[ecir38]

I could use some help on some decent tubes to fire up a Cornet2 and Clarinet that I am getting close to finishing. I will probably do some rolling later on. 

I searched the forum and have to say this can be overwhelming since I am new to tubes. I will be using the Sovtek 5Y3GT for the rectifiers since this should get me close to the designed heater voltages. The Sovtek 12AX7LPS also look to be a no brainer from searching the forum.

Where I could use help is deciding on some 12AU7's. I am not looking to break the bank, just need something that will give me a good start. I'm thinking something new so at least the tubes will be eliminated from having a problem in case i have any trouble shooting when I fire them up. I was thinking the JJ ECC82 might be OK.

Thanks

[robertwstephens]

Hello!  I have always gotten good advice from Jim McShane and lots of good tubes.  You can see his offering and email him at http://pages.prodigy.net/jimmcshane/tubes.htm.  I have a 5814 I got from him in my Cornet 2 right now that I really like.  I also like the RFT ECC82's that I bought from him.  He responds to questions and emails no problem.  Peace.  Robert

[Frihed91]

I have a pair of the new Mullard 12AX7s.  I have switched them with the Sovteks and am delighted with their performance, as they are smoother than the Sovteks and just as fast. 

Also, Mike Samara has put in some very goods over on AA for both Jim McShane and Virginia Tube Audio.  I have used both with excellent results.

[hagtech]

I like the old American brands from the 50s.  GE, Sylvania, RCA, Raytheon, TungSol, etc. 

jh

[mfsoa]

Another McShane vote here. I am very new to tubes but needed to retube my VAC. After reading around I wanted to try the new Genalex KT88 reissues and asked him what 12AU7s would go well. I didn't want to spend too much. He suggested the RFTs and I am very pleased with the purchase and the whole interaction was great.

Warning - The RFTs glow really bright for a few seconds when turned on - I thought they were flaring out of control! Now it's just super-cool looking

-Mike

[mjosef]

I have also used Jim McShane for NOS 12AU7s when I wanted to try tube rolling in my Bottlehead Foreplay preamp...he suggested 3 choices, GE, RTF and Teles...the Teles were over my budget, I bought both the GE and the RTF...the GE sounded better in my Foreplay, faster than the RTF, which sounded bland and not as extended as the (much cheaper) GE.
YMMV.

[Bill Epstein]

I'm with Jim.

Both my Cornet and '45' amp are all RCA. Smooth and detailed and not a fortune of money.

And here's a plug for Cardas 18ga. "litz" (how can single conductor be Litz?) magnet wire, $23/100ft from Michael Percy. I twisted up 3' pairs for interconnects and they sound great. $9/pr Yarbo RCAs from VT4C in Hong Kong.

[ecir38]

Found these two cool sites while searching tubes which at least is helping me identify some of the years.

http://www.geocities.com/rxtxtubes/pa01000.htm

http://tone-lizard.com/Vintage_Tube_Boxes.htm

Thanks for ya'll input so far.

[Freo-1]

I have also used Jim McShane for NOS 12AU7s when I wanted to try tube rolling in my Bottlehead Foreplay preamp...he suggested 3 choices, GE, RTF and Teles...the Teles were over my budget, I bought both the GE and the RTF...the GE sounded better in my Foreplay, faster than the RTF, which sounded bland and not as extended as the (much cheaper) GE.
YMMV.

Here is another vote for Jim McShane. I've purchased GE6550A, 7044s, and the Genelex KT-88s from him. Two of the KT-88's went bad, and Jim made it right. A great and knowledgeable person to deal with.