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NEC 12AU7A/ECC82 NOS with boxes
NEC 12AU7A/ECC82 NOS with boxes
Regular price
R 500.00 ZAR
Regular price
Sale price
R 500.00 ZAR
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Low stock: 1 left
Key Characteristics & Sound Profile
- Design & Build: Often produced with long or short grey plates (such as 3-rib or crimped plates with O-getters or square/halo getters). [1, 2]
- Sonic Signature: Revered for a neutral, balanced, and smooth soundstage with clean reproduction, great bass authority, and a touch of warmth in the mid-range. [1, 2]
- Gain & Specifications: Features an amplification factor (mu) of roughly 17 to 20, making it a low-gain tube compared to the 12AX7 (mu of 100), which translates to high headroom and a cleaner sound. [1, 2]
- 12AU7 vs. 12AU7-A: The "-A" designation indicates a controlled warm-up time and lower microphonic output compared to the original standard 12AU7. [1, 2]
Common Equivalents and Substitutes
The NEC 12AU7A is directly interchangeable with other 12AU7 types and European or military equivalents: [1]
- ECC82 (European designation)
- 5814 / 5814A (Industrial/military-spec variant)
- 6189
- CV4003
- E82CC [1]
Comparison Table: NEC 12AU7A vs. Common Alternatives
| Tube Model | Manufacturer / Origin | Gain / Mu Factor | Sonic Character | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEC 12AU7A / ECC82 | NEC (Japan) | ~17 – 20 | Neutral, balanced, smooth soundstage, good bass | Hi-fi audio preamps, phase inverters |
| RCA 12AU7A | RCA (USA) | ~17 – 20 | Classic warm mid-range, rich vintage tone | Guitar & hi-fi tube amplifiers |
| Mullard ECC82 / 12AU7 | Mullard (UK / India) | ~17 – 20 | Luscious, textured mid-range, rich color | Preamp stages, audio restoration |
| Telefunken ECC802 / E82CC | Telefunken (Germany) | ~17 – 20 | Ultra-low noise, high linearity, crystal-clear detail | Audiophile preamplifiers |
Product features
Product features
Materials and care
Materials and care
Merchandising tips
Merchandising tips
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