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MULLARD

12AX7 / ECC83 Mullard Blackburn MC1 Long Gray Plates Goalpost Getter Made in GT. Britain 1957 Tested Tube

12AX7 / ECC83 Mullard Blackburn MC1 Long Gray Plates Goalpost Getter Made in GT. Britain 1957 Tested Tube

Lek 11,700.00 ALL
Lek 11,700.00 ALL
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12AX7 / ECC83 Mullard Blackburn MC1 Long Gray Plates Goalpost Getter Made in GT. Britain 1957

AMPLITREX Tested – Balanced Sections – Low Noise & Microphonics – Vintage Blackburn Production

Description:

This 12AX7 / ECC83 Mullard, produced in the historic Blackburn (code MC1) factory in 1957, represents one of the most fascinating and sought-after versions from the golden age of British Mullard production.

The combination of Long Gray Plates and the rare Goalpost Getter identifies a construction typical of the early 1950s Blackburn ECC83s, a period that many enthusiasts consider the qualitative peak of Mullard production.

These tubes were made at a time when reliability, construction precision, and sound quality were fundamental requirements for professional, broadcast, and high-end hi-fi equipment.

Almost seventy years after its production, this ECC83 still retains much of the charm and sonic personality that made Mullard Blackburn legendary in the audio world.

The tube has been carefully tested in our laboratory using AMPLITREX AT-1000, proving to be perfectly functional, quiet, and well-balanced between its two sections.

From an aesthetic point of view, it is in excellent condition, with well-preserved original screen printing and a very clean internal structure, as shown in the photographs.

Sonic Characteristics

The 1950s Mullard Blackburn Long Plate tubes are considered by many enthusiasts to be among the most musical ECC83s ever produced.

Their sonic character emphasizes natural timbre, harmonic richness, and the ability to make music engaging without artifice.

Bass

The bass range is full and credible, with good harmonic presence and a natural sense of body.

Mids

The mid-range represents the true strength of these early Mullard Blackburns.

Vocals take on an extremely realistic presence, and acoustic instruments are reproduced with a harmonic richness that has contributed to the fame of this production.

Highs

The highs are refined, fluid, and free from harshness, maintaining excellent detail without becoming fatiguing.

Dynamics

The dynamic presentation prioritizes naturalness and musical coherence, with a very credible reproduction of nuances.

Soundstage

The soundstage appears wide and well-organized, with stable images and a pleasant three-dimensional sensation.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers

This Mullard ECC83 is particularly suitable for:

  • Tube preamplifiers
  • Line stages
  • MM and MC phono stages
  • Integrated amplifiers
  • Vintage British hi-fi amplifiers
  • High-quality audio equipment

The Low Noise & Microphonics selection also makes it suitable for particularly sensitive circuit positions.

🎸 Use in Musical Applications

1950s Mullard Blackburns are also highly prized by musicians and users of vintage amplifiers.

They can offer:

  • Rich and harmonically complex timbre
  • Natural musical response
  • Excellent reproduction of dynamic nuances
  • Great sonic personality

Particularly interesting for boutique amplifiers and restorations of historical equipment.

🎯 Note for Audiophiles

The early Mullard Blackburn MC1 Goalpost Getter represents one of the most sought-after configurations in the landscape of vintage British ECC83s.

The combination of:

  • Blackburn 1957 Production
  • Long Gray Plates
  • Goalpost Getter
  • Original Mullard Codes
  • Excellent aesthetic condition
  • Low Noise & Microphonics

makes this example particularly interesting for both audio use and collecting.

Although it presents an emission level now classified as GOOD, the tube remains perfectly functional, stable, and musically very interesting, preserving the authentic character of the early Mullard Blackburns.

Test Results:

Tube tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V ; Vg = -2V
  • Average 100%: Gm = 1600 ; Ia = 1.2 mA
  • Test Result: GOOD

Tube:

  • Section 1: Gm = 1000 ; Ia = 0.7 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 1000 ; Ia = 0.8 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Low. Tested and suitable for hi-fi use, including phono stages and guitar amplifiers. Also suitable for V1.
  • Noise: Low and well-controlled. Silent operation in hi-fi and musical amplifiers in designated positions.
  • Balance: Sections are consistent and well-aligned, making the tube suitable for use as a phase inverter in hi-fi and instrumental applications.
  • Emission Quality: Good Emission – Good and regular emission, suitable for any application
  • Shorts and GAS: Absent.

Condition:

  • Condition: Vintage Tubes - Tested and fully functional. Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection. 
  • Functionality: Perfectly operational.
  • Aesthetic Condition: Excellent – Markings well-preserved, minimal signs of age. See photos for details.
  • Manufacturing Code: mC1 B7D→ mCx indicates an ECC83 long plates with the sequential progression of x, where the increment of x indicates production changes - B7D B → Mullard, Blackburn - 7 (three digits) → 1957 - D → April

Discover why our tubes are different →

Condizioni di vendita e sicurezza

Anti-Tamper Security Seal Policy:
Each product is sealed to guarantee quality and integrity.
The right of withdrawal is subject to the seal remaining intact, as provided for by the Consumer Code.

