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[APO]

I think it makes sense that the Major sounds best with a 12AU7, I'm pretty sure that's what it was designed around for V3. I've read ECG Philips were actually made by Sylvania, so that's something interesting.

Since I'm sure you know already that the ECC82 and 5814 are indeed 12AU7s, you should also know that so is the 6189; however, it's a special quality, long life, version of the 12AU7. The 5963 is also a special quality 12AU7, but the max plate voltage is 50 volts lower than a normal 12AU7; but considering you are running over the standard plate voltage for a 12AU7 anyway, it may not really matter.

Some slightly different family tubes, but drop-in replacement options are the 12BH7 and 13D5; many high-fi folks find them much better than 12AU7s in the same circuit. BTW, a 12BH7 would be what you want, not a 12BZ7, if you go that route. Since the Major is so hard on tubes you may find the 12BH7 or 13D5 a good change. The Brimar 13D5 is especially cheap for a how good I've read it is. You've probably caught on that great 12AU7s or similar usage tubes are far cheaper than 12AX7s of the same brand.

If you wanted something between a 12AU7 and a 12AT7, that would be a 12AV7, just encase you're curious.

Also, long plate tubes are usually the best for phase inverters.

 

[codyjarret]

-I don't think you'll have to worry about sloppy playing Michael,

Thank you for the kind words, my friend.

 

[codyjarret]

I think it makes sense that the Major sounds best with a 12AU7, I'm pretty sure that's what it was designed around for V3. I've read ECG Philips were actually made by Sylvania, so that's something interesting.

Since I'm sure you know already that the ECC82 and 5814 are indeed 12AU7s, you should also know that so is the 6189; however, it's a special quality, long life, version of the 12AU7. The 5963 is also a special quality 12AU7, but the max plate voltage is 50 volts lower than a normal 12AU7; but considering you are running over the standard plate voltage for a 12AU7 anyway, it may not really matter.

Some slightly different family tubes, but drop-in replacement options are the 12BH7 and 13D5; many high-fi folks find them much better than 12AU7s in the same circuit. BTW, a 12BH7 would be what you want, not a 12BZ7, if you go that route. Since the Major is so hard on tubes you may find the 12BH7 or 13D5 a good change. The Brimar 13D5 is especially cheap for a how good I've read it is. You've probably caught on that great 12AU7s or similar usage tubes are far cheaper than 12AX7s of the same brand.

If you wanted something between a 12AU7 and a 12AT7, that would be a 12AV7, just encase you're curious.

Also, long plate tubes are usually the best for phase inverters.

Thank you for all that great info, there's lots for me to consider at this point. I've been going back & forth from a 12AT7 and 12AU7 for awhile now.
It's kinda a mood thing I guess.