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12ax7 tube recommendations for Croft Phono Integrated

Hi everyone,

Was hoping that some of you tube gurus could give me some suggestions for 12ax7 tubes for my Croft Phono Integrated. It uses two in the phono section and one in the preamp section. Open to anything - NOS, new, expensive :). Looking for a nice liquid, somewhat tubey sound. Source is a VPI Traveler with Clearaudio Maestro Ebony 2 cart and Reynaud Bliss Silver speakers.

Thanks! Scott
smrex13
richdirector's avatar
richdirector
44 posts
 
I used 5751 in the phono stage - lower gain level but absolute velvet. Changed stock JJ with NOS Siemens really opened up mid range.
 Electro harmonix not as good, not tried NOS mullards but heard they are fab too ..... 
noromance's avatar
noromance
1,780 posts
 
I posted further up but want to reiterate to help you guys out. I have been a Croft aficionado since the 80s. I have tried almost everything in these amps over the years. I strongly recommend new Shuguang Black 12AX7LPS from Grant Fidelity. They need 20 hours burn in. Detailed without glare, open, sweet as a nut, transparent, with excellent stage and bass. If you don't dig them, I will buy them from you (for a discount!)
jmolsberg's avatar
jmolsberg
143 posts
 
I really like the SVETLANA 12AX7 in my phono stage. Better than the NOS tubes I’ve tried from Brent Jessee, who is really great.

fjn04
1,339 posts
 
I just installed 3 Amperex (mini watt) from Brent Jesse.I'm enjoying them quite a bit. A bit more natural (less grainy) sounding than the stock JJ's. Nicely balanced tube, that seems to get out of the way with no deficiencies that I can detect. They cost around $200 for the trio, including the matching of the 2 phono stage tubes. 
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