(42 votes, average: 3.98 out of 5)
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3 thoughts on “Valvo ECC82/12au7 Long Plates 45-degree O-getter”
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Tube Maze
Guides and reviews of vacuum tubes and tube equipment
The Valvo ECC82/12AU7 Long Plates 45-degree O-getter is a super rare gem hailing from the 1957 production run of the Hamburg factory. To put its performance into perspective: even the legendary Mullard long plate square-getter doesn’t come close—this Valvo simply kills it.
This tube is more musical than anything else I have personally tested. It uncovers instrument nuances with a level of reproduction that other tubes just can’t match, making it practically impossible to unplug once you’ve heard it. With great bass and superb transients, it is a formidable contender for the top spot in the entire 12AU7 family. It comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
The Valvo brand, based in Hamburg, Germany, was a powerhouse of European vacuum tube development. Originally founded as Radioröhrenfabrik GmbH in 1924, it was later acquired by Philips. The Hamburg factory became a center of excellence for high-end audio and specialized industrial valves. During the 1950s, Valvo’s engineering was at its zenith, often rivaling or exceeding the output of its sister factories like Mullard in Mitcham or Philips in Heerlen.
The Hamburg factory was known for its meticulous quality control and unique design implementations, such as the 45-degree angled getters and specific plate coatings found in these 1957 long-plate models. Because Valvo supplied tubes to various high-end European radio and studio equipment manufacturers, their “home-grown” Hamburg productions are now some of the most sought-after vintage stocks in the world, prized for their distinctive “German” precision balanced with an incredibly lush musicality.
Final Verdict
The Valvo ECC82 Long Plate is a rare sonic masterpiece. It offers a level of instrumental detail and emotional engagement that justifies its “holy grail” status. If you are seeking the ultimate 12AU7 experience, this 1957 Hamburg production is the definitive choice.
Hi tubemaze,
I’m about to purchase a Valvo 12au7 for my Bottlehead Crack. Could you recommend an output tube that would go along with it? I’m thinking of getting the Tung Sol 5998. The WE 421A is a bit too pricey for me. Looking for your thoughts on this. Thanks!
Tung-Sol 5998 will work very well with these tubes, but even better option would be Bendix Graphite plate 6080 to add a bit more dynamics to the sound.