(13 votes, average: 3.85 out of 5)
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Guides and reviews of vacuum tubes and tube equipment
The Ken-Rad (GE) 12AU7 Long Black Plates is an impressive specimen originating from the late 1940s to early 1950s. This particular unit tested exceptionally strong, exhibiting all the hallmarks of New Old Stock (NOS) quality.
From a sonic perspective, however, its performance did not quite reach the heights of the 5814 variant. While it provides the characteristic midrange warmth associated with black plate construction, it lacks optimal transparency. During critical listening, there is a perceptible “veil” between the listener and the performance, likely attributed to a premature roll-off in the high frequencies. While it remains a high-quality component, it does not rank among the absolute best in its class.