Tung-Sol 12AX7

[dr.barlo]

Re: Tung-Sol 12AX7

Maybe it was my bad luck... I dunno...

But I had issues 3 microphonic TS 12AX7 tubes in the last 2 years! It was not a complete disaster, still am using them in my Mesa Studio Pre. But in heads, the vibrations were creating all sorts of weird sounds.

And I vaguely remember that somehow TS12AX7 in v2's or v3's of Plexis are cooked... I really don't remember the source, but I think it was the Metro Forum...

Otherwise, they are also my favorite new production tubes along with JJ's EC803S'.

B

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Tung-Sol 12AX7

No, mine has the clips that hold the base. It came with Sovtek tubes, but they're the ones with the "coin" style base, so the clips really don't do much.

Do the mediums have much clean headroom, or do they break up quickly, would you say?

When I had them in my Mesa they seemed to have pretty good headroom, in my HRD they breakup with the clean channel volume around 10-11 o'clock, but at that point it's already crazy loud and it's a very nice smooth late 60s early 70s type distortion that cleans up with a light pick attack or slightly rolling off the guitar volume.

Also checkout www.tubedepot.com
They have some good compatisons between the brands, and when you get a matched set they'll print the specs on a label on the box so if you like them and want more you can order mew ones with the same specs. They also offer 24hr burn in, and lots of options on preamp tubes.
I've also heard good things about www.thetubestore.com

 

[thebowl]

Re: Tung-Sol 12AX7

I think they are among the best of the new production tubes, and I have rolled quite a few different ones. Very clear; relatively bright.

I use one in my Peavey C30 and my Laney Cub 10. Major improvements. Too bright for my Marshall DSL40C, however. Would be fine in my 65 PRRI, except I have a vintage RCA in the Princeton, and it ain't coming out.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Tung-Sol 12AX7

I also agree with what was said earlier about low/high headroom amps, except I would say they're great in a higher wattage and/or headroom amp if you have the ability to crank the volume. Put these in a 100w Plexi and turn the volume to 1.5 in your bedroom and these tubes won't help your tone, but if you can rock that Plexi at 6-8 on the volume and you'll probably come away loving these tubes.
P.S. I am in no way affiliated with Tung-Sol or New Sensor, I just really like this product more than any of their competitors or sister brands that I've tried, JJ, GT, EH, Sovtek, Mesa, Whatever Marshall branded tubes are, Shuguang, Ruby...