12 best 12ax7 tube

The 12AX7 tube is a type of vacuum tube, also known as an electron tube or valve, which is commonly used in guitar amplifiers and other audio equipment. It belongs to a family of tubes known as dual-triode tubes, meaning it contains two independent triode sections within a single glass envelope. Here are some key details about the 12AX7 tube:

  1. Triode Configuration: The 12AX7 tube consists of two triode sections, each with three active elements: a cathode, an anode (plate), and a control grid. These triodes can function independently, making the tube versatile for various amplifier circuit designs.

  2. Amplification: The primary function of the 12AX7 tube is to amplify audio signals. It is commonly used in the preamp stages of guitar amplifiers, where it boosts the weak guitar signal from the instrument before it is further amplified by power tubes.

  3. High Gain: The 12AX7 is known for its high voltage gain, making it suitable for applications where significant signal amplification is required. This characteristic is often desirable in guitar amplifiers to achieve distortion and overdrive effects.

  4. Popular in Guitar Amps: Many iconic guitar amplifiers, including those from brands like Fender, Marshall, and Vox, have incorporated 12AX7 tubes in their preamp sections.The tube's gain characteristics contribute to the distinctive sound of these amplifiers.

  5. Tube Swapping: Guitarists and audio enthusiasts often experiment with different 12AX7 tube brands and versions to fine-tune the tonal characteristics of their amplifiers. Different tubes can affect the warmth, clarity, and distortion of the amplifier's sound.

  6. Compatibility: It's important to note that the 12AX7 tube operates on standard tube voltages and can be used as a direct replacement for other 12AX7 tubes in most cases.

  7. Longevity: Like all vacuum tubes, the 12AX7 has a limited lifespan, and it will eventually wear out. The lifespan can vary depending on usage and operating conditions.

  8. Heat Generation: Vacuum tubes generate heat during operation, and adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent overheating.

  9. Maintenance: Periodic maintenance may be required, such as tube testing and replacement, to ensure optimal performance in amplifiers and other audio equipment.

In summary, the 12AX7 tube is a dual-triode vacuum tube known for its high gain and is widely used in guitar amplifiers to shape the tone and provide distortion effects. It has been a staple in the world of audio electronics for many decades and remains popular among musicians and audiophiles for its unique sonic characteristics.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best 12ax7 tube on the market
  

JJ Electronics Amplifier Tube (T-12AX7-S-JJ)

JJ Electronic

Based on 666 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This tube has a well balanced, colorful tone with strongly defined lows, mids and smooth highs. It allows for more clean head-room than higher gain 12AX7s. In overdrive, it is smooth and strong with well defined lows and Mids. When pushed into overdrive it offers clean distortion with well balanced lows and Mids. The jj 12AX7 is well suited for all types of music and playing styles. It is also highly recommended for studio pre-amps and Hi-Fi gear.

  • 12AX7 vacuum tube,
  • U.S. Product Code: 12AX7
  • European product Code: ECC83
  • For guitar and Hi-Fi amplifiers,
  • Can be used in any preamp or microphone application

User questions & answers

Question: Will this replace tadecc83wa tube for ablackstar 45 amp
Answer: Yes. ECC83 is the same as 12AX7. The TAD is for Tube Amp Doctor, a company that sells tubes for audio uses.
Question: I have a carvin mts 3200, can I replace this for my 4 power tubes
Answer: NO. These are preamp tubes. Your Carvin uses 5 of them I believe. Your power tubes would be 5881. Or you might be able to sub in 6L6 tubes. I would recommend SovTek 5881 tubes. SovTek make great stuff. Whatever brand you get , make sure they are a "matched quad" .
Question: Can you mix them with other 12ax7? I think only the V1 is bad
Answer: You can certainly mix different 12ax7 tubes from different manufacturers.
Question: Could i use them for a adl 600 mic pre
Answer: Not recommended. That preamp uses one 12AT7 and two 6922 tubes. The 12AX7 is not an equivalent to either.

