Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Ei ECC83/12AX7 Tubes by steven d

Model:	ECC83/12AX7
Category:	Tubes
Suggested Retail Price:	$varies
Description:	Yugoslavian produced signal tube
Manufacturer URL:	Not Available

Review by steven d on May 27, 2010 at 17:08:22
IP Address: 173.34.1.136 Add Your Review
for the ECC83/12AX7

OK, so this was my first tube roll experience after experiencing tube amplification for three years. Original tubes in the Raysonic SP120 were all Shuguang (12AX7 inputs, 6SN7 drivers, and KT88-98 for power) in ultra-linear operation.

Two months ago I noticed that the left channel was getting a little fuzzy... and troubleshooting brought me the input tube. After extensive internet research I decided on this tube. Those who liked it commented on its tone and dynamics. There are many posts here about quality control. The internet seller agreed that this tube had microphonic issues, but that they tested their stock to be fine.

Initial thoughts were that they were much brighter than the Shuggie; definitely better extension into the upper frequencies, but perhaps a bit to heavy. Bottom end was much reduced in both focus and detail (though I've recently added absorption to my room, I still have peaky bass so I won't comment wholly here), but vocals were instantly just better.

After a week (roughly 50 hours of play) they settled quite nicely. The top end is perhaps even more extended, cleaner, and not as aggressive - cymbals have a better 'chime' and they linger elegantly. Vocals and midrange are focused and more mellow without being darker. There's a very pleasant nimbleness about the music.

After another week, with about 80 hours on, soundstage is starting to really open up, and the music is moving at a really good pace.

I'll sub the Shuggie back in there to do another comparison in a little bit of time.

Please keep in mind that I can ONLY compare the Ei to the Shuguang.

Product Weakness:	might be hard or difficult to replace since Ei is no longer producing tubes
Product Strengths:	a tall, good looking bottle; very clean presentation and staging, very nice balance

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Raysonic sp120
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Musical Fidelity A5
Speakers: Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, Rythmik Audio F12SE
Cables/Interconnects: Crystal Cable, Tara Labs RSC Air 1
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Classical, World, R&B
Room Size (LxWxH): 13.5 x 10.7 x 9.5
Room Comments/Treatments: 4-GiK 244
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Raysonic sp120
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Musical Fidelity A5
Speakers:	Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, Rythmik Audio F12SE
Cables/Interconnects:	Crystal Cable, Tara Labs RSC Air 1
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, World, R&B
Room Size (LxWxH):	13.5 x 10.7 x 9.5
Room Comments/Treatments:	4-GiK 244
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner