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Tung-Sol 12AX7 Preamp Tube

Replacement 12AX7/ECC83 Preamplifier Tube

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Item ID: 12AX7Tung

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12AX7 Preamp Tube Pair

$55 and 98 cents

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Tung-Sol 12AX7 Preamp Tube

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Q: What is the Tung-Sol 12AX7 preamp tube used for?

The Tung-Sol 12AX7 is a high-gain preamp tube commonly found in guitar amplifiers and other audio equipment. It's crucial for amplifying the initial signal from your instrument, shaping your tone, and adding harmonic richness. This tube is ideal for musicians seeking classic tube warmth, clarity, and the ability to push their amp into natural overdrive.

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Q: What are the sonic characteristics of the Tung-Sol 12AX7?

The Tung-Sol 12AX7 is renowned for its balanced and articulate sound profile. It offers a warm, full-bodied tone with clear highs and tight lows, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles. Many players appreciate its smooth breakup when overdriven, providing a rich, harmonically complex sound without harshness. It also features ultra-low microphonics, contributing to its clear sound.

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Q: How do I install a new 12AX7 preamp tube in my amplifier?

Always ensure your amplifier is powered off and unplugged, and allow it to cool down completely before handling tubes. Gently grasp the old tube and pull it straight out. Align the pins of the new Tung-Sol 12AX7 with the socket holes and push it in firmly but carefully. If you're unsure, consult your amp's manual or a Sweetwater Sales Engineer for guidance.

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Q: How often should I replace my preamp tubes?

Preamp tubes generally last longer than power tubes, but their lifespan varies. You might consider replacing them if you notice a loss of tone, increased noise, microphonics (ringing sounds), or a significant drop in output. Many players replace them every 1-3 years, depending on usage, to maintain optimal sound quality.

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Q: Is the Tung-Sol 12AX7 compatible with my amplifier?

If your amplifier's manual or existing tubes specify a 12AX7 (also known as ECC83 or 7025), then the Tung-Sol 12AX7 is a direct replacement. It's designed to work in any circuit calling for this tube type. For specific compatibility questions or personalized gear advice, your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can provide expert assistance.

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A Top Choice for High-gain Guitar Amps

The Tung-Sol 12AX7 is a premium dual-triode preamp tube that's tailor-made for high-gain guitar amplifiers. This upgraded reissue of a vintage NOS Tung-Sol 12AX7 yields you superb linearity with a dynamic, three-dimensional sound. Many guitar techs here at Sweetwater prefer the Tung-Sol 12AX7 for re-tubing and upgrading guitar amps; however, many of our customers have used them in their hi-fi equipment as well. If you're searching for a musical-sounding preamp tube with ultra-low microphonics, you owe it to yourself to check out the Tung-Sol 12AX7.

Tung-Sol 12AX7 Preamp Tube Features:

Premium dual-triode replacement preamp tube for 12AX7/ECC83-loaded guitar amplifiers
Upgraded reissue of a vintage NOS Tung-Sol 12AX7
Yields superb linearity with a dynamic, 3-dimensional sound
Produces ultra-low microphonics
A preferred choice for re-tubing and upgrading guitar amps
Also works for hi-fi equipment

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Tech Specs

Type: Preamp
Model: 12AX7
Quantity: Single
Manufacturer Part Number: 12AX7 TUNGSOL

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Reviews

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I replaced the stock tubes in my 5W combo amp with the Tung Sol, and it sounds great. Very clean and low noise.

I was looking for a new audio interface since I'm better now than when I first bought the audiobox 96 ten years ago. I don't put big dollars on my music I do not make a living out of it. Then I recalled I have two Art Studio tube preamps everybody says they are good for the money. I never noticed them adding anything to my sound but work fine with my old aw4416 that is 20 years old and comes with only two channels with ph-power. I gambled the money to swap the Chinese tubes on my Art Studio and boom! Warm sound I can hear more definition in guitar sound. The Chinese tubes are noisy at high gain, these Russians are clean.

I just installed these in my Fender '68 Custom Vibro-Champ Reverb Amp hoping to address some recently-developed noise and slight microphonic behavior that could be heard when playing lower notes on my guitars. These have not only solved the issue with the white noise/static sound that had recently developed; my amp is now quieter than before, which is always welcome. I can still hear the microphonics (though not as much), but I suspect that's related more to the power tube, which I didn't replace yet (next paycheck!).

The biggest surprise for me was how big the difference in tone is between my old tubes and these. The clarity when playing a chord is gorgeous - you can hear each tone and sonic layer of the chord, which I didn't even realize I wasn't hearing before. I'd read reviews saying these tubes made reviewers' playing sound more "musical" and didn't really understand, but now I truly get what they meant by that. My playing does sound more musical, with more clarity, but not piercing or abrasive. I've also seen the tone described as "creamy," and I would also agree with that.

Overall I'm super happy with them and hope they'll last a long time!

I have a Mesa Boogie DC5 amp, purchased in the mid-90's. In need of a set of preamp tubes, I originally wanted a set of Mesa Boogie tubes. Unfortunately, these tubes were on back order, so I decided to try the Tung-Sol tubes. I had read good things about these tubes. I'm so glad I decided to take a chance because these tubes give my amp some good punch and are very quiet. As always, great service from Sweetwater. Also, I had reached out to ask how these would likely work with the Mesa Boogie amp and received a response quickly. Sweetwater is simply the best source for all my music needs and "wants". Thank you, Sweetwater.

This little tube seriously breathed new life into my Orange Micro Dark. Hard to describe it without hearing it, but this tube made my sound thicker, hit harder, and really clarified my tone. I would suggest this to anyone.