One thought on “Amperex 7316 Short Plates D-getter”

  1. Just when I thought I had seen every variant possible, another rare gem surfaces: the Amperex 7316 Short Plates D-getter. This particular version features a D-getter constructed from exceptionally thick wire—nearly twice the thickness of standard D-getters found in other vintage valves.

    The performance of this tube is nothing short of spectacular. It occupies a unique sonic middle ground, offering a perfect blend of the qualities found in foil-getter and O-getter designs. It is remarkably smooth and transparent, yet it retains a fantastic sense of warmth and delivers incredible vocal reproduction. If you are searching for a single tube that “does it all,” this is undoubtedly the one. While foil getters are famous for their vocals and O-getters for their transparency and dynamics, this Amperex 7316 lands precisely in the sweet spot between them. It produces a truly beautiful sound, with its only drawback being its extreme rarity. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

    History of the 12AU7 and the 7316 Tube

    The 12AU7 (European equivalent ECC82) was introduced by RCA in 1948 as a miniature 9-pin medium-mu dual triode. It was designed to provide a more compact alternative to the older 6SN7 octal tube, eventually becoming one of the most widely used pre-amp tubes in the history of high-fidelity audio due to its low distortion and versatile gain characteristics.

    The 7316 is a specialized, industrial-grade version of the 12AU7, primarily manufactured by Amperex (Philips) in Holland. It was originally engineered for use in early computer systems and medical equipment where extreme reliability, long life, and tight electrical tolerances were non-negotiable. Because these tubes were built to much higher standards than consumer-grade ECC82s, they are prized by audiophiles for their exceptionally low noise floor and superior holographic imaging. The “Short Plate” D-getter version is particularly sought after by collectors as it represents one of the earliest and most refined production runs from the Heerlen factory.

    Final Verdict
    The Amperex 7316 Short Plates D-getter is a sonic masterpiece that bridges the gap between vintage warmth and modern transparency. Its unique thick-wire getter contributes to a balanced, effortless presentation that makes it one of the finest 12AU7 variants ever made. Though it is incredibly rare, the level of musicality it brings to a system makes it a “holy grail” component for any serious tube enthusiast.

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