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RCA

12AT7 ECC81 NOS RCA Tested Tube – Black Plates Square Getter High Output Recording USA '61

12AT7 ECC81 NOS RCA Tested Tube – Black Plates Square Getter High Output Recording USA '61

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12AT7 ( ECC81 ) RCA NOS Black Plates Square Getter Tested Tube “High Output / Recording Applications” MADE IN USA '61

Sound Description:

The RCA 12AT7 (ECC81) , with black plates and square getter , produced in 1961 in the United States , is a double triode valve particularly appreciated for its powerful, stable and focused output, so much so that it has historically been recommended for high gain applications and for use in professional recording systems .
In this NOS version tested , it stands out for its excellent balance between lively dynamics , a strong timbre and well-sculpted micro-details , while maintaining a certain musicality in the overall performance.

Bass : solid, well-controlled and with a muscular thrust. The low register is present, dry, with a rather marked grain and a notable hold, particularly effective in contexts that require depth but without swelling.

Mids : strong, slightly projected and rich in harmonic content. Voices are intense, with an evident presence that brings them to the forefront, without losing definition. String and wind instruments are energetic, with a decisive and very “analog” imprint.

Highs : extended and incisive, with evident but not annoying brilliance. The high range contributes to giving “air” to the sound message, maintaining clarity and liveliness even in the most complex passages. In excessively bright systems, it can be slightly dominant.

Dynamics : Fast, with plenty of headroom and a vigorous response. The valve exhibits a responsive behavior, with a decisive attack and stable power handling, making it ideal for circuits requiring high output and control under stress .

Soundstage : Compact, centered and well defined. The stereo image is focused, with good depth and a presentation that favors precision and presence rather than diffuse width.

The 12AT7 RCA Black Plates – USA 1961 , in this version oriented towards recording applications , is perfect for systems where a powerful, detailed and technically solid valve is needed, both for professional uses (microphone preamps, recording channels, line drivers) and in high dynamic hi-fi systems .

🎧 Use in Headphone Amplifiers and Driver Stages Hi-Fi

Due to its high output and dynamic readiness , the 12AT7 RCA Black Plates is suitable for driver stages of DAC converters , active preamplifiers , or headphone amplifiers with adjustable gain sections , where it can express a vigorous and direct voice, with a slightly energetic timbre. Especially suitable for headphones that like to be driven with authority, such as the Audeze LCD-X , the Fostex TH900 or the Dan Clark Aeon 2 .

🎸 Use in Guitar and Bass Amplifiers

In the music world, the 12AT7 RCA black plate is known for its use in high-headroom tube amplifiers or direct recording preamps , where speed, stability, and high output are needed. In amps like the Fender Twin Reverb , Bassman , or in the dry channels of professional racks, this tube provides firm attack, articulation in the low register, and clarity in harmonics , with a crisp dynamic response that enhances playing technique.

🎯 Note for audiophiles :
A robust, direct and technically precise tube, ideal for those who want a sound rich in body, micro-detail and attack , without sagging or ambiguity. Particularly suitable for modern high-definition systems, for active power supply sections, or as a reference tube for measurements and calibrations in professional environments.


Test Results:

Valve tested on AMPLITREX AT-1000 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 250V ; Vg = -2V
  • Average 100%: Gm = 5.5 ; Ia = 10.0 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve :

  • Section 1: Gm = 6.5 ; Ia = 14.0 mA
  • Section 2: Gm = 6.6 ; Ia = 15.6 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Low. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers.
  • Output Quality: Excellent – ​​Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
  • Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

Conditions:

  • Condition: NOS - New Old Stock - Tested and working - Supplied in our custom box for optimal protection.
  • Functionality: Fully functional.
  • Aesthetic conditions: Excellent – ​​Perfectly preserved writing, minimal signs of aging. See photos for details.
  • Manufacturing Code: MM - RCA Manufacturing - November 1961

Burglar-Proof Security Seal Policy:

Each product is sealed to ensure quality and integrity.
The right of withdrawal is subject to the tamper-proof seal being kept intact, as required by the Consumer Code.


Eco-friendly packaging:

The valve will be shipped with protected packaging to ensure safety during transportation.
We use recycled and recyclable paper for packaging, and brown tape ECO-KRAFT , eco-friendly and solvent-free.


