Another great tube, and I’m getting to the point where I’m ready to give up testing the 12at7 family since the majority of them sound as good as Telefunken. I decided to try the 12av7 in place of the 12at7 because it has a much higher mutual conductance, which allows it to pump more current, so I thought it should theoretically give a bit more bass slam. While it didn’t lead to that, the Sylvania JAN 12av7 Black Plates proved to be a very unique tube where the sound stage expanded significantly while leaving depth the same. That was a very interesting effect, as the music played way outside of my speakers while leaving the center well defined. It is a must try tube that might just bring you what you’ve been looking for, and all of that joy comes for just $3-4 a tube.
* Soundstage: Significant horizontal expansion that reaches well beyond the speaker boundaries. * Technicality: Higher mutual conductance allows for more current, though it results in spatial unique effects rather than extra bass slam. * Imaging: Maintains a well-defined center despite the wide lateral spread of the music. Value: An incredible bargain at only $3-4 per tube.
Final Verdict: The Sylvania JAN 12av7 Black Plates is a highly recommended hidden gem for those seeking an expansive soundstage and unique presentation at an unbeatable price point.
Another great tube, and I’m getting to the point where I’m ready to give up testing the 12at7 family since the majority of them sound as good as Telefunken. I decided to try the 12av7 in place of the 12at7 because it has a much higher mutual conductance, which allows it to pump more current, so I thought it should theoretically give a bit more bass slam. While it didn’t lead to that, the Sylvania JAN 12av7 Black Plates proved to be a very unique tube where the sound stage expanded significantly while leaving depth the same. That was a very interesting effect, as the music played way outside of my speakers while leaving the center well defined. It is a must try tube that might just bring you what you’ve been looking for, and all of that joy comes for just $3-4 a tube.
* Soundstage: Significant horizontal expansion that reaches well beyond the speaker boundaries.
* Technicality: Higher mutual conductance allows for more current, though it results in spatial unique effects rather than extra bass slam.
* Imaging: Maintains a well-defined center despite the wide lateral spread of the music.
Value: An incredible bargain at only $3-4 per tube.
Final Verdict: The Sylvania JAN 12av7 Black Plates is a highly recommended hidden gem for those seeking an expansive soundstage and unique presentation at an unbeatable price point.