2. amps-preamps
  3. 1282804225

I need a lower gain 12au7 for Mastersound

I recently purchased a Mastersound Due Venti. It has 2 JJ ecc82 gold pins in the preamp. I find them to be a little high gain for my tastes. They do sound quite nice though don't get me wrong.

Could anyone recommend a 12au7 or variant that naturally has less gain than the JJ but still retains quite a lot of detail and low noise? New or NOS, doesn't matter to me.

Any responses or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Or if anyone has a Due Venti maybe they could let me know what preamp tubes they prefer?

I'm running it with a pair of La Scala's, they're just a little too efficient maybe...

Thanks for your time!!
ddderek
samhar
1,034 posts
 
If you replace the JJ's the noise may disappear, I bought some JJ 6922's they were all nosey. Go to Upscale Audio site to view a good verity of ECC82/12AU7's. The Radiotechnique Platinum Grade would be a safe bet at a "reasonable" $40 ea.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
My suggestion is to talk with Jim McShane, you can google him. He is a good tube seller. Kevin Deal at Upscale audio should be able to give you guidance on low noise tubes as well.
clio09
2,978 posts
 
Roger Modjeski at Ram Labs sells low noise tubes. Follow the link:

http://www.tubeaudiostore.com/index.html

I've had much better luck buying from him and Andy at Vintage Tube Services than Upscale Audio.
bbroussard
162 posts
 
Try a pair of RFT 12AU7s.
ddderek OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all the replies guys.
This is great!
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