Anyone try a JAN GE 12AY7 (6072A) as V1 in 5e3x2?

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3/12/2005 2:14 PM
Erwin	Anyone try a JAN GE 12AY7 (6072A) as V1 in 5e3x2? Subject pretty much says it all. I got my JJ 6V6s and am happy with them. Nice tubes. I'd borrowed a Telefunken 12AT7 from my other amp to use in V1 on the 5e3x2 and liked it. So, carrying things one step farther, I want to try a NOS JAN GE 12AY7. Before I buy one, what can I expect?     Thanks,   Erwin

 

3/18/2005 10:09 AM

Thorny

I have tried the RCA, GE, and EH 12AY7. There are slight differences in different years, so I can only comment on the ones I have. These are my subjective opinions too. Others are free to chime in and disagree if they want to.     RCA - my favorite so far. Not as bright as the GE, but not dull either. A very pleasing and fuller sounding midrange. Harder to find than the GE. I have several because I broke down and showed them the money. I hope it is not my wallet affecting my ear, because it is the most expensive too.     GE - Brighter than the RCA, and almost as nice midrange. I think it sounds a bit "thinner" than the RCA, probably because it is bright. It is not harsh though. Just like a bit more "presence." Still a very good tube, and my second favorite. It is also more available than the RCAs.     EH - I am thankful that we have a current choice. It has good strong output and will likely be reliable, but does not sound as lively as the NOS to me - although probably a bit louder. Not as bright as the GE, and not as pleasing as the RCA.     Tunsol - bought two JAN but have not tried yet or even opened them up.     Chinese - want to try, but have not bought any yet. I only know of one place that sells them, but I have not placed an order from them for a while. It is reasonably enough priced that I should try some.

 

3/18/2005 6:44 PM
Dale	I have a GE in mine now and just bouth a EH. I am interested in seeing what happens as well! Thanks for the info!     Dale

 

3/18/2005 6:48 PM
Dale	Mine is a traditional 5E3 so that is why I did not comment on the tone.

 

3/20/2005 6:30 AM

Erwin

Well I put the GE 12AY7 in V1 and am impressed. So far I've had the following:     1. OEM Chinese 12AX7, Bright, strong upper end.     2. Telefunken 12AT7, Smooth, sweet, well balanced refined tone.     3. JJ ECC83s, Strong, full, very nice well rounded.     4. NOS GE 12AY7, Wow, very musical, smokey blues tiones from the P90 Les Paul. Made me do a double take, "was that me?"     I have a Telefunken ECC 83 and Fender (GE) 7025 I want to try too. This 5e3x2 circuit is so responsive to tube changes.     Btw, I'm using a quad of JJ 6V6GTs and a Weber WY3GT CC. I have a WR4 CC too. Lovin' the WY3GT for now.     Erwin

 

3/21/2005 8:43 PM
Thorny	I tried the tungsol and it looked and sounded suspiciously like the RCA. It actually had the JAN 6072 label - but looke just like the RCA but had a slightly different getter. Sounds like the RCA to me - both sound GREAT.     Anyone try the Chinese 12AY7? Ruby sells them.

 

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