JJ 12AX7 / ECC83 Preamp Vacuum Tubes (Three Pack)

JJ Electronic

Based on 281 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This tube has a well balanced, colorful tone with strongly defined lows, mids and smooth highs. It allows for more clean head-room than higher gain 12AX7s. In overdrive, it is smooth and strong with well defined lows and mids. When pushed into overdrive it offers clean distortion with well balanced lows and mids. The JJ 12AX7 is well suited for all types of music and playing styles. It is also highly recommended for studio pre-amps and hi-fi gear

  • This tube has a well balanced, colorful tone with strongly defined lows, mids and smooth highs
  • It allows for more clean head-room than higher gain 12AX7s
  • In overdrive, it is smooth and strong with well defined lows and mids
  • When pushed into overdrive it offers clean distortion with well balanced lows and mids
  • The JJ 12AX7 is well suited for all types of music and playing styles

User questions & answers

Question: Will these work in a vox ac15c
Answer: YES IT WILL. 12AXY/ECC83 WILL WORK IN ANY PREAMP, AND THEY ARE BASICALLY THE SAME TUBE EXCEPT WHEN YOU GET INTO THE 12AXY-A OR-S...THEY WILL WORL ALSO, BUT THEY ARE FOR HIGHER GAIN APPLICATIONS.
Question: Are these compatible with ampeg svt-iii (non-pro
Answer: This question looks old, but 3 non-pro takes 3 12ax7 in the pre. This should be what you need.
Question: Do they come in individual boxes
Answer: Yes, each tube has it's own small box
Question: are these american made
Answer: I believe they are Russian made, I don't think there are any vacum tubes made here in the USA. As awesome as real tube amps are, they are quite a health hazard if broken due to the toxic materials used in making them. So let Russia and China continue making them, while we enjoy a cleaner environment and loud American music.

Pair of JJ ECC83s/12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tube

TubeDepot

Based on 87 reviews Check latest price

Product description

TubeDepot supplies vacuum tubes for musical instrument amplifiers, Hi-Fi amplifiers, vintage vacuum tube recording gear and associated equipment. We provide tube sets for virtually any vintage or new production amp on the market.

User questions & answers

Question: Hi, I'm wondering if these are matched sets or you're just pulling out two tubes and mailing them out? No place in your ad does it say
Answer: I have mixed and matched these but now I have all matching in my Marshall and in my bass crate amp they both are perfect with these you can match them but some amps only have 1 tube you will love it just Mack sure the pins are the same match them up with the tube you are replacing
Question: Are these tubes balanced
Answer: Wouldn't think so. I thought one only uses balanced tubes in the power amp output stages. Whereas these tubes are for use in the pre-amp section - my Marshall amp only uses one of them so no need for balancing.
Question: Are these a matched pair
Answer: The tubes I ordered were. Jj tubes when ordered of two or more have always been matched, that has been my experience

12AX7 / ECC83 - JJ Electronics, Pin Type: Regular, package of 5

JJ Electronic

Based on 37 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package of 5. The JJ Electronic 12AX7 / ECC83 has quickly become a modern classic in preamp tubes. Its rugged design and rich harmonics make this tube an obvious choice for musicians who need a reliable and high quality tube at a reasonable price. The balanced tone of the JJ 12AX7 works well in any amp. This versatile tube sounds excellent in clean amps offering an amazing dynamic response while also proving itself in high gain amps with its low noise and noticeably less microphonic issues than other tubes. The warm highs and transparent lows make it a great choice for any position in a tube amp. The JJ 12AX7 is the go-to tube of many amp builders and touring musicians.

