[EthanH]

I'm sure some remember this tube, it was popular circa 2000-05ish as a supposed "mullard reissue" and was discontinued a few years ago. It was a much warmer and rounder sounding tube than most modern 12ax7s (too "fat" sounding for some), and I was wondering if anyone can recommend something similar.  I'm open to nos suggestions that are readily available.

[Early B.]

Great tubes! The best 12ax7's I ever heard.

[rpf]

I'm sure some remember this tube, it was popular circa 2000-05ish as a supposed "mullard reissue" and was discontinued a few years ago. It was a much warmer and rounder sounding tube than most modern 12ax7s (too "fat" sounding for some), and I was wondering if anyone can recommend something similar.  I'm open to nos suggestions that are readily available.

I have a couple of pairs: sent you an email.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

If you are open to NOS tubes, take a look at 1950's Raytheon 12ax7's with the shiny long black plates.  It is a very musical and dynamic tube,has great bass, smooth top end with a hint of warmth.  I use it in my phono preamp.  They can usually be found on Ebay for about $40 a tube.

I have a question about the GT tubes. What is the difference between the 12ax7m and the 12ax7c tubes?

[FullRangeMan]

I have a question about the GT tubes. What is the difference between the 12ax7m and the 12ax7c tubes?

12AX7C=China, relabeled imo.
A Warm-sounding Preamp Tube from Groove Tubes!
Note: all of the Groove Tubes tubes and sets we carry are "Mediums," or in the 4 to 7 range.
Groove Tubes has been manufacturing, importing, and grading quality power tubes for two decades. No stranger to Sweetwater, Groove Tubes founder and energy source Aspen Pittman has paid us numerous informative (and always entertaining) visits through the years. His tireless pursuit of perfect tube tone has resulted in Groove Tubes' reputation for consistency and premium quality. Want proof? Fender tube amps now include Groove Tubes as standard equipment, and true tube aficianados worldwide swear by the tubes and pro audio products Groove Tubes makes. For premium tube tone, choose Groove Tubes!
The 12AX7C Preamp Tube is new offering from China, featuring a warm, round, and fat tone - not too bright. The 12AX7C is great for Marshalls and Fenders, while its sweet, warm midrange tone complements the tonal properties of European amps. This tube takes some of the edge off of high gain amps by reducing the brightness while still having the gain and articulation. It's ideal for those who change first stage gain preamp tubes to change the taste and character of their amps (remember, this can be done in less than a minute without tools, adjustments, or a "tech"). This is one tube that should be in your basic toolbox.

[FullRangeMan]

12AX7M Groove Tubes
Real Mullard-Style Tubes!
Note: all of the Groove Tubes tubes and sets we carry are "Mediums," or in the 4 to 7 range.
Finding real Mullard ECC83 preamp tubes is hard enough, but finding a consistent source of quality Mullard tubes is next to impossible. Lucky for you, Sweetwater has an excellent relationship with Groove Tubes, which makes it easy for us to supply you with GT-12AX7-M Mullard Select preamp tubes. This exquisite example of guitar preamp tube design at its finest uses the same mica and complex suspended cathode design as the tubes coveted by Hi-Fi amp lovers from the '50s to the '70s. With a set of GT-12AX7-M tubes in your amplifier, you'll experience vintage warmth and clarity like never before.
Groove Tubes GT-12AX7-M Mullard-style Select Guitar Preamplifier Tube Features:
    A low-gain 12AX7 tube that's highly musical and harmonically rich
    Drop-in replacements for real Mullard ECC83 amplifier tubes
    Complex mica design uses shock-mounted cathode to enhance stability and sound quality
    The perfect way to sweeten up the sound of your tube guitar amplifier
Spruce up your tired tube amp tone with Groove Tubes' GT-12AX7-M Mullard Select preamp tubes!

[JackD]

+1 on the Raytheons either 12ax7, 12au7 or 5751. One way to maybe find them cheaper than $40 is to look for the Baldwin Organ branded ones as they have been screened for noise.