Current and NOS ECC83's - Which ones?

[The Black Adder]

Hi all.

I'm looking for a pair of ECC83's for my pre and wondered if anyone can recommend me some?

The ones I'm thinking about are the NOS Tungsram ones or some Mullards to which I've had before. But are there any current manufactured ones that are any good?

I've heard good things about the Harma Retro valves.

Anyone had any experience?

Cheers :)
Jo

[Jimbo]

Hi all.

I'm looking for a pair of ECC83's for my pre and wondered if anyone can recommend me some?

The ones I'm thinking about are the NOS Tungsram ones or some Mullards to which I've had before. But are there any current manufactured ones that are any good?

I've heard good things about the Harma Retro valves.

Anyone had any experience?

Cheers :)
Jo

Hi Jo,

I use NOS Tesla ECC83, these are the 32,s with gold pins. Superb sound quality and the best I have heard by far.

I bought a job lot so I have a couple spare if you would like a pair?

[The Black Adder]

Hi Jim... many thanks for the offer. I've sent you a PM. :)

[awkwardbydesign]

I've used these, and they sound good to me. I don't usually like Sovteks, but these are OK. https://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=3637

[da2222]

For the cream of the crop, the Tungsram ecc83 welded plate foil getters are the best I've ever used. Stunning, top to bottom... Can think of any new production ecc83s I could live with in any of my set ups unfortunately...


I've used these, and they sound good to me. I don't usually like Sovteks, but these are OK. https://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=3637

[rallye666]

I've just bought a Jolida dac that uses these tubes and was also wondering about which NOS tubes to try.

I'm new to tubes and I'm not sure if the ones I see for sale on eBay are genuine or not!

Not really prepared to take a chance when most are over £100 for a pair...

[technobear]

GE JAN 5751 cryo

[PaulStewart]

I've heard good things about the Harma Retro valves.

Anyone had any experience?

Use them in my Art Audio Pre (VPL) and Power (Quintet) best alternative to Mullard NOS I've heard.

[Arkless Electronics]

It's often difficult be sure you are "comparing apples with apples" here! In theory if the designer of the amp has tuned the design to the type of valve supplied originally (and correctly!) then this can be expected to give the best results as a replacement.... like I say, "in theory". The first of this type was the American 12AX7 and most list this as a direct equivalent to an ECC83... but it isn't quite. A real ECC83 has lower distortion and higher quality versions have spiral wound filament for lower hum. Most modern Russian types with the "Short plate" construction measure fairly different to older types and in many cases are probably 6n2p in reality

[The Black Adder]

Sorry guys, I forgot about this thread.

I bought some lovely Tesla ECC83's (32's) with gold pins from James (Jimbo) and they are simply fantastic! - Thanks very much James.

The Tungsram's are very interesting too! So might try some of those at a later date. Hi Paul, yes the Harma Cryo's get splendid reviews at a snip of the price of Mullards for example.

Hi Jez, all very interesting stuff. It's good to know some of the more in-depth details. I still think valves are witchcraft to be honest.. lol

I'll keep you guys updated.