“I can’t remember who, but some here recommended that I try out a Raytheon 12AX7A in my V1 instead of the RCA I have in there. Man, am I impressed!!!” Read
” As a class of tubes, the black plate Raytheon are truly superb–equal to the best of the RCA. The Raytheon sound has a hint of darkness added to the detail.” Read (source is gone)
The Raytheon 12AX7 Black Plates is a tube that often receives great reviews, but personally, I didn’t find it particularly interesting for home audio use. While it is rumored to sound great in guitar amplifiers, it performed only okay in a McIntosh setup, offering a very controlled and tight bass with good warmth but nothing truly special. It simply doesn’t compare well with industry leaders like Telefunken, Mullard, or Sylvania Gold Brand, as the soundstage feels a bit compressed in comparison. Though the bass and high frequencies are present, I found the highs to be a bit sharp, and surprisingly, this is the first black plate I’ve encountered that sounded too much like the gray plates I typically dislike. Overall, the presentation was a bit too “in your face” for my preference.
* Tonality: Provides a tight, controlled bass and decent warmth but can be sharp in the high frequencies.
* Soundstage: Noticeably compressed when compared to top-tier vintage alternatives.
* Character: Features an aggressive, forward presentation that lacks the musicality of other black plate designs.
* Comparison: Lacks the refinement and legendary status of Telefunken or Mullard equivalents.
Final Verdict: The Raytheon 12AX7 Black Plates is a technically competent tube that provides good control, but its clinical and forward nature makes it less ideal for high-end home theater gear than for musical instrument applications.