  • Package of 5
  • The JJ Electronic 12AX7 / ECC83 has quickly become a modern classic in preamp tubes
  • Its rugged design and rich harmonics make this tube an obvious choice for musicians who need a reliable and high quality tube at a reasonable price
  • The balanced tone of the JJ 12AX7 works well in any amp
  • This versatile tube sounds excellent in clean amps offering an amazing dynamic response while also proving itself in high gain amps with its low noise and noticeably less microphonic issues than other tubes

12AX7 / ECC83 - JJ Electronics, Pin Type: Regular, package of 4

JJ Electronic

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package of 4. The JJ Electronic 12AX7 / ECC83 has quickly become a modern classic in preamp tubes. Its rugged design and rich harmonics make this tube an obvious choice for musicians who need a reliable and high quality tube at a reasonable price. The balanced tone of the JJ 12AX7 works well in any amp. This versatile tube sounds excellent in clean amps offering an amazing dynamic response while also proving itself in high gain amps with its low noise and noticeably less microphonic issues than other tubes. The warm highs and transparent lows make it a great choice for any position in a tube amp. The JJ 12AX7 is the go-to tube of many amp builders and touring musicians.

  • Package of 4
  • The JJ Electronic 12AX7 / ECC83 has quickly become a modern classic in preamp tubes
  • Its rugged design and rich harmonics make this tube an obvious choice for musicians who need a reliable and high quality tube at a reasonable price
  • The balanced tone of the JJ 12AX7 works well in any amp
  • This versatile tube sounds excellent in clean amps offering an amazing dynamic response while also proving itself in high gain amps with its low noise and noticeably less microphonic issues than other tubes

Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 tube (Balanced Triodes)

Genalex Gold Lion

Based on 62 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Genalex Gold Lion ECC83/B759 recreates the sound signature of the original. This tube features balanced sections and gold plated pins.

  • Tubes are handpicked from balanced inventory
  • Triodes are balanced within 3% for both gain and transconductance
  • Perfect for phase inverter in a guitar amp or for use in Hi-Fi amps
  • Will have test readings written on the box
  • Wrapped in bubblewrap to ensure a safe delivery

User questions & answers

Question: I want to buy two of this product could you send paired as matched
Answer: any electric guitar gig bag will work
Question: Useful life expectancy
Answer: You could. If you are about to purchase this. You should know it's very small in scale. About half the size of a traditional bass.
Question: is this 3 tubes for
Answer: Yes, it’s a small bass guitar
Question: Is this Gold Lion the best quality tube produced by Gebalex at this moment
Answer: the strings are standard gauge just short scale .no need to change strings. tune to regular std bass tuning . excellent bass great quality and awesome sound

Mullard 12AX7 / ECC83, Balanced Triodes

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Large sound stage with excellent detail. Factory selected for low noise and microphonics. Best for hi-fi amps.

  • Tubes are handpicked from balanced inventory
  • Triodes are balanced within 3% for both gain and conductance
  • Perfect for phase inverter in a guitar amp or for use in Hi-Fi amps
  • Will have test readings written on the box
  • Large sound stage with excellent detail. Low noise and microphonics

Tung-Sol 12AX7, Balanced Triodes

Based on 40 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Ultimate 12AX7. Big, warm, and musical. High Gain, ultra-low microphonics, and superb linearity with a dynamic 3-D sound. These tubes have also been tested and are handpicked out of our balanced inventory. Both the gain and conductance are balanced within 3%.

  • Tubes are handpicked from balanced inventory
  • Triodes are balanced within 3% for both gain and conductance
  • Perfect for phase inverter in a guitar amp or for use in Hi-Fi amps
  • Will have test readings written on the box
  • Performance which surpasses NOS original in all areas. Big, warm and very musical. Superb linearity with a dynamic 3-D sound.

User questions & answers

Question: Can i use this to replace the old tube in my presonus tubepre v
Answer: Hey, if you check out this listing we also sell matched pairs with prime shipping! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WVYNXMK
Question: Is this tube good upgrade bellari Ha540 amp to power 600 ohm sextette headphone s
Answer: I have these in My Art pre-amps and they sound pretty good. I have them running all of the time. I would expect these to last many years but believe that will depend on how they are treated. In a studio 5-10 years. On the road 1-3 years. IMHO
Question: Will this work on a peavey ultra plus on v
Answer: No, it's for one (1) quality Tube.
Question: will this fit in a joyo bantamp zombie amp
Answer: Gold Lion by Genalex is a good tube but best is a personal preference. I have some Gold Lions and they have a wonderful sound. But thy are not low noise. There will be a shh sound when there is no music

Electro-Harmonix 12AX7, Matched Pair

Based on 51 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 12AX7EH provides high gain with ultra low noise and detailed, musical tone that rivals the most desirable NOS types. Unique spiral filament eliminates filament to cathode induced hum common on amps that use AC on the filaments.

