One thought on “Brimar CV4068/12au7 Long Black plates”
Here is another superb offering from Brimar, a tube that dates back to approximately 1959 and has survived and prospered until now. This specific tube is fairly different compared to many other Brimar productions, it actually reminds me more of the classic Mullard sound characterized by a warm midrange and a smoothly rolled-off top end. Despite these departures from the typical brand house sound, the tube is exceptionally good, it delivers the very complex and layered presentation that I have come to expect from Brimar, particularly from their long plate varieties.
What makes the Brimar CV4068 particularly special is its designation as a high-reliability, military-grade, and ruggedized version of the 13D3, which serves as a premium equivalent to the common 12AU7. Because it was engineered for demanding military applications, it features a more robust internal construction designed to minimize microphonics and withstand physical vibration, this results in a blacker background and a more stable sonic image than standard consumer-grade glass.
Final Verdict: A magnificent vintage find that blends the warmth of a Mullard with the sophisticated layering of a Brimar, providing a ruggedized, military-spec performance that is perfect for listeners who value a rich and complex midrange.
Here is another superb offering from Brimar, a tube that dates back to approximately 1959 and has survived and prospered until now. This specific tube is fairly different compared to many other Brimar productions, it actually reminds me more of the classic Mullard sound characterized by a warm midrange and a smoothly rolled-off top end. Despite these departures from the typical brand house sound, the tube is exceptionally good, it delivers the very complex and layered presentation that I have come to expect from Brimar, particularly from their long plate varieties.
What makes the Brimar CV4068 particularly special is its designation as a high-reliability, military-grade, and ruggedized version of the 13D3, which serves as a premium equivalent to the common 12AU7. Because it was engineered for demanding military applications, it features a more robust internal construction designed to minimize microphonics and withstand physical vibration, this results in a blacker background and a more stable sonic image than standard consumer-grade glass.
Final Verdict: A magnificent vintage find that blends the warmth of a Mullard with the sophisticated layering of a Brimar, providing a ruggedized, military-spec performance that is perfect for listeners who value a rich and complex midrange.