Review – JAN-GE 5751
While the JAN-GE 5751 is not really a 12AX7, it shares the same pin-out arrangement and is designed for less gain in favor of lower noise and microphonics. It worked well in both test amps…
Review – Sovtek 12AX7-LPS
The Sovtek 12AX7-LPS an entirely new design from Sovtek and a great step up in sound quality. They have very large ribbed plates and great sound reproduction. I found them very smooth and well balanced in…
Review – Sovtek 12AX7-WA, 12AX7-WB
I’ve grouped the Sovtek 12AX7-WA and Sovtek 12AX7-WB together because they have essentially the same sound. The only noticeable difference between the two was a bit more gain from the WB model. These tubes are…
Review – Electro-Harmonix 12AX7
These Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 are not relabelled Sovtek 12AX7-LPS tubes. There is a marked difference in construction and performance. The 12AX7 EH has a nice balanced sound, fairly low noise floor and excellent performance in terms…
Review – Tung-Sol 12AX7
There are only so many ways to describe tube tone and most have become cliches. The Tung-Sol 12AX7 has the gain and drive of a Chinese 12AX7 and the pure tone of a Mullard or…
Tube vs Solid-State – Why Do Tubes Sound Better?
AMPLIFICATION: TUBE OR SOLID-STATE? There is no shortage of opinion about the answer to this question. Most people do not really care; they just want to hear music as they go about their business, and…
Review – Preferred Series EL34 Tube
In a market that has a lot of options for the EL34 power tube, this tube could be a stand out. The tube design is classic EL34, with the tall grey plate you would expect.…
Review – TAD 6L6GC-STR Tube
Very close tonally to the JJ 6L6GC tube with a bit more going on and easily justifying the extra cost. These are labeled as an STR tube. STR standing for Special Tube Request. When a…
Review – Sovtek 6L6WXT+ Tube
Guitar-cable-amplifier. If this describes the rig you use, then the Sovtek 6L6WXT+ is one of two modern vacuum tubes you should consider. This is not a repackaged 5881. Extremely low noise and a lack of microphonics…
Review – Sovtek 5881WXT Tube
Solid construction and good performance. While not outstanding, the Sovtek 5881WXT vacuum tube is probably the most commonly used tube of its type. Many amp manufacturers have been using these reliable workhorses as original equipment…
