[John151]

There are a variety of 12AU7 variants, such as 12AU7WA, 12AU7LC, etc.  Are all 12AU7xx tubes a safe substitute for 12AU7? 

[Tyson]

Yes.  And so are 12bh7 tubes, generally.  The 12bh7's are, IMO, better sounding.

[Listens2tubes]

Also CV4004, ECC82 and ECC802s vintage tubes, like Telefunken, are easily found and very nice.

[ltr317]

The military and industrial variants are also safe to substitute such as 5814, 5963, 6189, 6680 and CV491 to name some. 

[Tyson]

True, true, but the 12bh7's sound (and measure) better, IMO.

[Triode Pete]

Don't forget about the 6067 ... a 12AU7 variant.

The Brimar Yellow T-series 6067 is extremely sweet sounding... 

[Pez]

True, true, but the 12bh7's sound (and measure) better, IMO.

Yeah, but barely anybody made/makes 12bh7s nor are the brands that do particularly good. Also 12bh7s have more gain slightly so who knows if it will work straight across the board in every 12XX7 variant setup. By "equivalent" I think it should be understood that it should not cause any physical harm to your circuit, but also does not promise the sound quality will be any good.

[ltr317]

Don't forget about the 6067 ... a 12AU7 variant.

The Brimar Yellow T-series 6067 is extremely sweet sounding... 

Hey Pete,

That's one of the 12AU7 holy grails.   Just like the Brimar 6060 for the 12AT7.     Very hard to find. 

Paul

[Tyson]

Yeah, but barely anybody made/makes 12bh7s nor are the brands that do particularly good. Also 12bh7s have more gain slightly so who knows if it will work straight across the board in every 12XX7 variant setup. By "equivalent" I think it should be understood that it should not cause any physical harm to your circuit, but also does not promise the sound quality will be any good.

Brimar, Sylvania, RCA, Raytheon, Tung Sol, all made great 12bh7's.  You do need a bit more headroom from your transformer to run it, but many designs have that on tap.

[John151]

Great info guys, Thanks!

I have ordered a Cryo'd 12AU7LC and an RCA 5814A Triple Mica for my EE DAC, and a pair of 12AU7 Amperex Bugle Boys for my Candela. 

Let the fun begin!   

[bunky]

My favorite 12AU7 varient in the Candela is the Amperex Holland  PQ 7316/ECC186 D-getter . i have a pair manufactured circa 1962. these tubes are sweet 

[Triode Pete]

Hey Pete,

That's one of the 12AU7 holy grails.   Just like the Brimar 6060 for the 12AT7.     Very hard to find. 

Paul

Picture of the holy grail... LOL!!!!