Wolfbane Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 My Cary CD Player (303/300) uses two 12AU7 tubes. I rolled a number of tubes from the 12AU7 family in this unit. For a year plus I've been very happy with a matched pair of CBS/Hytron 5814A tubes. For the last few days I've rolled in matched pairs of: 12AU7 (Sylvania Grey Plates), 5814A (Philips and Sylvania), RCA and Sylvania 6189W and 5963 tubes (some JAN). The 5963 tubes were apparently made for early computers. Surprisingly, the 5963 are great sounding tubes and built for long life and heavy use. The 6189W tubes also sound great so far. Well worth consideration and a listen to if you currently use 12AU7 Family tubes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I have a set of Philips Holland SQ gold pins in my Cary Preamp and they sould quite good as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfbane Posted May 7, 2016 Author Share Posted May 7, 2016 I have a set of Philips Holland SQ gold pins in my Cary Preamp and they sould quite good as well. Earl, Is the Cary the equipment you wanted the 5814A tubes for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 (edited) I have a set of Philips Holland SQ gold pins in my Cary Preamp and they sould quite good as well. Earl, Is the Cary the equipment you wanted the 5814A tubes for? Yes, I was rolling tubes in the preamp a Cary 2002. It sounds nice with a tube amp. I am running it with Quicksilver mid monos and Forte's. Edited May 7, 2016 by eth2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 I have really liked the Brimar 12BH7 in place of a 12AU7 in just about every application I have tried. Just my .02. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfbane Posted May 7, 2016 Author Share Posted May 7, 2016 I have really liked the Brimar 12BH7 in place of a 12AU7 in just about every application I have tried. Just my .02. 12BH7 is a good sounding tube but they are taller than most tubes in the 12AU7 family so you need to have the room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul79 Posted May 8, 2016 Share Posted May 8, 2016 My fav. 12au7's are the CV4003 Mullard Box Plates, CBS 7318's, CONN (Sylvania) 12AU7 with the very long plates, CSF 6189WA, and about any 12BH7 if you can use them. The 7318 is the "king" for me and my system . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tube fanatic Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 I have really liked the Brimar 12BH7 in place of a 12AU7 in just about every application I have tried. Just my .02. Keep in mind that the 12BH7 filament draws twice the current of a 12AU7. Switching to the former may cause you to exceed the current rating of the power transformer's filament winding. I'd check with the manufacturer before making such a change. Maynard 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 Good point Maynard. I've got a large batch of these lying around somewhere, but I've always been reluctant to use them for that very same reason. Tube rolling is fun and rewarding, but a bit of caution is very much in order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfbane Posted May 14, 2016 Author Share Posted May 14, 2016 I have really liked the Brimar 12BH7 in place of a 12AU7 in just about every application I have tried. Just my .02. Keep in mind that the 12BH7 filament draws twice the current of a 12AU7. Switching to the former may cause you to exceed the current rating of the power transformer's filament winding. I'd check with the manufacturer before making such a change. Maynard always best to check a receiving tube manual or online for test values if you cannot get a hold of the manufacter of your tube equipment. Generally anything requiring less current is safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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