A very strong, set of old spares from a set of vintage HH Scott we had many years ago. Slightly used for only a brief while, then kept in box as spares for many, many years. Original branded HH Scott, made by Sylvania -- these have the signature very tall, shinny black plate. Tests on all sides were incredibly strong,the flashing is thick and mirror-like. These tubes are beautiful survivors from a bygone era of tube hifi preamplifiers.
They feature early 1960's Sylvania construction , which at the time was just as it had been all during the 1950s decade. Very refined, etched in glass codes, large round top halo getters and very glossy black tall plates. Sylvania was one of the last manufacturers to redisign to more compact plates -- most manufacturers did as the 12Ax7(A) / 7025 design specs came into favor. Many high quality amps and preamps of the day called for the 12ax7 / 7025 -- and all of the USA manufacturers for a brief while did produce tall plate versions of the 7025 (fully backwards compatible with 12ax7 of any variety) These old boxes, in which they were stored (they show wear and foxing, and a torn flap from the many years)
I get allot of requests for tall plate 12ax7 tubes. By owners of 14mm USA and European tubes -- they are already in love with ... these near perfectly made tubes -- almost always delivering the goods. If you know how good old tall plates can be -- or if you are thirsting for a bit more ... often described as airy, succulent, and sweeter -- everybody should own a set of good tall plate 12ax7's. These are some of the best I've heard recently. Lots of high quality gain, and very musical!
Beautiful tubes with strong test results. Nice HH Scott yellow ink print and Sylvania etched letters. For easy reference, refer to exhibit ( B ), these tubes are strong, testing 115% to 120%+ on a Calibrated Jackson 648 at full load, all halves, (8) sides of the triode. Projected life on these is excellent.
Vintage USA long plate 17mm tubes generally have these wonderful sound qualities.
Comparing to the 12Ax7(A) refined short & box plate ECC83/12ax7A, 6681, 12aT7 etc ( they too have strong techinical qualities) ...they're rugged, they can sound nice and under extreme vibration, and hard usage are more resistant to noise.
These days, smart, internet educated audiophile hobbyists have left by the traditional European favorites to discover the rugged & satisfying quality of the USA's golden postwar tube production era. The vintage American tone can't be duplicated. You get crisp, bold midrange, with a smoothness and warmth, all in one package. These long plates are tops for vocals and instruments alike.
The ruggedized features of newer ECC83 / 4 digit (aka 5751) tube types are not always needed by the typical audiophile, who opts for the predessor design. The classic, gourgeous sounding tall 17mm tube types...made during the 50s and ceasing early in the 1960s. Older, tall 17mm tubes usually sound allot better, with just as much crucial musical detail .... but with luscious, alluring qualities -- whereas the shortest plates give better longevity and performance -- and really to snap to with punchy bass... with a bit too much precision (sometimes). The worst of these can can have metallic-like and hard hitting edge on vocals.... a detrimental feature many audiophiles could do without.
They without doubt have the quintessential sound of early 1960's american built audio -- very BRIGHT & CLEAR accurate tone and not shouty, and NOT lush or dark -- after hours of warm up, the detail really shines and you'll wonder how you've ever lived without quality of these old Sylvanias! Study all exhibit photos below...you will find this to be one of the nicest matched quads online and anywhere.
As shown, this special offer includes (4) testing strong, excellent & QUIET ... they are used but strong ... HH Scott branded 12Ax7A / ECC83 / 7025 17mm. ALL TUBES Guaranteed NO DOA and excellent sound!!
endp
