(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5)
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“The Amperex 7316 early version, with a D-getter, is not as fat, lying sonically between the Mullard and Telefunken, it is extremely sweet with a euphonic rounded midrange and good bass.” Read
“They have excellent prat, but sound a little bright in my system. The mids are warm and clear. They are nice tubes, but not worth paying a premium for.” Read
The Amperex 7316 Short Plate (1963 Halo Getter) often carries the weight of being called the “holy grail” of vacuum tubes. While some enthusiasts are practically ready to walk down the aisle with it, my time with this tube suggests that the reality is a bit more grounded than the internet hype would have you believe. It is undoubtedly an elite 12AU7 variant, but the astronomical price tag creates an expectation that is difficult to satisfy.
Sonically, the 7316 is a masterclass in detail and dynamics, offering a beautifully warm midrange that gives vocals a lifelike presence. However, when put into a head-to-head battle with other legends, the gap starts to shrink. In my testing, I found it remarkably similar to the Raytheon Windmill Getter, which offers comparable clarity and punch for a fraction of the cost. If you are chasing “air,” the Telefunken still reigns supreme, and for those seeking high-frequency sparkle, the Mazda provides a more satisfying shimmer.
The primary issue here isn’t the performance—it’s the value proposition. At $80, the 7316 enters a realm of diminishing returns where you are paying a massive premium for “hype” rather than a massive leap in audio quality. While I haven’t tracked down the mythical long-plate version yet, this short-plate 1963 edition is a fantastic performer that simply struggles to justify its cost against its peers.
Final Verdict: A world-class tube with superb warmth and detail, but the “holy grail” status feels like artificial hype when compared to more affordable, equally capable alternatives.
Well… so much for not being able to find 7316 long plates. I just scored a pair for unbelievable price. Stay tuned… the review is coming as soon as I receive them. Subscribe to RSS FEED.