Important Notes:

This tube, produced to the standards of the time, is designed to work in equipment compatible with vintage tubes.
It is recommended to follow the safety guidelines to avoid malfunctions or damage.


Security Guarantee:

Although not tested to modern GPSR regulations, this valve has been designed to operate safely under the conditions for which it was manufactured.
We recommend using it with equipment that supports vintage tubes, to avoid the risk of malfunction or damage.


Safety information:

  • Attention: Keep out of reach of children.
  • To be used under adult supervision.
  • Use this product only with equipment designed for vintage tubes.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping costs.

Shipping costs vary depending on the total amount of the items in the cart and are calculated automatically during the purchase procedure. All parcels travel insured and the courier is automatically chosen based on the destination to be reached.

Shipping times and delivery methods.

The delivery times indicated are to be considered purely indicative.Delays or unilateral changes by the carrier to a collection point (for example near periods of heavy traffic such as holidays) are in no way attributable to Vacuum Tube Treasures. Each instance remains the responsibility of the Customer and must be resolved directly with the Express Courier used.

Shipping abroad.

For all purchases from countries outside the European community, any import customs fees will be paid by the recipient. Vacuum Tubes Treasures has no control over import customs duties which may vary from country to country, so please contact your country's customs office to verify import costs.

Warranty

All products that can be purchased on Vacuum Tubes Treasures are covered by a warranty, as regulated by Legislative Decree no. 206/2005 (Consumer Code) and by the Civil Code, in the part dedicated to the sales contract, in articles. 1490 et seq.

What is the guarantee.

The guarantee means the commitment undertaken by Vacuum Tubes Treasures towards the customer to repair or replace free of charge and within a reasonable period of time, the products or components of the appliances which present defects of conformity in the manufacturing or material. If the repair or replacement of the goods proves to be excessively expensive or problematic, the customer can obtain a price reduction or termination of the contract. To determine the amount of the price reduction or the sum to which the customer is entitled in these cases, the use that has been made of the product is taken into account.

Remember that minor defects, for which it is not possible or excessively expensive to repair or replace, do not give the right to terminate the contract.

If the product you purchased is defective, contact us immediately, so that we can find the most suitable solution to your needs.

Different customers, different ways of exercising the guarantee.

For consumers - i.e. for "natural persons acting for purposes unrelated to any entrepreneurial or professional activity carried out" (art. 3, paragraph 1, letter a) of Legislative Decree 206/2005) – the guarantee extends to two years following delivery of the goods. For second-hand products the guarantee is one year.

To exercise your right, you must notify us of the lack of conformity you have found no later than 60 (sixty) days from discovery.

For the first six months from delivery of the product, it is assumed that the lack of conformity found existed from the origin, therefore the application of the guarantee is automatic. From the seventh month, until the end of two years, however, the lack of conformity must be demonstrated with a specific appraisal at your expense.

The consumer, in any case, is the owner of the rights provided for by the Consumer Code to the articles 128 – 135, which are not modified by this warranty.

To those who, however, purchase a product on Vacuum Tubes Treasures for purposes relating to their business or professional activity - therefore communicating the VAT number and the data of their activity - the provisions established by the Civil Code on the matter will be applied of sales contracts, in articles 1490 et seq.

The guarantee, therefore, extends to 12 (twelve) months following delivery of the goods, while the communication of the lack of conformity must be made within 8 (eight) days from discovery.

In any case, whether you are a consumer, a business or a professional, you must communicate the lack of conformity you have found to: Vacuum Tubes Treasures di Tiziano Di Natale Via Trento n. 48 - 64011 - Alba Adriatica - TE - C. F.: DNTTZN73R27Z133P - VAT number: 02113940676 - Telephone: +39 328 7341456 - Email: info@dynakitfriends.com

The guarantee will be recognized by presenting the purchase invoice or document of sale in the original.

The warranty does not cover:

· Accidental damage or damage caused by loss, non-use of the product, tampering, normal wear and tear, or loss of information made available to the customer at the time of sale.

