Tweed DLX 12ay7/6072 questions

[G-log]

Okay, I posted this question on another forum but didn't get a lot of feedback. I am looking to replace the microphonic EH 12ay7 in my 5E3. I have all Nos in there except the 12ay7 so I am looking for an affordable replacement. What are your fave NOS replacements for this tube? GE, RCA ,JAN models? Wattya think? Best bang for the buck?

[musicmatty]

Personally, I like EH and especially Groove Tubes.

[G-log]

Thanks Matty. I tried a Groove tube one for the first try but it was defective and I traded it for the EH ,I have not tried any NOS(old) tubes in V1 position and am curious to try some there just to see.....

[telex76]

I've got a JAN 12AY7 in mine, sounds really good.
I just got some strong tested RCAs but I haven't got around to trying them in my Deluxe yet.

[TDPRI]

Yeah, I was going to suggest a JAN 12AY7, too. That's what I use. I think you can get them for around $35 to $40.

But there are GE, Tung Sol, and others out there for double that money.

A 6072 is the same tube, but maybe a higher spec for audio use. Like the 7025 is to the 12AX7. But I'm not sure.

[musicmatty]

Originally Posted by TDPRI

Yeah, I was going to suggest a JAN 12AY7, too. That's what I use. I think you can get them for around $35 to $40.
But there are GE, Tung Sol, and others out there for double that money.

A 6072 is the same tube, but maybe a higher spec for audio use. Like the 7025 is to the 12AX7. But I'm not sure.

OUCH Just purchased a new 12ay7 Groove today for $18.US dollars. The Grooves are really sounding cool these days...but I'm sure that's subjective to each player

[EdMax]

If you can grab a GE 12AY7 or 6072 5 star you will never regret it. Extra Mica spacers, super low noise and durable.

I have tossed out more EH's this past 2 years than ever before, sad because at one time they were fairly decent tubes,

Pricey, but well worth not having to throw out EH's every few months.

http://www.kcanostubes.com/content/n...es-triple-mica


No affiliation

[uriah1]

Yea, extra mica (3) great endurance/duration... I have a couple sylvania
like that...stout square getters too..

[Minivan Megafun]

Aren't Groove Tubes preamp tubes just relabeled Sovteks? All the ones I've had are.

[G-log]

Thanks guys . i think triple mica is the ticket for me this time out. I spent so much time bilding the amp ,I think it deserves a good V1 tube. I have RCA 6v6 Blackplates for power and a selection of good 12ax7s,just haven't come by any 12ay7s yet.

[BiggerJohn]

I have a GE 5 star 6072A in my tweed. It's dead quiet and has a real tubey tone. If it dies I have some spare RCA 12AY7s, and I think a Philips as well.

Yeah, Boob Toobz are a bunch of hyperbole and are just Sovteks or JJ or Chinese. I would not waste my money on them.

[musicmatty]

Originally Posted by Minivan Megafun

Aren't Groove Tubes preamp tubes just relabeled Sovteks? All the ones I've had are.

I think so but fortunately, I've had excellent luck with the groove tubes and Electro Harmonix.

[telex76]

I had EH in mine for years. Never had any problems but I wasn't crazy about the sound until I went with all NOS with the JAN 12AY7.

[BiggerJohn]

Originally Posted by musicmatty

I think so but fortunately, I've had excellent luck with the groove tubes and Electro Harmonix.

Boob Toobz are just re-labeled Sovteks, Chinese and JJs. Same exact tubes you can buy from others but at twice the price. GT is owned by Fender now, I hear they are cutting corners. IMO, not worth the price premium.

[JKjr]

I like the GE in my Lil Dawg. The RCA's are a bit smoother and creamier but the sparkle from the GE is the ticket for me. I got the amp cheap from a guy who "couldn't bond with it". Next time he heard it he asked me what mods I had done to make it sound right.

[BluesOwl]

had good luck with vintage tung-sol

Bedroom amp tip: those 12AY7 tweeds (IMHO) turn into an awesome bed room amp if you use a 12AU7 in V1 (if you ever have that need)
they're quieter, but still get rock'n'roll break up when you crank the knob

[jkrischan]

I've got RCA in mine and it sounds great, can be a little spendy though

['56Teleman]

Here, NOS and just $40. The average life span can be several times what a new production tube costs and they usually sound better.

For less than the price of the pedals people buy.

http://www.kcanostubes.com/content/nos-jan-ge-12ay7

Also, Mike is very tight on the specs of the tubes he is willing to sell. There are some tubes he has stopped carrying because what the supplier thought was acceptable wasn't good enough for him.

He also ships very fast.

[Phil_tre]

This:

Phil.

[fezz parka]

I use Joint Army-Navy GE's as well.