That’s a problem of the tubes multiple references:
CV2492, 6922, E88CC, ECC88, E188CC
Worse, under the same reference Mullard 7L1 made in the same factory, made in Mitcham, have slightly different structures and one is labelled… BRIMAR.
Of course, there are Philips manuactured branded Valvo,
Hi @Gary_M
For BHK Preamp, I have moved to Gold Lion Genalex 12AU7 and never looked back. The current pair have done 1800 hours, and still sound magnificent. I tested a new pair, and returned the used ones in a few hours as they sounded the same. I buy matched pairs from Viva Tube.
Hi @brett66
sorry for this late post from yours… I would like to better understand which numbers must be taken in consideration when looking at matched pair (quad) tubes. I had several orders from Viva Tube and Tube Amp Doctor (German based) and I can see 2 different numbers on each box tube.
I’m wondering also to other members… if anyone can help me…
which tolerances are generally accepted for the BHK Preamp (where I suppose they are much more important) and for the M1200s.
Thank you.
What version of Psvane 12au7’s is PS Audio shipping when you order replacement tubes?
In my BHK Preamp and M1200s, I bought new from PS Audio early last year 2021, there already were stock the new model art series with “S” letter on them.
I bought a pair of these for my custom built preamp, they are wonderful extracting more detail and clarity and are head and sholders better than the standerd Psvane valves I previously used. They are still in the running in phase and getting better all the time.
The PSvanes Art Series are nice sounding tubes. They are the current issue tubes from PSA for the BHK preamp. Gold Lion 12AU7’s are slightly better IMO.
In my BHK pre and setup I actually prefer the PSvanes over the Gold Lions. But both tubes are excellent…
Thanks @straightwire and @eral63 for posting your findings. I was hoping to remain content with all the Gold Lions I grabbed during the pandemic. However, like most thing in this hobby, it sounds like I should grab a pair of the PSvanes to compare in my system and decide for myself.
Hi, And what about the low frecuencies cause I still have the stock tubes and i loved how the bass sounds. Thanks!!
I have the stock tubes PSvanes in my ps audio bhk, so you think the gold lion will sound better in all frecuencies?
I have the stock tubes PSvanes in my ps audio bhk, so you think the gold lion will sound better in all frecuencies?
Hi,
Bass sounds tighter, better defined and coherent. I never looked back.
Yes, and as a result, the positions of musicians become clearer.
It’s been a while since I swapped to the Gold Lions, so I don’t recall specifically what I liked better than the stock tubes. I mainly remember listening after breaking them in and enjoying the sound so much that I decided to buy a few more pairs.
Has anyone had issues with noisy, new Gold Lion 12AU7’s? I recently replaced my original set of Gold Lions when the BHK volume ticks became noticeably loud in the right channel. I put in a new set and ran them in for 100 hrs. The left channel has a hiss much louder than the right channel. I usually have to be close to the speaker to hear it, but this left channel hiss is audible from the listening position.
My first set of GL 12au7 lasted 5000 hours before I replaced them. There was no issue but the sound was fading. My second set has had 1000 hrs and they are problem free. I like them better when pairing with Telefunken NOS in M1200.
I liked PSVANE 12au7 with the same tubes in M1200. But the GL/Telef. combination gives a better overall sound.
Yes, one tube about two years ago. I don’t recall the type of noise, may have been hiss or swirling sounds, but it only had 80 hours on it. The pair that replaced that bad one and it’s mate now have about 7000 hours and no issue. Time to replace!