· Damage that may, directly or indirectly, arise to people, things or animals as a result of failure to observe the provisions indicated in the appropriate operating manuals and concerning, in particular, the warnings regarding Installation, Use and Maintenance of the product. For such damages Vacuum Tubes Treasures declines any type of responsibility.

· Damage caused by negligence, incorrect use and installation and not compliant with the warnings and indications given in the instruction or installation manual; damage from misuse, mistreatment, deterioration, lightning, atmospheric phenomena, overvoltages and overcurrents, insufficient or irregular power supply, adaptation or modification, nor damage caused by incorrect use or in contradiction with the technical measures and safety requirements required in the country in which the appliance is used.

· Damage or malfunctions deriving from replacements or repairs carried out directly by the customer or by third parties, using parts not authorized by the relevant manufacturers or not complying with the appropriate measures of safety and quality.

· Consumable parts subject to normal wear and tear, such as light bulbs, lamps, batteries, etc.

Right of Withdrawal

Purchases made on the Vacuum Tubes Treasures website are governed by Italian legislation regarding distance contracts and off-premises purchases, which you can find in Legislative Decree no. 206/2005, better known as the Consumer Code.

We undertake to reimburse the entire amount as soon as possible and in any case within the legal deadline of 14 (fourteen) days from the date on which we receive the goods back.

The consumer has the right to withdraw from the contract, without giving reasons, within 14 days. The withdrawal period expires 14 days after the day on which you or a third party, other than the carrier and designated by you, acquires physical possession of the goods. To exercise the right of withdrawal, you are required to inform us (Insert name, geographical address and, if available, telephone number and e-mail address) of your decision to withdraw from this contract through an explicit declaration (e.g. letter sent by post, fax or email). To comply with the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send the communication relating to the exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period expires.

Effects of withdrawal.

If the customer withdraws from this contract, all payments made to us will be refunded, including delivery costs, without undue delay and in any case no later than 14 days from the day on which we are informed of the Your decision to withdraw from this contract.

These refunds will be made using the same payment method you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any case, you will not incur any costs as a consequence of such reimbursement. The refund may be suspended until receipt of the goods or until the consumer demonstrates that he has sent the goods back, if earlier.

Shipping address: Vacuum Tubes Treasures di Tiziano Di Natale - Via Trento n . 48 - 64011 - Alba Adriatica (TE) - Tel. +39 328 7341456, without unjustified delays and in any case within 14 days from the day on which you communicated your withdrawal from this contract. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the expiry of the 14 day period.

«The costs of returning the goods will be your responsibility.», The consumer is responsible for the decrease in the value of the goods resulting from a manipulation of the goods other than that necessary to establish their nature.

In these cases, however, we always advise you to contact us, to provide you with further information and to find together the best solution for returning the goods, also via our couriers.

Sources: Art. 49 paragraph 1 h), paragraphs 4 and 5; art. 22 paragraph 1 e) Consumer Code; Annex A, Legislative Decree 21/2014 which modifies the Consumer Code

Consumer or non-consumer?

The protection of the Consumer Code applies to consumers or users, i.e. to “natural persons who act for purposes unrelated to any entrepreneurial or professional activity carried out” (art. 3, paragraph 1, letter a) of Legislative Decree 206/2005). The right of withdrawal as presented here, therefore, cannot be exercised by legal entities and natural persons acting for purposes related to a commercial and/or professional activity. Purchases made by resellers or by individuals who in any capacity purchase for resale to third parties are also excluded.

And if we were wrong?

In the event that you have received a item that you did not want due to our error, the right of withdrawal remains unchanged, but obviously the shipping costs for returning the goods will be at our expense. Contact us to find the quickest and easiest solution.

Damaged products. If you receive damaged goods, please notify us within 5 (five) working days via email or telephone, quoting "damaged items" in the subject of the email, or via telephone.

Regulatory references. You can find the full text of the Consumer Code at the following link: http://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/deleghe/testi/05206dl.htm, in particular articles 64 – 67, specific to the consumer's right of withdrawal.

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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.

  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    We wish to inform you that any attempts to manipulate shipping destination information in order to obtain lower shipping rates may be considered fraudulent acts. Please provide accurate information and contact us if you have any concerns. We reserve the right to review and, if necessary, cancel orders that we deem to be in violation of our conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.