Eco-Friendly Packaging:
The tube will be shipped with protective packaging to ensure safety during transport.
We use recycled and recyclable paper for packaging, along with brown ECO-KRAFT adhesive tape, eco-friendly and solvent-free.

Important Notes:
This tube, manufactured according to the standards of its era, is designed to operate in equipment compatible with vintage tubes.
It is recommended to follow standard safety guidelines to avoid malfunctions or damage.

Safety Assurance:
Although not tested according to modern GPSR regulations, this tube was designed to operate safely under the conditions for which it was manufactured.
We recommend using it only with equipment that supports vintage tubes, in order to avoid risks of malfunction or damage.
Technical data note:
In some cases, the technical data provided may be based on datasheets from other manufacturers or on equivalent historical specifications, when a specific official datasheet for the production batch of the listed item is not available.
Electrical characteristics may vary slightly depending on the production batch and manufacturing period, as is typical for thermionic components.

Safety Information:
Warning: Keep out of reach of children.
To be used under adult supervision.
Use the product only with equipment designed for vintage tubes.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping & Returns

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs vary depending on the total amount of the items in the cart and are calculated automatically during the checkout process.
All shipments are fully insured. The courier is automatically selected based on destination, weight, and shipment characteristics.

Shipping Times and Delivery

The indicated delivery times are purely indicative.
Any delays, storage issues, or operational changes made by the carrier (for example during peak periods such as holidays) are not attributable to Vacuum Tubes Treasures.

In such cases, we will nevertheless provide the Customer with all necessary support to open claims or assistance requests with the appointed courier.

International Shipping (Non-EU Countries)

For orders shipped to countries outside the European Union, any customs duties, import taxes, or additional charges are the sole responsibility of the recipient.
Vacuum Tubes Treasures has no control over these costs, which may vary from country to country. Customers are therefore advised to contact their local customs authorities prior to placing an order.

Warranty

All products sold by Vacuum Tubes Treasures are covered by the legal warranty of conformity, in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree No. 206/2005 (Consumer Code) and the Italian Civil Code (Articles 1490 et seq.), under the conditions set out below.

Warranty for Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tubes, being components subject to wear and of vintage or specialized nature, are covered by a specific warranty of 6 (six) months from the date of delivery.
The warranty covers exclusively proven manufacturing or conformity defects that arise during proper use in accordance with technical specifications.

The warranty does not cover:

  • normal wear and tear,
  • subjective sound preferences,
  • use in incompatible equipment,
  • tampering or improper use.

Right of Withdrawal

Purchases made on the Vacuum Tubes Treasures website are governed by Italian regulations on distance contracts (Legislative Decree No. 206/2005).

Consumers have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of receipt of the goods, without providing any reason.

Conditions for Exercising the Right of Withdrawal

The right of withdrawal may be exercised only if:

  • the product has not been used,
  • the product is returned in its original condition,
  • the tamper-evident security seal is intact and not broken.

📌 Returns are not accepted for reasons related to sound preference, tube rolling, or subjective audio evaluation.
As with a music recording, a vacuum tube cannot be returned simply because its sound does not match personal taste.

Effects of Withdrawal

In the event of a valid withdrawal:

  • all payments received, including standard shipping costs, will be refunded,
  • refunds will be issued within 14 days from receipt of the returned goods,
  • the refund may be withheld until the goods have been received and inspected.

Refunds will be made using the same payment method used for the original transaction, unless otherwise agreed.

Return Shipping Costs

Return shipping costs are borne by the Customer, except in cases of:

  • verified defective products,
  • errors attributable to Vacuum Tubes Treasures.

In such cases, return shipping costs will be fully covered by us.

Damaged or Incorrect Items

If the Customer receives a damaged or incorrect item, it must be reported within 5 (five) working days from delivery, by email or telephone, clearly stating the issue.

Uncollected Parcels, Storage, and International Shipments

It is the Customer’s responsibility to monitor the shipment and promptly arrange for collection or customs clearance.
Any costs, delays, or losses resulting from:

  • failure to collect the parcel,
  • prolonged storage,
  • abandonment of the parcel at customs,

do not entitle the Customer to any refund.

For further details, Customers are invited to consult the “Terms and Conditions” and “Refund Policy” sections of our website, or to contact us before placing an order.

Vacuum Tubes Treasures
www.vtt.store | www.vacuumtubestreasures.com
📧 info@vacuumtubestreasures.com

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  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    Please understand that the writing on the glass of vintage valves has become very delicate over the years and comes off easily. You must handle them with extreme care to avoid this. Wear and damage to the writing on the valves reduces their market value and causes damage. Please exercise extreme caution.

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