Telefunken 12AX7 where to find an honest seller

[F575M]

Chaps,

My preamp has Matsushita valves, I would like to replace them with Telefunkens, they do not need to be the best, just good quality ones.

There are many on ebay but it is like a lottery, any reliable seller around?

Cheers,

[mik_rik]

Hi,
Although I can't really give you advice on good sellers,I can (through experience)give you some advice on how to spot fake Telefunken valves
p.s Matsushita's are a bit of a "sleeper" brand ,being made on ex European equipment,possibly Mullard ? (I stand to be corrected on that though)

[CageyH]

You could try audiotubes.com or upscale audio.com
I have never used them, but they are both in the States, and should be able to help you.

[guy]

Same as European ecc83?

Telefunken valves have a diamond moulding in the base (which I would guess would be beyond most cheapskate frauds to produce?).

Sovtek LPS ECC83 is quite well thought of, if telefunkens are too expensive, I bought some here (but out of stock, and likely to remain so for a while!) https://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=1307

[CageyH]

I have also used Bertrand at http://www.electrotubes.com/index-en.html before.
TFKs are not cheap, but he is a reliable seller.
It is also worth looking at the Mazda or La Radiotechnique ECC83.
Both are quite good.

[Jimbo]

Err I think genuine unused NOS Telefunken 12AX7 are now classified as unobtainium.

Someone please prove me wrong.:)

[CageyH]

Err I think genuine unused NOS Telefunken 12AX7 are now classified as unobtainium.

Someone please prove me wrong.:)

Have a look at my link.

[Jimbo]

Have a look at my link.

At the top of the list sheet it states NOS "Appears to be new old stock"???? I would go for the NIB...but they are very cheap for genuine New unused Telefunken 12AX7. Considering these are highly sought after and command much higher prices even in used condition I am very surprised these are available at such a cheap price unused?

[Jimbo]

Well blow me I have found some new Telefunken 12AX7 at half that price.:)

https://sxpro.co.uk/telefunken-ecc83-tk-12ax7-vacuum-tube/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl7qSBhD-ARIsACvV1X2uFAJTV8-yWFzjcZnCdMELJmSSjV4N07S0hh7oilcMrsczaurxuagaAqLxE ALw_wcB

[guy]

Well blow me I have found some new Telefunken 12AX7 at half that price.:)

https://sxpro.co.uk/telefunken-ecc83-tk-12ax7-vacuum-tube/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl7qSBhD-ARIsACvV1X2uFAJTV8-yWFzjcZnCdMELJmSSjV4N07S0hh7oilcMrsczaurxuagaAqLxE ALw_wcB

Aren't they modern ones made by JJ in Slovakia?

Could be the same valve at about half the price again: https://www.watfordvalves.com/product_detail.asp?id=3539

[Jimbo]

Yes they are JJ manufactured. Just pointing out there are Telefunkens and Telefunkens.:)

[CageyH]

At the top of the list sheet it states NOS "Appears to be new old stock"???? I would go for the NIB...but they are very cheap for genuine New unused Telefunken 12AX7. Considering these are highly sought after and command much higher prices even in used condition I am very surprised these are available at such a cheap price unused?

Compared to what I paid last year, I thought they were expensive.

[sailor]

Brent Jessee has genuine NOS/NIB. His site is very informative and worth a look at.

http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm

Scroll down till you get to: OK, SO TELL ME HOW THEY SOUND!! in red.

Better sit down when you get to the prices!

[Jimbo]

Yep $900 each!! for Telefunken 12AX7. That looks more like the price I have seen for genuine NOS. To be fair there are some much better priced 12AX7 on the list at $100 each.

[Ali Tait]

They are great valves. Glad I bought all of my stash before the prices went really crazy.

[philv]

Try the bish on the wam