  • Matched Pair
  • Matched for both gain and conductance
  • Spiraled filament allowing for reduced noise
  • Great value

User questions & answers

Question: Is this compatible to little dot micro mk iii
Answer: The presonus v2 uses a 12AX7 tube so I would say yes. I’m using this tube in a Marshall and like the sound better than the Ruby tube that was in it.
Question: Will these work in an ada mp
Answer: Hello, yes, this tube would work perfectly in your headphone amplifier!
Question: Can i swap these for a pair of 12at7 in an opto-comp to get more gain without changing the bias circuit
Answer: Yes, this will work.
Question: Will these work in a Vox AC30c2x
Answer: Yes, this will work in that amp.

Mullard 12AX7/ECC83, Matched Pair

12AX7/ECC83

Based on 61 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Large sound stage with excellent detail. Factory selected for low noise and microphonics. Great for both guitar and hi-fi amps.

  • Smooth tone
  • Large plates
  • Matched Pair (2 tubes)
  • Comes with factory boxes
  • Pair is matched within 10% for both gain and conductance

User questions & answers

Question: Is this compatible to little dot micro mk iii
Answer: No. They are not the same. These are equal to ECC83, you need an equal to a ECC88.
Question: What's the date code in your stock of these
Answer: I never tried it, but it's the same type of preamp tubes. I'd say yes.
Question: What’s the warranty on these? I have had issues of these going microphonic
Answer: Yes you can. Basically the 12at7's have the same amount of pins. The bias circuit is for the power tubes. You don't have to adjust anything for the tone tubes.
Question: Are these tubes compatible with a Bugera v22 infinium
Answer: I do believe they will!

Electro-Harmonix 12AX7, Balanced Triodes

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 provides high gain with ultra low noise and detailed, musical tone that rivals the most desirable NOS types. Unique spiral filament eliminates filament to cathode induced hum common on amps that use AC on the filaments. Great sounding tube.

  • Great tube for guitar and Hi-Fi amps
  • Tubes are handpicked from balanced inventory
  • Triodes are balanced within 3% for both gain and transconductance
  • Test readings will be hand written on factory box
  • Tube will be wrapped in bubble wrap to ensure a safe delivery

Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 EHG Vacuum Tube Gold Pins

Electro-Harmonix

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The 12AX7 Gold Pin is the Gold Plated version which offers a substantially better contact with the socket. The 12AX7EH provides high gain with ultra low noise and a detailed - musical tone that rivals the most desirable NOS types. Unique spiral filament eliminates that filament-to-cathode induced hum common on AC-powered amps. This tube can be used in phase inverters / preamp sections / driver sections - It really does well in all applications. Compare with other tubes here.

  • Provides high gain with ultra low noise and detailed
  • Musical tone that rivals the most desirable NOS types
  • Unique spiral filament
  • Eliminates filament-to-cathode induced hum common on amps
  • Electro-Harmonix is rocking the vacuum tube community

User questions & answers

Question: My peachtree decco65 suffers from a lot of background hissing. Will this make fit it and will it make it sound better
Answer: 2018.
Question: Need to replace my fender deluxe vm tubes. is this 12ax7 compatible with the 12ax7a that goes in this amp
Answer: I've had no problems and not microphonic at all. Sound fine
Question: I have a studio projects vtb1 microphone preamp and akg p220. i’d like to upgrade the tube and am wondering if this is a good choice
Answer: If you amp requires a 12ax7 tube then it should work. V-

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