Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I replaced the 12AX7EH preamp tubes in my old Fender Bassman 50 with Tung Sol 12AX7s. It was well worth it, as the definition is certainly improved.

They have improved the sound of the 12AX7EH with the new Tung-Sol. The grid is gold plated and they tried to duplicate the electrical performance of the original. I have had good luck with them as well.

I talked to a local tube amp repair guy yesterday and he thinks that they are the same exact tube as the 12ax7EH, but of course he hasn't got one to compare. I think I might get one to show him the difference.

I hear now that the new Vox AC30CC's have had their 12AX7 tubes replaced with Tung Sol from the factory due to the high burn out as soon as you got it factor.

Greg: I know nothing about what goes on behind the scenes with the 12AX7EH and the 12AX7 Tung Sol tubes. I can say there is a difference in sound between these two types. Or is it, perhaps, the placebo effect?

The new Tung-Sols are built in the Reflektor factory in Russia, just like the EHs. Whether there is any noticeable difference in construction, I don't know. Reviews seem to indicate there is definitely an improvement in sound--"opened up" seems to characterize the TSs sound.

Peter, could the difference you notice be due to the fact that you replaced old tubes with new?

Good question Paul. I replaced almost new EHs with new Tung Sol 12AX7s.

According to JC Morrison at New Sensor, the new Tung Sol has a gold plated grid, the exact grid geometry of the original Tung Sol and very similar electrical characteristics.

The big difference, other than appearance from the genuine Tung Sol, is that the cathode coating and plate material are the same as they use on all Sovtek tubes. They do not sound like real Tung Sol 12AX7s from the 1950s.

To make an exact replica, using reagent grade ultra-pure cathode coating chemicals and using the exact metallurgy of the original Tung Sol, the tube would cost over $100. Very few people would buy it. I do give New Sensor Kudos for coming out with a huge variety of tubes for almost everyone. I kept pestering them for a reissue of the 7591A, which they finally did a few years ago.

Charlie: Thanks for this information. I am very pleased with the sound of the new Tung Sol 12AX7. Is it worthwhile scouting out the availability of NOS Tung Sol 12AX7's or, for all practical purposes, are they nonexistant?

I've seen a couple used old Tung Sols in my travels Peter, but never seen a NOS one. They stopped making tubes before many of the other good old tube manufactureres, so their stuff is often harder to find nowadays.

On a side note, here is a link that has some news that may spell some trouble for New Sensor and any tubes they make, included the new Tung-Sols.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/12/08/001.html

Greg,

I followed the link you provided. What a story. Sounds like extortion to me! Better stock up on tubes lads!

Let's hope this matter gets resolved. With 840 jobs on the line it would be a shame if it went down the tubes.

Peter, your sense of humor astounds me frequently. Perhaps you need a better outlet valve to vent.

oh-oh...

I saw the letter to Mike Matthews from a corrupt real estate agent in Russia. They are going to shut the power off to the factory Jan 1 , 2006. They want him to sell them the whole factory for $400K. He wants $17.5 million plus 5 years to make all the tubes he can possibly make.

It does not look good, but who knows, Mike Matthews does have some connections and cash----