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NOS
Mar 14, 2011 10:21:32 GMT -5
Post by chptunes on Mar 14, 2011 10:21:32 GMT -5
I know there's various views on NOS (New Old Stock) tubes/valves, even amongst 'experts'. I've read lots of pros and cons. I have bought and used lots of NOS tubes during the past few years.. and I like them! Yesterday, I spent an hour or two with my Carmen Ghia and a handful of NOS preamp tubes. The NOS 5751 is my personal favorite preamp tube. The 5751 is a robust 12AX7.. with a Gain Factor of 70%, compared to 100% for a typical AX7. Based on my reading and research, the old 5751 was manufactured and tested to a high standards in the 1950's and 60's. I use it in the V1 (Input) and V2 (Phase Inverter) slots of my Ghia. I have a 60's NOS Mullard 12AU7 that was labeled for "Realistic". It's warm and cozy in V1.. clean, dynamic.. the volume drop is considerable. It could be awesome for recording some sweet clean tones. I also enjoyed a 60's GE Longplate 12AX7 in V1 yesterday. Compared to the 12AU7's 20% Gain Factor and the 5751's 70%, the Longplate was nice and gainy. The attack was sharper and bright.. louder on the volume dial, and dirtier too. For tonal variety and adjustment, V1 is the place to start. Big changes can be had by just rollin' V1 in your favorite amp.
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NOS
Mar 18, 2011 22:08:38 GMT -5
Post by mikethebike500 on Mar 18, 2011 22:08:38 GMT -5
I cant really say that I've dabbled too much into the NOS tubes..bought one or two of something very specific, cause it wasn't in current production. I have done alittle swapping of the V1 position from different current production brands, and power tubes also, to see if I prefer one over the other............
probably best i dont get bit by the NOS bug, because I already have enough expensive hobbies;)
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NOS
Mar 19, 2011 7:07:19 GMT -5
Post by chptunes on Mar 19, 2011 7:07:19 GMT -5
I cant really say that I've dabbled too much into the NOS tubes..bought one or two of something very specific, cause it wasn't in current production. I have done alittle swapping of the V1 position from different current production brands, and power tubes also, to see if I prefer one over the other............ probably best i dont get bit by the NOS bug, because I already have enough expensive hobbies;) ;D
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scotty
Junior Member
Posts: 136
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NOS
Mar 21, 2011 4:12:13 GMT -5
Post by scotty on Mar 21, 2011 4:12:13 GMT -5
I like NOS preamp tubes. Can't get myself to spend that kind of money on power tubes. If you are going to use 5751s as a PI tube NOS is a must. As Corey said the 5751 is robust and has less gain than a 12ax7 but it really shines as a PI tube because it is balanced. Compared to this modern 5751s are basically 12ax7s that didn't meet specs and were re-branded.
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scotty
Junior Member
Posts: 136
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NOS
Mar 21, 2011 4:15:36 GMT -5
Post by scotty on Mar 21, 2011 4:15:36 GMT -5
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NOS
Jun 1, 2012 22:05:40 GMT -5
Post by sabernub517 on Jun 1, 2012 22:05:40 GMT -5
I am far from an expert. I have been playing with this stuff for just a few years. I have been doing some reading, Dave Hunter's book, All four of Gerald Webers books. Some thing to keep in mind The Highest quality tube in your PI. so it can feed your power tubes a good strong split signal. Also the 12au7 would have a softer sound in V1, I really wouldn't try it in the PI. Just my two cents worth.
Only had one NOS tube. It was a 5V4, I read somewhere that the best champ the guy ever heard. He put a 5V4 in it, and tried a bunch of power tubes. Well long story, short. Put it in the amp. Powered it up, no sound. No glow from the rectifier tube. The only thing I can think is, the package got dropped in shipment.
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