

hope that helps!


Cheers