Just a quick review of the UpScale Audio Mullard 12AT7 GT Britain tube
I have seen ads but I have never bought anything from Upscale Audio before. Kevin Deal started the company in 1994 in L.A. When I did a google search on 12AT7’s I ran across their URL.
The Mullard CV4024/12AT7 – These are in Royal Air Force boxes, made in Great Britain. Each tube wrapped with a cardboard inner liner and pin protector.
First up is rolling the 12AT7’s from UpScaleAudio into the EleKit TU-8800 (review here TU_8800.) The tubes that came with the amp are the modern Mullard 12AT7.
I did an unscientific noise test. With no signal and volume set to max, it was dead quiet. Not even tube noise with ear next to tweeter.
I went back to the Holley Cole “Teach Me Tonight” track. Everything in balance. Bass impactful, mids full and warm, highs are where they should be, sibilance just right and natural. The image is deeper.
With the stock Mullards back in the music is a bit more forward, sibilance more prevalent The younger crowd may prefer these. I like the Upscale Audio British Mullard’s in the TU-8800 quite a bit more.
In the LTA microZotl preamplifier, there is a major change. I had rolled in some GE 0558’s that I liked over the stock Phillips. The problem was they were very microphonic. I mean so bad that I could hear the relays clicking through the speakers.
Anyway, the Upscale Audio British Mullard’s in the LTA microZotl is a real winner. It is better in every way. Far more seductive. I just am so surprised at these differences. Now I need to buy a few more.
This is a quote from the tube description on the website
“Mullard CV4024/12AT7 – These are in Royal Air Force boxes, made in Great Britain, and are WONDERFUL. Each tube wrapped with a cardboard inner liner and pin protector. This is the most popular and sought after 12AT7 ever.
Super popular for VTL, Manley, Atma-Sphere, and others. Why? They were made better. Compared to the earlier Mullard with the folded plate these consistently last longer, have a tighter triode balance, and are quieter. Just because they are not crazy expensive at the present moment don’t let that fool you. A higher price does not always mean better quality when it comes to new old stock.tubes. It means rarer. And that means maybe they didn’t make that many in the first place. This tube was standard issue to NATO forces around the world, and now that the Cold War is over we reap the benefits. But they will go up, just like the Mullard CV4004/12AX7 went up. So party on.”
Get them while you can
I give the Mullard CV4024/12AT7 four and on-half ears!
Paul
