Great balanced tone (not too bright or bass-y, nice mids). Low noise, great presence and punch. Also it's not fizzy when cranking up the gain on your amp. Responds really well to a zvex fuzz factory and a tube screamer. Built-in gain is quite adequate but don't expect Van Halen gain. Btw, I'm playing through an 80's Les Paul standard into a Marshall DSL50 into a 4x12 Celestian speaker cabinet.
Verified purchase: Yes
What a pleasant suprise! The RFT 12AX7 has a very unique sound, and that is what I am looking for these days. Tubes that are unique in some way, whether that be the type of construction, an odd number or name, or a markedly different kind of sound. This has that markedly different kind of sound! Forward and biting, quite exciting. But not hard on the ears or harsh, either. I like starting a listening session by picking out a tube, depending on what kind of sound I am in the mood for. The RFT definitely will find a place in my tube rotation! If you are looking for another kind of tube for a comparison reference, think Siemens, with just a bit more edge to the sound.
As a metal guitarist, I know what it's like to constantly be tone chasing. My preferred sound is very prominent and in your face with tight low end, lots of mids and very clear, non buzzy highs. If anyone familiar with V30's would attest, there's that one little beam of bumble bee highs that won't go away. I was extremely happy when I found the NOS RFT ECC83's for all my hi gain amps, as typically finding the right tubes are usually trial and error, it's tough shelling out good cash on NOS tubes, let alone on Tungsol, Sovtek, JJ, Electro Harmonix, TAD, and the list just goes on. To me there's no right or wrong tube, it's YOUR preference that matters. I use ENGL Savage 120, 5150 block letter, Mesa triple rec, and Marshall MKii 50 watter. My favorite are from the Rohrenwerke Anna Seghers factory. In the V1 position you will get uncompromising natural distortion with layers of creamy overtones and very, very low microphonics. Look for the markings inside the triangle. "S" is graded "Soundklasse" which is the best test rating for the tube. The other 3 test ratings, descending in quality, are 1,2, or a triangle with no marking inside. Typical of the era, from the pins through the insulating spacers and plates up through the exhaust tip these tubes are built tougher than the promise of any pickup commercial. Always have the seller publish the test ratings of the tube in it's current state before you purchase them. This insures the tube you buy has a better chance of longer life span. Overall I rate this tube as one of the best and I use them in V1 of every amp I own.Read full review
all i can say is that for a nos newbie like me, these are incredible tubes and they're cheap
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Instant win, good product.
Verified purchase: Yes
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