Tried the new GT 12AX7 Mullard copies over the weekend

Kelsey · May 10th, 2004, 01:44 PM

I put a pair of the new Groove Tubes 12AX7M Mullard copies in my Orange AD1512 over the weekend. I haven't used real Mullards before, so I can't comment on how the GT's compare to the real thing. I can only compare them to the Chinese Golden Dragon 12AX7's that came stock in the AD15. To my ears, the GT's have a richer midrange with better detail, and a smoother, slightly darker sound than the stock tubes. The GT's are not as bright and seem to have less tendency to sound harsh compared to stock. The GT's also seem to have significantly lower gain than the stock tubes. I had to increase the preamp gain control on the AD15 by one notch with the GT's to match the stock gain.

Overall, I like them -- very smooth and professional sounding -- but they aren't exactly cheap at $19 or so apiece. I think they are worth trying for a relatively inexpensive and subtle improvement in tone.

May 10th, 2004, 01:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kelsey Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 716	Tried the new GT 12AX7 Mullard copies over the weekend I put a pair of the new Groove Tubes 12AX7M Mullard copies in my Orange AD1512 over the weekend. I haven't used real Mullards before, so I can't comment on how the GT's compare to the real thing. I can only compare them to the Chinese Golden Dragon 12AX7's that came stock in the AD15. To my ears, the GT's have a richer midrange with better detail, and a smoother, slightly darker sound than the stock tubes. The GT's are not as bright and seem to have less tendency to sound harsh compared to stock. The GT's also seem to have significantly lower gain than the stock tubes. I had to increase the preamp gain control on the AD15 by one notch with the GT's to match the stock gain. Overall, I like them -- very smooth and professional sounding -- but they aren't exactly cheap at $19 or so apiece. I think they are worth trying for a relatively inexpensive and subtle improvement in tone.