Posted: Mon 11/26/07 5:31 pm
Well, after having used the NS Mullard 12AX7s and EL84s now for a couple of months, I can honestly say that I am pleased with their performance and tone so far.
The NS Mullard ECC83 is indeed different than other NS offerings, namely the Sovtek line. This tube has longer plates than the Sovtek or TS, yet retains the flying saucer getter. The TS looks a lot more like a Sovtek than the Mullard, but it has the large halo getter like the Sovtek Military tubes.
The NS Mullard EL84s have a different plate structure than the Sovteks and definitely are coated with something else as they are almost black when compared to Sovteks and others. Not quite as black as the old American black plate tubes, but close.
One thing to note: I have been using a bunch of older yet mild use Sovteks for start-up tubes and they are a bit noisy. Not horrid, but not great. Every new amp that I have put these in has drastically improved on noise levels over the start-up tubes. So, I'll take the low noise alone for a few extra bucks per tube.
What has really surprised me so far is how GOOD the Sovtek EL84M tube sounds in 18watters! Killer tube for a great price.
The NS Mullard ECC83 is indeed different than other NS offerings, namely the Sovtek line. This tube has longer plates than the Sovtek or TS, yet retains the flying saucer getter. The TS looks a lot more like a Sovtek than the Mullard, but it has the large halo getter like the Sovtek Military tubes.
The NS Mullard EL84s have a different plate structure than the Sovteks and definitely are coated with something else as they are almost black when compared to Sovteks and others. Not quite as black as the old American black plate tubes, but close.
One thing to note: I have been using a bunch of older yet mild use Sovteks for start-up tubes and they are a bit noisy. Not horrid, but not great. Every new amp that I have put these in has drastically improved on noise levels over the start-up tubes. So, I'll take the low noise alone for a few extra bucks per tube.
What has really surprised me so far is how GOOD the Sovtek EL84M tube sounds in 18watters! Killer tube for a great price.
