Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Philips Electronics 12AT7 - Cryogentic Tubes by Sherman Wentworth

Model:	12AT7 - Cryogentic
Category:	Tubes
Suggested Retail Price:	$40.00
Description:	Cryogenically treated
Manufacturer URL:	Philips Electronics
Manufacturer URL:	Philips Electronics

Review by Sherman Wentworth ( A ) on September 30, 2005 at 13:28:13
IP Address: 164.109.144.90

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for the 12AT7 - Cryogentic

I am a tube novice, however I am guessing that good tubes are like good tires; they allow the component to fully display it's capabilities. And conversely, poor/mismatched tubes are going to restrict performance.
When the amp I have required replacement of the 12AT7's, I went to my local audio shop because it was quick and I assumed I could obtain an education of some sort. In fact, they are like every other audiophile. Ask 100 audiophiles for their opinion and you'll get 200 responses.
After some trial and error with different tubes (they thought Ei's were crap & did not carry them), they loaned me a pair of Jan-Phillips 12AT7's that had been cryogenically treated (frozen). I was a little skeptical, however after living with them for a few months, they sound better than my originals and about 10 times better than the Chinese cheapo tubes I tried.
I've since found out I can get the same tubes for about half of what I paid over the Net, however they were friendly and trusting and I didn't have to wait. I think there is value in that.
Bottom line: They sound very good and are probably worth the price over non-cryo tubes.

Product Weakness: Expensive
Product Strengths: Very good sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Manley Stingray
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None (integrated)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Arcam 8SE
Speakers:	Silverline Sonatina II, M&K MX100 (subwoofer)
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Expensive
Product Strengths:	Very good sound