Another vote for Telefunkens. Years ago I found them too bright, preferred Amperex, Mullard, RCA. But I came across a number of Dynaco and Fisher units, too trashed to rebuild, but the tubes were okay. Telefunkens. I have about 40. My preamp takes 4 x 12AX7 and 4 x 12AU7. The Telefunkens are 40, maybe 50 years old, with countless hours on them — but they're dead-silent, tonally rich and true, ravishing midrange, and I hear no brightness: maybe age mellowed them.
The 12AU7s are NOS Tung-Sols or NOS JAN GE's — they're the weak partners in the team. Man was I surprised. Maybe they need burn-in, I hope so.
Sorry I can't comment on new production; I haven't needed them. But I will, so I follow these discussions closely. Thanks all, for the informed opinions.
The 12AU7s are NOS Tung-Sols or NOS JAN GE's — they're the weak partners in the team. Man was I surprised. Maybe they need burn-in, I hope so.
Sorry I can't comment on new production; I haven't needed them. But I will, so I follow these discussions closely. Thanks all, for the informed opinions.

