need help on transparent sounding 12au7 tubes

The cleartops are exceptional- something else needs to change in your system.

Been through a whole lot of 12AU7's recently on a "quest" of sorts. I finally settled on the RCA triple mica black plate 5814's. They seem to do it all.

The Mullards definitely have an appeal, and do sound different from most other tubes. However there's too much to give up with these to get that seductive midrange. The top and bottom extension just isn't there. They are not neutral sounding. However, as I said, what they do have is very seductive.

Bob

there's too much to give up with these to get that
seductive midrange. The top and bottom extension just isn't there.
Bob
Ptmconsulting (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

I
have used Mullard Backburn production 12AU7 tubes in several component and
I have never heard a lack of top and bottom extension.

No criticism intended. We all hear what we hear.

It's interesting that people have such diverse points of view on Mullard tubes.