Forums - ZP3 front tube

Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	ZP3 front tube 05/12/20 at 23:31:46 I just had my Raytheon 12AX7 in the front spot go bad. I like these tubes but I'm not seeing anything reasonable on ebay right now. Can anyone recommend tubes they like for this spot? I'm not into high dollar exotic. $20-ish would be great.
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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2113	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #1 - 05/13/20 at 00:27:41 Adam, I read good reviews on these about a year ago, and have been very happy with them. GE JG-5751 triple mica black plates. This is an example of what they can be found for on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/392685176721
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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #2 - 05/13/20 at 00:55:10 Thanks Geno. I bought this one. Seemed to look okay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/373013255031
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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2113	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #3 - 05/13/20 at 02:05:53 Good deal!
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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #4 - 05/14/20 at 01:18:38 I just found this review of 12AX7 tubes. The Raytheon and GE are both highly regarded. https://oldstockaudio.blogspot.com/2011/08/12ax7-black-plate-review-usa-tubes-as...
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Geno

Seasoned Member

Without music, life
would be a mistake.

Posts: 2113

Re: ZP3 front tube
Reply #5 - 05/14/20 at 04:24:05

Cool. Below is the long article I read about a year ago that got me to try the GE’s. Also tried the RCA clear top 12AU7 because of this article. Use the table of contents at the top - 12AX7 Part 3 for summary, and the very first part that evaluates the 12AU7. I use the black plate 5751’s in the first 2 spots, and the RCA clear top / side getter for the third.

https://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/d.pl?audio/faq/joes-tubes.html#12AX7-3

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Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright)
Crown XLS-1002 Sub Amp
SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlingt.Labs MP8b
Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R
ZLC Power Cond.
Lii Audio PT-10 OR Betsy 8"/W-15 in Open Baffles

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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #6 - 05/31/20 at 18:10:49 I like this GE tube so much I just bought two more, NOS, on ebay. Thanks Geno!
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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2113	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #7 - 05/31/20 at 20:55:12 I’m so glad they worked good for you, Adam. I need to get a few more myself.
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Showme Seasoned Member Posts: 302	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #8 - 06/17/20 at 22:39:08 I just received a GE JG-5751 triple mica black plate based on what I read here. It really sounds so good I’ll look for another. Thanks.
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Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #9 - 06/17/20 at 23:29:07 Loving mine! Thanks Geno.
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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2113	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #10 - 06/18/20 at 16:58:54 Ya'll don't forget too, to try an RCA clear top 12AU7 in the third spot. Another affordable tube that sounds really good.
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Showme Seasoned Member Posts: 302	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #11 - 06/18/20 at 22:02:10 Thanks Geno I’ll look for the 12AU7. It seems the JG-5751’s are creeping up in price since you guys got yours.
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Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2113	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #12 - 06/19/20 at 02:35:22 The secret may be out. From now on, just keep this info between us. 🤐
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Showme Seasoned Member Posts: 302	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #13 - 06/21/20 at 16:42:15 OK Geno, another JG-5751 is on the way as well as the clear top 12AU7. I’ve got so many 12AU7’s but not that one. There cheap so I guess one more won’t hurt.
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Ace-Tone Seasoned Member 8+ years with Decware gear and Loving it!!! Posts: 775	Re: ZP3 front tube Reply #14 - 03/19/21 at 00:25:00 Instead of the 12AX7 has anyone ever used a 12BZ7 in the 1st or 2nd position...or, in both positions at once? Basically, can the 12BZ7 be used?
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