Date: Tue, 13 Sep 88 09:40:12 PDT
From: Rich Fanning <island!aruba!rich@uunet.UU.NET>
Subject: 12AX7 Types, Aging

Several years ago, a friend of mine told me that "smooth plate" Telefunken
12AX7's (those which have a non-perforated plate) were better sounding
than other 12AX7's.  Can anyone corroborate this?  I don't notice much of
a difference between the Telefunkens myself.

On a related topic, since much of my "stock" of 12AX7's was cannibalized
from old, old equipment, are they still good?  As long as the vacuum is intact,
do they suffer from being left on the shelf?  And once put in use, do they
deteriorate appreciably?  I'm worried that the ones I'm using now have
"gone sour" but too slowly to notice.

I would appreciate e-mail from anyone who has addresses of new tube makers
and distributors.  I've seen ads for RAM, Gold Aero, etc. and don't want to
spend a fortune on trendy tubes unless they are really worth it.  Thanks.

Rich Fanning