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Mullard 12AX7 re-issue Cryo vs Non Cryo

Has anyone compared the Mullard 12AX7 Cryo to the non Cryo. While the Cryo exhibits a startlingly clear upper midrange and treble, it does seem somewhat tipped up and a little cold compared to my control tube. Probably perfect for someone but not for, what I consider, the neutral balance of my system. Has anyone else had this experience? I foolishly bought the Cyro version without ever having listened to the non Cryo. Is it worth my while to try the non cryo or perhaps the Groove Tube version?

I appreciate and respect conjecture but would really like some actual accounts if possible.

Appreciatively,

Anacrusis
anacrusis
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I have the Mullard Non cryo and found that the Ei cryo ( tubeman.com )is a much better tube..Nothing wrong with the Mullard repro but the Ei cryo is much more refined and more transparent... ( Thor T1000 mk2 linestage )
markd51
741 posts
 
Well, I'm not sure if this helps you, these were my findings using them in my CAL Alpha DAC. YMMV.

I bought a 1/2 dozen New Sensor 12AX7 for the Tube Store, as I wanted to try them. The price was reasonable enough.

Was previously running a pair of GT 12AX7M Platinum Graded from Upscale Audio. Neither I believe were cyro'd.

While I thought the New Sensor was OK, and ran it for about 20-30 hours, it seemed like something just wasn't cutting it, and wasn't sounding as good as the GT Mullard. The GT Mullard sounded a bit richer, seemed better detailed, and slightly more real to me. I won't say the NS Mullard Re-issue was a bad tube, I heard lots worse in the Alpha, and some better as well. The GT Mullard I felt in my application, came the closest to a NOS pair of '50's RCA 5751 TM Blackplates that I also got from Upscale Audio. Hope this helps.
anacrusis OP
69 posts
 
Very interesting...

Thorman:

My control tube is the Ei and I really like it quite a lot. Have you heard this tube cryoed and non cryoed and what was the difference? I have both the grey plate and silver plate but really have not compared the two at length. If I were going to go with a cryo version, which would you suggest it be?

Markd:

Oh I might just bite the bullet and try the GT Mullard.. or should I read between the lines and try the NOS 5751 RCAs???
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