Can you substitute 12AU7 for 12AX7?

The 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AU7 all belong to the same family of nine contact, twin triode tubes. In many cases, these tubes are interchangeable and can easily be swapped.

Are 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes interchangeable?

Are 12AX7 and 12AU7 Interchangeable? Important: Always check your amps circuit/manual before swapping out a component to avoid damaging your amp. Technically, yes, you can physically interchange a 12AX7 tube for a 12AU7 tube in your amp without risk of major damage to your amp.

What is the difference between a 12AU7 and 12AU7A?

The only difference between the 12AU7 and the 12AU7A is the “A” version can be used in series string filament circuits due to it’s controlled warm-up cathode. Otherwise, there is no difference. Both of these are “milspec” versions of the 12AU7.

How long do 12AU7 tubes last?

between 5,000 and 10,000 hours
Tube Life. Small signal tubes like 12AX7 and 12AU7 typically last between 5,000 and 10,000 hours. You don’t need a tube tester to determine if your tubes need replacing. Simply plug in a new pair and let them settle in for at least 100 hours.

What tubes can replace 12AX7?

Knowledge is power, and knowing an unusual substitute may be a true joy.

  • Small Signal Tubes:
  • 12AX7. Substitutes: ECC83, 12AX7A, 12AX7WA, 7025, 5761,6057,6681,7494,7729, 7025#, ECC83#, 6L13, 12DF7, 12DT7, 5751, 7025A, B339, B759, CV4004, E83CC, ECC803, M8137.
  • 12AU7.
  • 12AT7.
  • 6DJ8.
  • Rectifier Tube:
  • 5AR4.
  • Other Dual Triode Tubes:

Which 12AX7 sounds best?

The best current production 12AX7 tubes for metal are: JJ ECC83S: If you like a darker rhythm sound, this tube can be great for that. They are more warm than bright and pretty aggressive. JJ ECC803S: This version that JJ has released is a more balanced sound.

What tubes are compatible with 12AX7?

You can interchange a 12AX7 with 12AT7, 12AU7, 12AY7 or 5751 as they are all the same pin structure, however they will each give you a different result in your amp. Each of these tubes has a different gain factor, which means some will give higher gain and others lower gain.

Do preamp tubes affect tone?

More to the point here, though, is the fact that the gain of the first preamp tube—often referred to as a “gain stage”—very directly impacts the tone that you achieve from the amp as a whole.

How long do 12AX7 tubes last?

about 10,000 hours
Small signal tubes like a 12AX7 or 6922 will work well on average for about 10,000 hours. If you leave your equipment on 24 hours a day, well you do the math: There are 8,760 hours in a year.

What can you substitute for 12AX7?

What are the best 12AU7 tubes?

The RCA military 6189 is gold lettered 12AU7WA, has black-plates, and extra support rods. These are excellent step up tubes in the 12AU7 family, when you can find them! Look for super rare triple mica versions from Mazda, Siemens, and Mullard, some with silver plates. Among the best 12AU7 tubes ever made.

What is the difference between 12 au7 and 12AU7 triode?

The only difference is the pins that correspond to the grid and plate of each triode are reversed from the 12AU7 connections, so you will either need to rewire your sockets to take this tube, or consult with the manufacturer of your unit to see if this tube can be used as a sub for the 12AU7.

Is the GE jg-12au7wa low microphonic?

Sometimes the vintage GE versions may be labelled JG-12AU7WA in white and have 5814 etched into the glass. These are all low microphonic thanks to their rigid mica supports.

What is a 12au7wa?

Mil-spec version of the 12au7 made for US military – also sometimes seen as the 12au7WA. Commonly seen made by Sylvania, Hytron, Phillips, GE, and RCA less commonly found in GE 5-star and RCA Command broadcast series tubes.