I build guitar amplifiers with a specific objective in mind. I want to hear the sounds I heard on the radio, the stereo and in the concert halls in the ’60s : hard-driving blues-based rock and the British invasion sound. It starts from my ’68 Telecaster and when the signal hits the pre-amp tubes I don’t want to be let down. The Tungsol 12AX7 does not disappoint. I’ve tried several new-production 12AX7 brands and this one is audibly better (to me). It has the gain, compression and harmonic content I’m looking for. Although I’m not on a quest for clean headroom, the Tungsol can deliver that in a master volume context. I focus on the pre-amp stage for overdrive and get best results with a post-phase inverter master volume and so I want a high-gain tube in the PI position and I use the Tungsol. I can’t compare them to NOS tubes because I don’t have the budget for precious relics. In my opinion, the Tungsol provides the best value for money among the 12AX7 tubes in current production. It sounds great, is reliable, widely available, and affordable.

PEOPLE! YOU NEED TO BE STATING WHICH AMP AND SPEAKERS YOU USE OR YOUR REVIEW IS POINTLESS!

That being said, the reason is because every amp will cause the tube to react and sound differently. Speakers will also create a very different sound with each tube choice. Type of pickups in your guitar will also cause a different outcome.

Amp: Vox ac30hw2
Speakers: Celestion Alnico Blue 8 ohm
Power Tubes: JJ EL84
Pre Amp Tube: Tungsol 12ax7 in V1 and the stock Ruby tubes in the other 2 spots
How I Set My Amp: Volume just before breakup and 12o’clock with bass and treble knobs (changes per guitar but stays close)
Guitars Used: Fender Telecaster Deluxe ‘Chris Shiflett’ with stock pups, Gretsch Silver Falcon 2010 with stock Filtertrons, Gretsch Sparkle Jet Blue Pearl with stock Filtertrons, Fender Jazzmaster 65′ American Reissue with stock p90’s.

I also purchased a JJ12ax7 to see how that sounded so will compare the ruby, JJ and this Tongsol preamp tubes.

I found the Tongsol to give me the best tone over all. Less bright but still keeping all the chime in this amp. It caused just enough high end roll off to give the warmth I’ve been looking for (to my ears). I found the JJ12ax7 to be much clearer but slightly harsher in the high end-maybe more Fenderish? I REALLY like the way the Tungsol makes my Jazzmaster sound. It’s heaven! It gives me the perfect breakup point and perfect roll off of highs.

My findings could and probably will be different from yours because of your guitar, cable quality, pick attack and style of playing. My best advise is BUY MANY different brands and TRY THEM ALL in your amp. they’re not that expensive if you go with the cheaper ones. Most likely you will buy a different amp at some point so keep the tubes to maybe use in that one.

Well made tube with good amount of gain and highs. Excellent for cleans and crunch due to increased clarity. For high gain metal, however, I found that it’s a bit too hairy. For instance, as V1 position in my preamp, it had a little too much trebly sizzle versus other tubes. For comparison, a Sovtek has less of this “hair” and is tighter sounding but also has more of an upper mid-range fizz which can get annoying. In the end, I switched the Tung Sol with a Ruby AC7 which was formerly in the V2 (overdrive) position, and that got me better articulation with less fizz. So Ruby AC7 in V1, Tung Sol in V2 – that’s been my best combo so far.